What are the important elements of group structure?

(i) Status: It refers to the position or rank within a group. Different roles or positions in a group are associated with different levels of status. Members of groups which are high in status are viewed favourably by others. For example- the captain of a cricket team has a higher status compared to the other members, although all are equally important for the team's success.

(ii) Role is set of behaviours which the individuals occupying specific position within a group are expected to perform. e.g., father as a bread-earner.

(iii) Norms: Norms are expected standards of behaviour and beliefs established, agreed upon and enforced by group-members. e.g., in family, there are norms which guide the behaviour of family-members.

(iv) Cohesiveness: All forces (factors) that cause group-members to remain in the group, such as liking for the other members and the desire to maintain or increase one's status by belonging to the 'right groups'.