Informal group
An informal group develops through personal relationships, shared interests or social interaction rather than solely through an official organisational assignment. It can support communication, trust and learning or reinforce unhelpful norms. Informal groups can cross formal reporting boundaries and coexist with officially established teams.
Worked example
Employees from several departments regularly exchange practical advice because they trust one another. Their group was not created by an organisation chart but can influence how work is done.
Common mistake
Assuming informal groups are necessarily disloyal or that an organisation can eliminate them by changing formal reporting lines.
Where it appears in your exams
| Qualification | Exam | Relationship | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCA | BT | Supporting | September 2026–June 2027 |
| FIA | FBT | Supporting | September 2026–June 2027 |