lecture 3/4: group dynamics

Question 1

Defining Group Dynamics

Answer 1

• (Keith Davis, 1982) The social process by which people interact face to face in small groups
• (Toseland et al, 2004) patterns of interaction and relationships that emerge among individuals within a group. It involves understanding how individual behavior, attitudes, and emotions are influenced by the group’s structure, processes, and context.

Question 2

Role of group worker

Answer 2

• help groups develop dynamics that promote the satisfaction of members’ socio emotional needs while facilitating the accomplishment of group tasks” (Toseland & Rivas, 2012)

Question 3

4 + 1 Dimensions

Answer 3

Communication & interaction patterns
Cohesion
Social integration and influence
Group culture
Psychological Space (Not in literature)

Question 4

Communication as a process: What consists of this?

Answer 4

• Verbal and non-verbal
• Awareness of the meanings behind messages and their effects on (1) a particular group member and (2)on the group as a whole
• Members need to receive appropriate feedback
  o (1) describe the content of the communication or the behaviour as it is perceived by the group members
  o (2) feedback is to be given to the member who sent the message as soon as the message is received
  o (3) feedback to be given in a tentative manner

Question 5

Interaction Patterns (Group-centered vs Leader centered)

Answer 5

• In most situations, workers should strive to facilitate the development of group-centered rather than leader-centered interactional patternsGroup-centered patterns:
  Definition - Open communication patterns between group members
  Example 1- Round robin: members take turns
  Example 2- Free floating: all members take responsibility for communicationLeader-centered patterns:
  Definition- Communication is directed from members to the worker or from the worker to group members, thereby reducing members’ opportunities to communicate freely to each other
  Example 1- Maypole: leader to member & member to leader
  Example 2- Hot seat: extended back & forth exchange between leader and a member

Question 6

3 components of cohesion

Answer 6

o Member-to-member attraction and a liking for the group as a whole (Social cohesion) – this builds up more easily if there’s social interaction e.g. dinner together
o A sense of unity and community so that the group is seen as a single entity
o A sense of teamwork and espirit de corps with the group successfully performing as a coordinated unit (Task cohesion)