WEEK SIX
GROUP DYNAMICS
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the lecture, the learner should be able to;
i. Define the term group dynamics.
ii. Demonstrate the application of the concept of group dynamics to the teaching
and learning process.
3.0 GROUP DYNAMICS
By the end of the section the learner should be able to;
i. Demonstrate understanding of group dynamics as applied in the teaching and
learning process.
ii. Discuss the various group stages critical in their development.
iii. Explain the requisite group skills necessary in effectively harnessing groups in
the teaching and learning processes.
Within an organization we do find number of groups. Individuals joining group (s) is a
reality – may be formal or informal groups. People work in groups quite frequently and in
many different areas of their life e.g. at work, school/college, sport, hobbies. The
managers need to understand Group Dynamics that can enable managers to adopt the
right approach of interacting with them.
What is Group Dynamics?
Group dynamics deals with the attitudes and behavioral patterns of a group. Group
dynamics concern how groups are formed, what is their structure and which processes
are followed in their functioning. Thus, it is concerned with the interactions and forces
operating between groups.
Group dynamics is relevant to groups of all kinds – both formal and informal. If the UPA
government has set up Group of Ministers for every governance issue, the Supreme
Court of India has 27 Group of Judges committees overseeing all manner of non-judicial
work in the apex court. In an organizational setting, the term groups are a very common
and the study of groups and group dynamics is an important area of study.
What is A Group?
Every organization is a group unto itself. A group refers to two or more people who
share a common meaning and evaluation of themselves and come together to
achieve common goals. In other words, a group is a collection of people who interact
with one another; accept rights and obligations as members and who share a common
identity.
Characteristics of a Group
Regardless of the size or the purpose, every group has similar characteristics;
i. Two or more persons ;(if it is one person, it is not a group).
ii. Formal social structure (the rules of the game are defined).
iii. Common fate (they will swim together).
iv. Common goals (the destiny is the same and emotionally connected).
v. Face-to-face interaction (they will talk with each other).
vi. Interdependence (each one is complimentary to the other).
vii. Self-definition as group members (what one is who belongs to the group).
viii. Recognition by others (yes, you belong to the group).
Process/Stages of Group Development/Evolution
Group Development is a dynamic process. How do groups evolve? There is a process of
five stages through which groups pass through. The process includes the five stages:
forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning.
Forming
The first stage in the life of a group is concerned with forming a group. This stage is
characterized by members seeking either a work assignment (in a formal group) or other
benefit, like status, affiliation, power, etc. (in an informal group). Members at this stage
either engage in busy type of activity or show apathy.
Storming
The next stage in this group is marked by the formation of dyads and triads. Members
seek out familiar or similar individuals and begin a deeper sharing of self. Continued
attention to the subgroup creates a differentiation in the group and tensions across the
dyads / triads may appear. Pairing is a common phenomenon. There will be conflict
about controlling the group.
Norming
The third stage of group development is marked by a more serious concern about task
performance. The dyads/triads begin to open up and seek out other members in the
group. Efforts are made to establish various norms for task performance.
Members begin to take greater responsibility for their own group and relationship while
the authority figure becomes relaxed. Once this stage is complete, a clear picture will
emerge about hierarchy of leadership. The norming stage is over with the solidification
of the group structure and a sense of group identity and camaraderie.
Performing
This is a stage of a fully functional group where members see themselves as a group and
get involved in the task. Each person makes a contribution and the authority figure is
also seen as a part of the group. Group norms are followed and collective pressure is
exerted to ensure the Process of Group effectiveness of the group.
The group may redefine its goals Development in the light of information from the
outside environment and show an autonomous will to pursue those goals. The long-term
viability of the group is established and nurtured.
Adjourning
In the case of temporary groups, like project team, task force, or any other such group,
which have a limited task at hand, also have a fifth stage, This is known as adjourning.
The group decides to disband. Some members may feel happy over the performance,
and some may be unhappy over the stoppage of meeting with group members.
Adjourning may also be referred to as mourning, i.e. mourning the adjournment of the
group.
The readers must note that the four stages of group development mentioned above for
permanent groups are merely suggestive. In reality, several stages may go on
simultaneously.