Fundamental of Group Dynamics

• Group is defined as two or more persons engaged in social interaction
• The existence of any group depends on the participation and satisfaction of the individuals comprising it
• Each member of the group is aware of the other members and their influence
• Some psychologists consider a group as a collection of individuals who find their association with one another rewarding
• Others say that a group exists only when the individual members have developed status and role relationships with respect to one another
• Some insist that individuals must have a common goal in order for them to be considered as a group
• Group Dynamics is the social process by which people interact in a small group and in a face-to-face manner
• Group Dynamics refers to the study of the forces operating within a group
• Important historical landmarks in understanding small groups:

  • Research of Elton Mayo and his associates in 1920s and 1930s
  • Experiments conducted in the 1930s by Kurt Lewin, considered as the founder of the group dynamics movement
• Elton Mayo found that workers tend to establish formal groups that affect job satisfaction and effectiveness
• Kurt Lewin showed that different kinds of leadership attitudes produce different responses in groups
• Group is composed of individuals who have come together to accomplish a particular task or goal
• Group dynamics refers to the attitudinal and behavioral characteristics of a group
• In a group, the members share consciousness of membership and interaction
• A group is not a mere collection of individuals but an aggregate of personalities acting and interacting with one another in the process of living
• To be a member of the group, one must participate in its common life and activities
• Group dynamics form the structure of a group and how its members function
• Primary Group:

  • Characterized by intimate face-to-face association and cooperation among its members
  • Forms the social nature and ideals of an individual
  • Involves sympathy and mutual identification which is a form of natural expression
• Secondary Group:

  • Consists of members who are aware and cognizant of personal relationships, but they do not feel that their lives are bound with one another except in times of social crisis
  • Members may be separated by distance or lack of personal physical contact, but can share interests through correspondence, press, radio, telephone, or other means