Final answer:
An informal group is one that naturally forms due to interactions among employees within an organization, usually based on social connections, common interests, or shared values. Reference groups are a type of informal group that influences an individual's behavior by serving as a standard to which they compare themselves. Understanding the dynamics of these groups is important for organizational leadership.
Step-by-step explanation:
A group that develops naturally as a result of employees' interaction within an organization is referred to as a informal group. These groups are distinguished by their spontaneous emergence from the web of relationships that form as people associate with each other in a work environment. Unlike formal groups that are established by the organization with specific tasks or goals in mind, informal groups are built on social needs, common interests, and shared values among members.
One notable type of informal group that can manifest in the workplace is the reference group. A reference group is a group whose values, norms, and beliefs come to guide an individual's behavior. While employees might belong to a formal team at work, they may look up to another group within or outside the organization as a standard for their own behavior. Reference groups serve as a vital source of information about norms, values, and behaviors that guide individual actions and can influence an individual's self-concept and self-esteem.
Informal groups, including in-groups or cliques within a workplace, may develop unique norms that can significantly impact the culture and performance of an organization. Leaders and managers need to be aware of the dynamics of these groups, as they can both positively and negatively influence morale, cohesion, and productivity within the workforce.