UNIT 6_GROUP DYNAMICS

• Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean - Ryunosuke Satoro, Poet

   
• Dynamics comes from the Greek word dunamis which means "force".
• Group - The individuals have a common goal. The individual members have developed status and role relationships with respect to one another.
• What is the importance of group?

  • Social Support
  • Problem-Solving
  • Decision-Making
  • Identity Formation
• Social Support - Groups provide a sense of belonging and emotional support.
• Problem-Solving - Groups can pool their resources and expertise to solve complex problems.
• Decision-Making - Groups can make more informed and comprehensive () than individuals.
• Identity Formation - Individuals often derive a sense of identity from their group memberships.
• TYPES OF GROUP

  • Formal groups
  • Informal groups
• Formal groups - are established by an organization to achieve its goals.
• Informal groups - are formed naturally in response to the common interests and shared values.
• Kinds of Formal Group

  1. Command Groups
  2. Task Group
  3. Committee
  4. Project Groups
• Command Groups - Specified by the organizational chart and often consist of a supervisor and the subordinates that report to that supervisor.
• Task Group - Consist of people who work together to achieve a common task. Members are brought together to accomplish a narrow range of goals within a specified time period.
• Committee - Temporary groups created to resolve a specific complaint or develop a process.
• Project Groups - Similar to committee and normally disband after the group completes the assigned task.
• Kinds of Informal Group

  1. Friendship Groups
  2. Interest Groups
  3. Reference Groups
• Friendship Groups - Formed primarily based on personal relationships and emotional bonds.
• Interest Groups - Formed around shared interests, hobbies, or activities.
• Reference Groups - Groups that individuals use as a point of comparison for evaluating their own beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors.
• Stages of Group Development:

  • Forming
  • Storming
  • Norming
  • Performing
  • Adjourning
• Forming - The initial stage where group members become acquainted and establish expectations.
• Storming - Conflicts and disagreements may arise as members assert their individuality and compete for roles.
• Norming - Group members develop shared norms, values, and expectations.
• Performing - The group focuses on achieving its goals and tasks.
• Adjourning - The group disbands or moves on to a new project.
• Factors Influencing Group Development:

  • Group Size
  • Task Complexity
  • Leadership
  • Group Cohesiveness
• Group Size - Smaller groups tend to be more cohesive, while larger groups may face challenges in communication and decision-making.
• Task Complexity - The nature and () of the group's tasks can influence its development.
• Leadership - Effective () can guide the group through the stages and resolve conflicts.
• Group Cohesiveness - The degree of attraction and commitment among group members can impact its effectiveness.
• Group cohesiveness - refers to the degree to which members are attracted to each other and motivated to stay in the group.
• Factors Affecting Group Cohesiveness:

  • Similarity
  • Success
  • External Threats
  • Group Size
• Similarity - Members who share similar backgrounds, values, or goals are more likely to be cohesive.
• Success - Group () can strengthen cohesiveness, while failure can weaken it.
• External Threats - Facing a common enemy can increase cohesiveness.
• Group Size - Smaller groups tend to be more cohesive.
• Impact of Cohesiveness on Group Performance:

  • Increased Productivity
  • Improved Communication
  • Higher Satisfaction
• Increased Productivity - Cohesive groups are often more productive and efficient.
• Improved Communication - Members of cohesive groups communicate more openly and effectively.