Critical Observation: Cliques in the Workplace
Critical Observation: Cliques in the Workplace
For this paper I have chosen to discuss cliques in the workplace. You see it all the time; certain coworkers hang out together, socialize in and outside of the workplace together and talk to each other. The goal of this paper is to identify the person or persons involved and the character of their relationship, the frequency of the behavior, and any preceding conditions that seem to be associated with the events. To describe the consequences or what happens afterward. To discuss the possible benefits of social psychology to help understand what is happening? The methods I would use to study this phenomenon more in depth and the research methods I would use. Finally I will discuss why it is important to keep bias out of my observations and identify any ethical dilemmas.
Observing Cliques
In any place that I have worked, I have noticed that some coworkers hang out with certain others. Sometimes it is related to the department they work in. In some instances it is the commonality of their race or culture. Then there are those times when it is because of age, or being a parent. In my last job it seemed that the cliques were centered round departments. Those in Administration seemed to hang out with each other, likewise with development and policy. It seemed that there was a common bond shared in performing the same duties and tasks. I myself found that I hung out with and associated with those who were in my own department and didn’t really get to know the other coworkers in the office.
Consequences
In the case of my last employment, this clique seemed to be beneficial as we worked better together because we had common goals and we got along better. We enjoyed our jobs more because we were friends and understood each other personally and professionally. I am sure there are instances where cliques are not healthy or helpful, when they interfere with getting the job done. In some situations where coworkers spend more time talking or gossiping about other coworkers instead of working, these instances can become detrimental to the workplace.
Benefits of Social Psychology
According to Williams, “You can reduce the harmful effects of all types of cliquishness by changing the environment. In some specific cases, it may also be necessary to analyze the nature of the exclusiveness and address them directly with the groups involved. The first step is usually to figure out the nature and extent of the problem” (para. 7). Social psychology can help employers understand why we have cliques. But discovering the reasons why cliques form, the specific reasons whether it be social, shared experiences or similar work related duties, understanding these reasons for the bonds that form among employees can be achieved through social psychology. Then understanding the warning signs of when a clique can become detrimental to the work place is another way of using social psychology. According to an article by Paula Williams, “People tend to associate with people that have similarities is usually a positive thing. Having a company softball team, for example, is a camaraderie and shared interest that is usually positive and helpful” (para. 8).
Methods of Study
Since this is a group phenomenon it would stand to reason that group study would be necessary. I think the research method I would use is the Descriptive research. Getting a detailed case study, using surveys and questionnaires to gather data and find out if there are any commonalities between good and bad cliques. The purpose of Descriptive research is to gather extensive data on a subject. I think that gathering the data would be the most effective way to study cliques. The perspective of psychology that would be most helpful is the Sociocultural perspective. Sociocultural perspective looks at how society and culture affect the individual behaviors. The term ‘group think’ or group psyche’s affect on the individual. Moving with the masses and how cultural and societal norms affect the decisions and behaviors of the individuals.
Eliminating Bias and Ethical Considerations
As with any research it is best to keep all bias out of it. If researcher don't make an effort to be clear and objective, and let biases affect their thinking, then conflicts and problems multiply. The reason being is that unbiased research is more accurate and can maintain more consistent results. From an ethical standpoint, I do not see any dilemmas in conducting this research. As it can only help productivity in the work place to understand cliques and possibly make use of them. Already researchers and employers look at ways to build teams that work well together, from team building workshops to company retreats to company picnics and softball teams. All help foster a type of clique that helps team members work more closely together.
Conclusion
The goal of this paper was to identify the person or persons involved and the character of their relationship, the frequency of the behavior, and any preceding conditions that seem to be associated with the events. To describe the consequences or what happened afterward. To discussing social psychology and how it has helped us to understand what was happening? The methods I suggested to study this phenomenon more in depth and the research methods I stated I would use. Finally I discussed why it is important to keep bias out of my observations and identify any ethical dilemmas.
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