GROUP DYNAMICS

PERSONAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT -23126Z

GROUP DYNAMICS is the study of groups, and also a general term

for group processes a group is two or more individuals who are

connected to each other by social relationships. understanding of the behavior of people in

groups, such as task groups, that are trying to solve a problem or make a decision.

KEY THEORISTS

Gustave Le Bon Sigmund Freud Jacob L. Moreno Kurt Lewin William Schutz Bruce Tuckman

TUCKMAN'S MODEL :5 STAGES OF GROUP DEVELOPMENT

1) Forming :characterized by some confusion and uncertainty .

2) Storming :likely to see the highest level of disagreement and conflict

3) Norming : recognition of individual differences and shared expectations

4) Performing: group has matured and attains a feeling of cohesiveness

5) Adjourning: the dissolution of a group

STAGE 1: FORMING The major goals of the groups have not

been established Task or leadership has not been

determined An orientation period when members get

to know one another and shared expectations

Trust and openness has not been developed

STAGE 2: STORMING Members challenge group goals Vie for leadership position Voice concern and criticism If conflict cannot be resolved, the group

will disband or continue existence ineffectively.

STAGE 3: NORMING Recognition of individual differences

and shared expectations Develop a feeling of group cohesion

and identity More cooperative among members of

the group Responsibilities are divided among

members

STAGE 4: PERFORMING Everyone knows each other well

enough to be able to work together Trusts each other enough to allow

independent activity.  Conflict is resolved through group

discussion Make decisions through a rational

process not emotionally.

STAGE 5: ADJOURNING Completion/accomplishment of a task Disengagement- individuals deciding to

go their own ways Often experience feelings of closure

and sadness

GROUP TYPES

Formal Established by an organization to achieve its goals.

Informal Formed naturally in response to the common interests and shared values of individuals

Formal Groups1) Command Groups :

specified by organizational chart2) Task Groups :

consists of people working together to achieve a common task

3) Functional Groups : created by organization to accomplish

specific goals within an unspecified time frame

Informal Groups1. Interest Group:

Continue over time and may last longer.

Members may not be part of the same department but are bound together by common interest

Eg study group for a specific class

INFORMAL GROUPS –1. Interest group:

Continue over time and may last longer.

Members may not be part of the same department but are bound together by common interest

Eg study group for a specific class

Informal Groups2. Friendship Groups:

Formed by members who enjoy similar social activities, political beliefs, religious value

Enjoy each other’s company Eg. Exercise group, softball team, potluck

lunch once a month

Informal Groups3. Reference Groups:

People use to evaluate themselves Social validation: allows individuals to

justify their attitudes and values social comparison: evaluate own actions

by comparing to others Strong influence on members’ behaviour Family, friends and religious affiliation are

strong reference groups for most individuals.

GROUP STRUCTURE A pattern of relationship among

members that holds the group together to achieve its assigned goals.

Can be described as Group size Group roles Group norms Group cohesiveness

Group Size Vary from 2 people to a very large

number Small groups of 2 – 10 people are more

effective because of ample opportunity to participate

Increasing the size of the groups results in decreased satisfaction because it is difficult to experience cohesion.

GROUP ROLES Work roles: task oriented activities that

involve accomplishing the group’s goals

Maintenance roles: social-emotional activities such as harmonizer who will reduce tension in the group.

Blocking roles: activities that disrupt the group such as aggressor criticizes members’ value and make jokes in a sarcastic manner.

Group Norms Norms define the boundaries of

acceptable and unacceptable behaviour.

Reflect the level of commitment, motivation, and performance of the group.