Difference Between Formal Groups and Informal Groups

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What is a Formal Group?

A formal group is formed when people come together to accomplish specific goals and objectives. An
official group has particular structures and roles where responsibilities of members of the group are
defined.

Activities carried by a formal group have specific guidelines, which members of the group are supposed
to adhere to and follow to ensure good coordination.

Some of the common formal groups that exist within the organization or community include schools,
church, hospitals, government, and civic organizations.

What is an Informal Group?

An informal group is formed when two or more people come together to accomplish a specific task
which is mainly socially geared. The main idea behind the establishment of the informal group is the
satisfaction of both personal and psychological needs.

Informal groups are not subjected to any rules and regulations in the company, and the members of this
group willingly belong to this group. There are no explicit guidelines that govern the operations of an
informal group.

Difference Between Formal Groups and Informal Groups

Formation of Formal and Informal Groups

One of the main difference between the formal and informal group is the process through which some
groups are formed.

The management of the company to achieve specific tasks deliberately forms formal groups. This means
that some rules and regulations guide the formation of a formal group. One cannot leave the group
without the authority of the management.

On the other hand, an informal group is voluntarily formed by members coming together to satisfy their
personal and psychological needs. One can join and leave the group when he or she decides.

Structure of Formal and Informal Groups

Structures of a formal group are defined where the hierarchy and flow of information from one member
of the group to the other member is communicated. This means that there is a chain of command
through which instructions are administered.

Most of the time an informal group does not have structures, but when it does exist it is mostly not
defined. This means that there is no chain of command and the flow of information from one member
to the other.

Additionally, communication in a formal group flows from top to bottom while conversation in an
informal group moves sideways without a defined path.
Relationship of Formal and Informal Groups

In a formal group, the relationship between members is professional because the group is created to
achieve a specific task or goal that is controlled by the management of the organization. Moreover,
professional relationship between members is brought about by the fact that some members are senior
in the organization.

In an informal group, the relationship between members is personal. Members of an informal group
know each other at a personal level thus making their relationship to be guided by personal aspects.
Additionally, there is no seniority in the group, which means that any member can assume a leadership
position.

Size of Formal and Informal Groups

Formal groups are usually large because they are formed with the purpose of ensuring that they can
achieve goals that measure the success of the company. Members of a formal group have skills and
competencies to handle official activities on behalf of the company.

Informal groups are comparatively small because close friends or people who know one another on a
personal level form them. This makes it challenging to assemble many members since not all persons in
an organization know one another at a personal level.

Nature/Life of Formal and Informal Groups

Formal groups are usually stable and are likely to exist for a lengthy period. Additionally, the task
allocated to a formal group may last for a long duration hence making the formal group exist until the
task allocated is completed.

Informal groups are not stable because they are governed by the feelings between the members. In case
the sentiments between members become volatile, the group is likely to be dissolved.

Unlike formal groups, which existence is determined by the nature of the activity, the length of life of an
informal group is dependent on the members.

Behavior and Leadership of Formal and Informal Groups

The practice of members of a formal group is governed by specific rules and regulations, which are
usually formulated at the inception of the group. All members of the group are supposed to adhere to
the rules and guidelines that define the group.

Moreover, formal groups have a defined leadership structure where there is an official leader who
ensures that the group is in line to achieve its goals while at the same time enforcing rules among
members.

The behavior of an informal group is governed by the expression of members, norms, beliefs, and the
values that members hold dear. There is no official leader of the group to enforce nonexistence rules
and regulations as members do what is necessary to them instead what is imposed.

Difference Between Formal and Informal Groups

Formal Groups VERSUS Informal Groups

Summary of Formal vs. Informal Groups

Formal groups are formulated when two or more members of an organization are assembled by the
management with the purpose of achieving a specific goal.

Informal groups are formed by two or more members with the purpose of satisfying their personal and
psychological needs.

There exist rules and regulations within a formal group with an official leader who is supposed to
enforce the laws and regulations while at the same time offering direction and guidance to the group.

An informal group does not follow a defined pattern, rules, or guidelines and no official leader controls
the group. Any person can assume leadership at any given time.

Other differences between formal and informal groups include some members, behavior, relationship
between members, and structure among others.

Difference Between Urban and Rural

Last updated on August 12, 2017 by Surbhi S

urban vs ruralBased on the density of population, development, amenities, employment opportunities,

education, etc. human settlement is majorly divided into two categories i.e. Urban and Rural. Urban
refers to a human settlement where the rate of urbanisation and industrialisation is high. On the other
hand, in a rural settlement, is one where the rate of urbanisation is quite slow.

Another important difference between the two human settlements is that while urban areas are highly
populated, rural areas have comparatively less population than the urban ones. Take a read of this
article, in which we’ve compiled the important point to distinguish the two.

Content: Urban Vs Rural

Comparison Chart

Definition

Key Differences
Conclusion

Comparison Chart

BASIS FOR COMPARISON URBAN RURAL

Meaning A settlement where the population is very high and has the features of a built
environment, is known as urban. An area located in the outskirts, is known as rural.

Includes

Cities and towns Villages and hamlet

Life Fast and complicated Simple and relaxed

Environment Greater isolation from nature. Direct contact with nature.

Associated with Non-agricultural work, i.e. trade, commerce or provision of services. Agriculture and
livestock.

Population size Densely populated Sparsely populated

Development Planned settlement exists in urban areas, that are developed according to the process of
urbanization and industrialization. Developed randomly, based on availability of natural vegetation
and fauna in the area.

Social mobility Highly intensive Less intensive

Division of labor Always present at the time of job allotment. No such division.

Definition of Urban

The term urban simply refers to the region or area which is densely populated and possess the
characteristics of the man-made surroundings. The people residing in such area, are engaged in trade,
commerce or services. In this settlement, there is high scale industrialisation that results in better
employment opportunities. The Urban settlement is not confined to the cities only, but towns and
suburbs (suburban areas) are also included in it.

There are many advantages of life in urban areas like easy access to various amenities, better
transportation facilities, entertainment and education options, health facilities. Although it suffers
certain drawbacks like pollution, caused due to large scale industrialisation and means of transportation
like buses, trains, cars and so on, leading to increasing in health problems in the people living in that
area.
Definition of Rural

We define the term ‘rural’ as a region located on the outskirts. It refers to a small settlement, which is
outside the boundaries of a city, commercial or industrial area. It may include, countryside areas,
villages or hamlets, where there are natural vegetation and open spaces. There is a low density of
population in such area. The primary source of income of the residents is agriculture and animal
husbandry. Cottage Industries also form a chief source of income here.

In India, a town whose population is below 15000 is considered as rural, as per the planning
commission. Gram Panchayat is responsible for looking after such areas. Further, there is no municipal
board, in the villages and maximum percentage of the male population are engaged in agriculture and
related activities.

Key Differences Between Urban and Rural

The fundamental differences between urban and rural are discussed in the following points:

A settlement where the population is very high and has the features of a built environment (an
environment that provides basic facilities for human activity), is known as urban. Rural is the
geographical region located in the outer parts of the cities or towns.

The life in urban areas is fast and complicated, whereas rural life is simple and relaxed.

The Urban settlement includes cities and towns. On the other hand, the rural settlement includes
villages and hamlets.

There is greater isolation from nature in urban areas, due to the existence of the built environment.
Conversely, rural areas are in direct contact with nature, as natural elements influence them.

Urban people are engaged in non-agricultural work, i.e. trade, commerce or service industry. In contrast,
the primary occupation of rural people is agriculture and animal husbandry.

Population wise, urban areas are densely populated, which is based on the urbanisation, i.e. the higher
the urbanisation, the higher is the population. On the contrary, the rural population is sparse, which has
an inverse relationship with agriculturism.

Urban areas are developed in a planned and systematic way, according to the process of urbanisation
and industrialisation. Development in rural areas is seldom, based on the availability of natural
vegetation and fauna in the region.

When it comes to social mobilisation, urban people are highly intensive as they change their occupation
or residence frequently in search of better opportunities. However, in rural areas occupational or
territorial mobility of the people is relatively less intensive.
Division of labour and specialisation is always present in the urban settlement at the time of job
allotment. As opposed to rural areas, there is no division of labour.

Conclusion

So, with the given discussion, it is easily understood that these two human settlements are very
different, regarding the density of human structures and the residents of that area. The standard of
living in urban areas is higher in comparison to the rural areas. At present, the maximum part of the
total population resides in urban areas, as well as the total land area occupied by the urban region is
greater than the rural areas.