ABSTRACT
Extraordinary management on the part of first-line supervisors is the catalyst that causes a group of individuals to become an effective team. This is especially true because the first-line supervisor is at the focal point of translating departmental goals into reality. Group dynamics are an actuality in a police organization. They will not go away and must be dealt with if the organization is to function effectively. When dealing with human behavior as a supervisor in a police organization, it is of utmost importance to acquire an understanding and working knowledge of group dynamics. Generally speaking, everyone has been involved with different groups, such as family, church, or school, during the early years of their life, and later become involved in clubs, employment, associations, volunteer organizations, or the military, just to name a few. Some of these groups are highly structured, whereas others are informal and loosely organized. Some have had a substantial impact on the individual, whereas others have had a limited influence. Groups are a fabric of our society and exceptionally diverse. In some instances, groups can be dysfunctional, but in most instances they are functional and contribute to organizational goal attainment. Some groups accept change, whereas other groups resist change and prefer the status quo. Whatever their characteristics, they are the focal point for human interaction.
