Groups Flashcards
What is a group?
A number of people drawn together for a natural and purposeful experience involving mutual interaction over a period of time.
Key features of a group? (7)
- Interaction
- Interdependent
- Defined by themselves and other as belonging to the group.
- Shared interest and structure.
- Influence each other.
- Find the group rewarding in a need.
- Pursue common goals.
Types of groups (2):
1) Primary groups.
2) Secondary groups.
For many people, primary group relations emerge from meeting people within a secondary group context.
Primary groups:
A few people meet face to face for companionship, mutual aid, and the relationship is often personal.
Secondary groups:
Relations are impersonal, rational, contractual & formal.
Nature/types of groups (4):
- Assembled (e.g. at work).
- Dispersed (e.g. political party).
- Formal (i.e. with a permanent organisation or structure).
- Informal (i.e. assembling and dispersing, such as groups at a sporting fixture or party).
Why do people join groups (5)?
- Co-operation (giving and receiving support).
- Goal accomplishment.
- To increase power and influence.
- Safety/security in numbers.
- They’re forced to.
Concepts in group work (3)
1) Structure: the stable pattern of interaction between group members and their environment, over time.
2) Process: refers to development and change of the group over time.
3) Dynamics: refers to the forces, situations or events which lead to change or development.
Group roles:
Differentiate the responsibilities of group members.
Group norms:
Norms may be defined as rules, implicit or explicit, established by the group to regulate the behavior of its members.
Group culture:
Refers to the long-term beliefs, values and customs that have built up over time in a group.
Stages of group development (5):
1) Forming
2) Storming
3) Norming
4) Performing
5) Adjourning
In reality, groups have recurring/cyclical phases (process is influenced by dynamics).
Forming definition (Tuckman 1977):
Team acquaints and establishes ground rules, Formalities are preserved and members are treated as strangers.
Storming definition (Tuckman 1977):
Members start to communicate their feelings but still view themselves as individuals rather than part of the team. They resist control by group leaders and show hostility.
Norming definition (Tuckman 1977):
People feel part of the team and realise they can achieve work if they accept other viewpoints.
Performing definition (Tuckman 1977):
The team works in an open and trusting atmosphere where flexibility is the key and hierarchy is of little importance.
Adjourning definition (Tuckman 1977):
The team conducts an assessment of the year and implements a plan for transitioning roles and recognising member’s contributions.
5 elements of group effectiveness:
- Positive interdependence (co-operation).
- Individual accountability/personal responsibility.
- Social skills.
- Group processing (reflection and analysis).
- Face to face interaction.
Cooperation, accountability/responsibility, social skills, reflection/analysis, interaction
Types of groups facilitated by human service workers…
- Meetings, committees, etc
- Staff / work groups
- Community groups
- Social / support groups
- Educative groups
- Therapeutic groups
- Leisure / recreation groups
- Single issue groups
- Consciousness raising groups
Types of groups a human service worker refers people to…
- Self help groups (e.g. Alcoholics Anonymous/AA)
- Political groups
- Social action groups
- Social / support groups
