Group dynamics

 

Group dynamics refers to the processes, interactions, and dynamics that exist within a group of people. It includes the psychological and social forces that shape how individuals in a group interact, communicate, and work together. Group dynamics can also refer to the way that group members influence one another and how collective behavior is shaped by the group's environment. Group dynamics are an important part of understanding group behavior, as they help to explain how group members interact, how collective decisions are made, and how group identity develops.

Group formation is a process in which individuals interact and cooperate to achieve a common goal or purpose. It involves the establishment of shared goals, roles, and norms, as well as the development of relationships between members. It is a dynamic process that involves a series of steps, including forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning. During the forming stage, individuals come together, often based on similar interests or characteristics. During the storming stage, conflict and tension may arise as individuals negotiate roles and relationships. In the norming stage, members discuss and establish group norms and rules for behavior. In the performing stage, the group is working together to achieve its goals. In the adjourning stage, the group disbands and members go their separate ways.

1. Forming: At this first stage of development, members are preoccupied with familiarizing themselves with the task and to other members of the group. This is sometimes referred to as the dependent stage, as members tend to depend on outside expertise for guidance, job definition, and task analysis.

2. Storming: At this stage, the group encounters conflict as members confront and criticize each other and the approach the group is taking to their task. Issues that arise include the identification of roles and responsibilities, operational rules and procedures, and the individual need for recognition of his or her skills and abilities. This stage is also referred to as the counter-dependent stage where members tend to “flex their muscles” in search of identity. In some cases, the group may have problems getting through this stage. This may occur if the group encounters difficulty clarifying their task, agreeing on their mission or mandate, or deciding how they will proceed. Lack of skills, ability or aptitude can also contribute to their inability to get beyond this stage.

3. Norming: At this point, members start to resolve the issues that are creating the conflict and begin to develop their social agreements. The members begin to recognize their interdependence, develop cohesion, and agree on the group norms that will help them function effectively in the future.

4. Performing: When the group has sorted out its social structure and understands its goals and individual roles, it will move toward accomplishing its task. Mutual assistance and creativity become prominent themes at this stage. The group, sensing its growth and maturity, becomes independent, relying on its own resources.

5. Adjourning: During this phase, the group will resort to some form of closure that includes rites and rituals suitable to the event. These may include socials and parties, or ceremonies that exhibit emotional support or celebration of their success.

Group Functions

Three functions that influence the effectiveness and productivity of groups are task functions,

maintenance functions, and self-interest functions.

Task Functions

This is the primary reason for the establishment of a group. To achieve the task, they must have

members that fulfill some or all of the following roles:

a) Initiating: by proposing tasks or goals, defining problems and suggesting procedures for a solution;

b) Information seeking: by requesting facts, seeking relevant information, and asking for suggestions or ideas;

c) Information giving: by offering facts, providing information, stating beliefs, and giving suggestions or ideas;

d) Clarifying ideas: by interpreting and clarifying input, indicating alternatives and giving examples;

e) Bringing closure: by summarizing, restating, and offering solutions;

f) Consensus testing: by checking for agreements and sending up ‘trial balloons’. 

Maintenance Behaviour 

Each group needs social-emotional support to be effective. Some members of the group will take

the lead in providing this support which consists of the following:

a) Encouraging: by showing regard for other members and providing positive

response to their contributions;

b) Improving group by expressing group feelings, sensing moods and relationships,

atmosphere: and sharing feelings;

c) Harmonizing: by reconciling differences and reducing group tension;

d) Compromising: by admitting errors and looking for alternatives;

e) Gate-keeping: by attempting to keep communications flowing, facilitating the

participation of others, and suggesting procedures for sharing

discussion;

f) Standard setting: by reminding members of group norms, rules, and roles.

Self-interest Behaviour

This third function displayed by some individuals, and members generally takes away from group

performance and affects task achievement at the expense of the group. Activities that identify

self-interest behaviour are as follows:

a) Dominating and by displaying lack of respect for others, cutting them off,

controlling: not listening, and restating other members’ suggestions with a

different meaning;

b) Blocking: by stifling a line of thought, and changing the topic either away

from the point of view or back to his or her own interest;

c) Manipulating: by providing self-serving information, or a single point of view

designed to achieve a decision that is consistent with their position;

d) Belittling: through put-downs, sneering at other’s point of view, or making

jokes about another member’s contribution;

e) Splitting hairs: by nit-picking, searching for insignificant details that delay a

the solution, or undermining another person’s point of view.

The roles and theory of group dynamics

1. Leadership: Leaders are those members of a group who are able to influence others to work together to achieve a common goal. They help guide the group in making decisions, setting goals, and resolving conflicts.

2. Cohesion: Cohesion is the degree to which group members feel attracted to and connected to one another. It is the degree of unity, loyalty, and commitment that a group has towards its members.

3. Norms: Norms are the group’s accepted standards of behavior that members are expected to follow. Norms help create structure and order within a group.

4. Communication: Communication is the exchange of information and ideas between members of a group. Effective communication is essential for a group to function effectively.

5. Conflict: Conflict is the disagreement among members of a group. It can arise from different perspectives, values, beliefs, and goals. Conflict can be constructive if it is managed properly.

6. Power: Power is the ability of one person or group to influence the behavior of another person or group. It is an important factor in group dynamics, as it can affect the way decisions are made and how members interact with each other.

7. Decision-Making: Decision-making is the process of making choices among various alternatives. It is important for a group to be able to make decisions in a timely manner and to reach a consensus.

8. Trust: Trust is the belief that members of the group will act in the best interest of the group as a whole. It is important for the group to develop a sense of trust in order for it to function effectively.

AI-generated and from [https://www.gov.nl.ca/iet/files/CCB_GroupDynamicsGuide.pdf]