Final answer:
A buying center is an organizational group from different departments responsible for product selection. A reference group, however, is a social group whose standards individuals adopt for their own behavior. Reference groups influence individuals through shared values, norms, and beliefs, and examples include family, workplace, and cultural centers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The group referred to in the initial question, which is formed from different departments within an organizational setting and is responsible for evaluating and selecting products for purchase, is known as a buying center.
In response to the provided question, a reference group is a group whose values, norms, and beliefs come to serve as a standard for one's own behavior. Essentially, reference groups are influential in shaping an individual's behavior, attitudes, and beliefs. For example, a reference group could be one's workplace where the organizational culture sets the expectations for how employees dress, interact, and perform their duties. These reference groups can have a substantial impact on one's personal and professional life as they help to define social norms and expectations.
Some other examples of reference groups include one's cultural center, family gatherings, and even parents. These groups can convey competing messages and influence behavior in various ways, sometimes without the individual even recognizing this influence.