Table Of Contents

1. Meaning Of Positive Group Behaviour
2. Characteristics Of Positive Group Behaviours
3. Benefits Of Positive Group Behaviours

Meaning Of Positive Group Behaviour In Social Studies

This is a group behaviour that is acceptable by the Society. It is behavioural outcome that is generally accepted and motivating to a greater number of the population. This behavioural outcome is in conformity with the rules and regulations that govern the society or country.

Positive group behaviour is productive, inspiring and affective because it comes from the correct thinking and feeling of the cream of the people in the society. Positive group behaviour is an antidote to many Social ills ravaging the country today.

Constructive or positive group behaviours are those actions from groups of people who are bound together by some common interests or professions; who embark on activities to influence government policies to their own advantage and their society.

It may be in support or rejection of a particular policy or law that will be harmful or counter-productive to the society. These bodies exhibit constructive behaviours: the Nigerian Bar Association, Nigerian Union of Teachers, Nigeria Labour Congress, Academic Staff Union of Universities, Market Women Associations, etc. These are good examples of groups who mean well for the nation.

They hardly can engage in destructive actions likely to disrupt the smooth running of the government or society. Their actions are rational.

They return to reason whenever they see that their demand is not yielding positive effects.

Characteristics Of Positive Group Behaviour

1. They exist to promote the common good of the masses and not to take over the running of the government.

2. The source of their income remains levies, donations, and dues. They can get financial support from members of the society who appreciate their activities.

3. They are well-organized. Their leadership is carefully tested, selected and approved.

4. They accept membership only from those who possess the requisite criteria.

5. They have body of knowledgeable experts who can relate with people from all walks of life – religion, military, civilian, economy, traditional institutions, etc.

Ways Through Which Constructive Group Behaviours Can Be Carried Out In Society

1. Lobbying

This is the approach used by the organized bodies to explain in details, the merits and demerits of a particular issue which they project. Through lobbying, they persuade those that matter in the society to accept their proposals for their own good and that of the society.

2. Strikes, Lock-outs And Boycotts

Organized groups like NBA, TUC, NUT, ASUU, NLC, etc, use strikes, lockouts and boycotts to press home demands. In attempts to avoid the great damage that may result from long strikes, the governments or owners of an organization may agree to the terms of agitation.

3. Publicity Campaigns

Social groups such as CAN, NUT, ASUU, NLC, etc, organize extensive campaigns through meetings, rallies, house-to-house visits, posters, hand-bills stickers, conferences, flyers, etc, to reach the people and attract their support or sympathy in order to get their intentions achieved.

4. Use Of Mass Media

Positive groups use advertisements and sponsored programmes on the radio, television and newspapers to convince the entire public about their products, intentions, etc, and urge them to accept.

5. Petitions

Positive groups write open petitions to the appropriate quarters or persons to inform them of what is wrong and suggest constructive remedies to them.

6. Peaceful Demonstrations

Positive groups use peaceful demonstrations to press-home their demands, rights, and other intentions. They can march out in the streets, carrying placards stating their demands, and calling for support from the public.

Benefits Of Positive Group Behaviours

There are so many benefits in positive group behaviours. They among others include:

1. Companionship

This is the pleasant feeling that is shared in friendly relationship. Positive group behaviours encourage this in companionship. This pleasant feeling include love, or affection. The family, social clubs, sports competitions, etc, have much of these pleasant feelings.

Through companionship, good social behaviours are taught and learnt. Members learn social obligations, rights, laws, duties and other forms of acceptable conducts.

They also learn how to tolerate, how to resolve conflicts through counselling and reprimands.

2. Survival And Security

Several skills are provided by positive groups for the survival of their members and others. They encourage their members and others to acquire quality skills that can fetch them better incomes.

They provide first-hand information for further training through part-time studies, evening programmes, sandwich and seminars/workshops.

Organized groups like NUT, NUJ, NBA, NLC, etc, etc., intervene anytime their members are attacked by individuals, groups or government.

There is security in the employment offered to their members. They make them to know the rules and regulations, rights, and privileges that could engage them to secure their jobs. Job security promotes positive behaviour in human relationship.

3. Affiliation And Status

Positive behaviours from groups and organizations develop dignified connections. Attachment to civil society, religious organizations, political parties give organizational connections that are rewarding to the individual with them. Important status or positions also come from positive groups.

This is because social groups recruit members based on well-defined criteria. People who qualify to become members enjoy social status which has obligations and rewards.

Organized groups help to secure good positions for their members in politics, church at national and international levels.

4. There Are Power And Control From Positive Group Behaviour

Positive group behaviours have the ability of enforcing decisions and compelling obedience from other people.

Basically, the exercise of power is always seen in the hands of those endowed with the ability of handling the human and material resources to reward and punish the people as they deem fit.

5. Positive Group Behaviours Develop Achievable Goals In Their Members

As members struggle to attain these goals, they acquire strengths that spur them into more action and achievement. Successful completion of tasks or projects, is a plus in the individual and his society.

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