111

Group Tension

222

Group Tension

Groups experience two types of tension.

Primary Tension

Secondary Tension

333

Group Tension

Groups experience two types of tension.

Primary Tension =

Discomfort caused by

unfamiliarity with the task

and the other group members.

444

Group Tension

Groups experience two types of tension.

Secondary Tension =

Discomfort caused by

disagreement.

555

Group Tension

We can now see how group members experience both types of tension in a

typical group problem solving session.

666

Group Tension

This line measures time, from the beginning to the end of a group session

TimeBeginning End

777

Group Tension

This line measures the amount of tension in the

group from none to extreme hostility

TimeBeginning End

None

ExtremeHostility

Tension

888

Group Tension

This line is the Tension

Tolerance Level

TimeBeginning End

None

ExtremeHostility

Tension

999

Group Tension

TimeBeginning End

None

ExtremeHostility

Above the linepeople feel increasing levels of discomfort

Tension

101010

Group Tension

Below the linepeople are

relaxed

TimeBeginning End

None

ExtremeHostility

Tension

111111

Group Tension

Here is where the group session begins

TimeBeginning End

None

ExtremeHostility

Tension

121212

Group Tension

Notice there is tension at the beginning of a group session

TimeBeginning End

None

ExtremeHostility

Tension

131313

Group Tension

Notice there is tension at the beginning of a group session

TimeBeginning End

None

ExtremeHostility

We call this type of tension, Primary Tension

Tension

141414

Group Tension

Notice there is tension at the beginning of a group session

TimeBeginning End

None

ExtremeHostility

Primary Tension is discomfort caused by unfamiliarity

Tension

151515

Group Tension

TimeBeginning End

None

ExtremeHostility

As communication occurs, group members become more familiar with each other and the group task

Tension

161616

Group Tension

Primary Tension is reduced

TimeBeginning End

None

ExtremeHostility

As communication occurs, group members become more familiar with each other and the group task

Tension

171717

Group Tension

Primary Tension is reduced

TimeBeginning End

None

ExtremeHostility

As communication occurs, group members become more familiar with each other and the group task.

Tension Until members are

relaxed with each other

181818

Group Tension

TimeBeginning End

None

ExtremeHostility

Tension At this point group

members start to disagree with each other

191919

Group Tension

TimeBeginning End

None

ExtremeHostility

Tension

Tensions begin to rise where the members begin feeling the discomfort

202020

Group Tension

TimeBeginning End

None

ExtremeHostility

Tension

The group is now experiencing Secondary Tension

212121

Group Tension

TimeBeginning End

None

ExtremeHostility

Tension

Secondary Tension is discomfort caused by disagreement

222222

Group Tension

TimeBeginning End

None

ExtremeHostility

Tension

Secondary Tension peaks until a decision is made, and then the tension is reduced

232323

Group Tension

TimeBeginning End

None

ExtremeHostility

Tension

Now that there is no more disagreement, Secondary Tension disappears and the group experiences comfort once again

242424

Group Tension

TimeBeginning End

None

ExtremeHostility

Tension

Until a new disagreement occurs and the process starts once again

252525

Group Tension

Remember:

Secondary tension is Good

The more secondary a group can

manage, the better the eventual

group results.

Why? Because more people are

presenting more diverse viewpoints

that the group can use.

262626

Group Tension

If you ever hear a group member say, “We have a

great group, we never argue.”

Then you know, that group is in trouble!