Introduction
Organizations operate in very dynamic environments. They shape people’s careers from the cultures they adopt. People also help to drive the organization’s vision and core values. Sometimes culture supersedes everything else and may be used to define an organization.
Group Efficacy
Sarah Al Falasi had a booming career ahead of her. She thought that what she had heard about career advancement in the private sector would propel her to succeed in life. Although her parents and relatives worked in the public sector, they supported her choice. They made her stop working in the hospitality industry because of the long and late hours of work. But they allowed her to work there as a Human Resource Administrator. They affected her choice of work.
Homogeneity within Groups
At work, Sarah discovered that she could not easily fit into the new culture that she had not expected. The staff from other nationalities had formed groups that were working together. They respected her and welcomed her warmly, but they did not allow her to join them in their undertakings. She also learned that another local called Majid left because he could not put up with the team that was totally distancing itself from him. They could not involve him in meetings, and they could not show him the strenuous tasks. Whenever he asked for their assistance, they would come and finish the job for him without showing him the work.
Cohesiveness within Groups
The locals had a hard time because they wanted to be part of groups that were already in existence. The foreign nationalities had formed cohesive groups that did not let out any secret or word about their operations. They could go out for lunch together and even have their dinner together in the evenings. They did not allow any outsider to join them. It is the reason that Sarah and other locals felt out of place. Whenever there were important company meetings, if someone was not in their circle, he or she could not know what was going on. From their unity, this group understood their way around better and could make their lives easy in the company.
Isolation from Groups
During work, Majid discovered that he was not part of the already established group that was congruently working to isolate him. Khalid Al Suwaidi had learned the group’s activities and therefore decided to work alone. Sarah does not discover him until he has to visit her in the office. From their conversation over coffee, she learns that even Majid felt isolated and had to leave the company.
Self Efficacy
Sarah and even Majid had resolved to work diligently to improve their careers and make the company excel. Majid made a decision that he did not want his career to be in jeopardy. He sought to leave the company so that he can advance it elsewhere. Khalid’s cousin Amal had an impressive career progression in a Multinational Corporation. Sarah tried to make the business leaders know that they had to involve her in company affairs but to no avail. She was desperately trying to find something she could hold onto to mold her career.
Conclusion
Group formations at the workplace may undermine the efforts of others who want to excel in their work. But being part of a group that operates in tandem with the work ethics is very encouraging. It builds every member to become great. But most often, they isolate new people and make them look very awkward.