Group dynamics Flashcards
Stages of group development
- forming
- storming
- norming
- performing
Forming
- group members familiarise themselves with each other to see if they belong to that group
- start to assess the strengths + weaknesses of other group members = testing their relationships.
- get to know their roles in the group + decide if they are capable/want to fulfil them.
- formal leaders are directive during the ‘forming’ stage.
Storming
- conflict begins developing between group members
- individuals or cliques question the authority of leaders + resist the control of the group.
- conflicts develop due to demands on members of group –> individuals may start to seek more important roles
- formal leader takes on a more guiding role when making decisions = helps team move towards behaviour expected from a professional.
Norming
- instability, hostility + conflict occur in storming + replaced by cooperation and solidarity.
- group members work towards common goals = group cohesion develops –> group satisfaction increases as goals are met
- leads to increased respect for others group members
- formal leader expects group members to become more involved in decision-making + take responsibility for their own professional behaviour
Performing
- group progresses + functions as an effective unit
- works without conflict + strive to achieve shared goals
- little need for external supervision = group is more motivated
- more knowledgeable = make own decisions + taking responsibility
Group cohesion
a group pursues a common goal together
- task cohesion
- social cohesion
Task cohesion
- the way team members work together to successfully complete the task
- necessary for interactive sports e.g netball + rugby
- more closely linked to successful performance
Social cohesion
- personal relationships within a group = team members enjoy interacting with one another
- e.g. recreational badminton players get on well with each other + enjoy playing the game regardless of if they win or lose.
Actual productivity
how the team performs + the outcome of the performance
Potential productivity
perfect performance based on the individual skill of each team member
Losses due to faulty group processes
- motivation faults = not everyone giving 100%
- coordination faults = poor interaction
Steiner’s group effectiveness
actual productivity = potential productivity - losses due to faulty group processes
Ringleman effect
- the effect = as the group size increases, individual productivity decreases
- linked to motivation fault + associated with athletes ‘hiding’ in large groups + not being accountable for their own performance
- e.g. basketball team = more likely to operate together successfully than a rugby team
Social loafing
- refers to a group member who is not giving 100% effort in a team situation
- due to a loss of motivation
- lack confidence, afraid of failure + are highly anxious
- don’t feel they can make a useful contribution to overall team performance = don’t want to participate
Methods to avoid social loafing
- valuing individual contributions
- positive reinforcement of good performances
- giving individuals specific roles + responsibilities
- improving team spirit/cohesion through social activities
Carron’s theoretical model of cohesiveness in sport groups - 4 factors affecting group cohesion
- environmental factors
- personal factors
- leadership factors
- team factors
Environmental factors
groups that are closer in location interact + form relationships better (smaller groups more effective)
Personal factors
- individual characteristics = important for group cohesion
- players from similar backgrounds have similar attitudes, commitment + opinions = likely to be cohesive
Leadership factors
leadership style + behaviour must be compatible with the athletes’ personalities
Team factors
- length of time a team is together = important –> allows them to experience success + failure together
- creation of ownership + decision-making = likely to be productive + cohesive
Methods to increase group cohesion
- establishing common goals within the group
- creating a desire for success
- encouraging democratic leadership = involving athletes in decision-making process
- same team members = time for cohesion to develop
