2. GROUP DYNAMICS
General Objective: At the end of the class student will be able to demonstrate principle of group
dynamics, power and politics and lobbying and practice in relevant area of nursing.
Specific objectives: At the end of the class student will be able to
Define group and group dynamics
Enlist the characteristic of group
Enumerate the types of group
Enlist the role of individual in a group
List down the aspects of group discipline
Explain the properties of group
Restate the stages of group development
List the strategies to improve group functioning
State the advantages and disadvantages of group dynamics
INTRODUCTION
Curt Lewin, a social psychologist at the university of Iowa, USA, was the creator of the term group
dynamics. Group dynamics is the study of groups and also a general term for group process. Relevant to the
fields of psychology, sociology and communication studies, a group is considering as two or more
individuals connected to each other by social relationship.
Group dynamics deals with the attitude and behavioural 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 interaction and forces operating between groups.
In group dynamics the phrase group process refers to an insight into the behaviour of group members
and to incline their behaviours towards the achievement of group goals. On the basis of interaction between
group members, each group holds a characteristics feature that sets it apart from the rest. The interaction is
influenced by norms, roles, relations, need to belong social influence and effects on behaviour.
DEFINITION OF GROUP
A social group is a given aggregate of people, playing inter-related roles and recognized by
themselves or others as a unit of interaction.
by-Williams
3. GROUP DYNAMICS
Group dynamics is the study of activities or processes that are responsible for various group phenomena.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A GROUP
I. Each group has its own identity and structure.
II. A group includes at least two or more people.
III. Group member have a shared purpose and goal.
IV. Group member have a conscious identification with each other.
V. Group members need each other’s help to accomplish the purpose for which they have organized.
VI. Group members influence, interact and accomplish with each other.
VII. Every group has its own rules and norms members are supposed to follow.
TYPES OF GROUPS
According to Dwight Sanderson:
Involuntary group
Voluntary group
Delegate group
4. Charles Cooley classified:
Primary group
Secondary group
According to George Hasan:
Unsocial group
Pseudo social group
Antisocial group
Prosocial group
According to the Way of Formality:
Formal group
Informal group
According to the size:
Small group
Large group
ROLES/TASKS OF AN INDIVIDUAL IN A GROUP
Initiator
Information seeker
Information giver
Opinion seeker
Elaborator
Coordinator
Orienteer
Evaluator
5. Energizer
Procedural technician
Recorder
Group building and maintenance roles:
Encourager
Harmonizer
Compromiser
Facilitator
Standard setter
Group commentator
followers
ASPECTS OF GROUP DISCIPLINE
Formation of group
Group task
Composition of group
Communication between group members
Mode of working relationships between members of group
Growth, downfall and resolution of the group
Group dissolution
Method to achieve oneness and building consensus
Acclimatization to meet the needs of the group
Task performance
6. PROPERTIES OF GROUP
Role
Norms
Status
Size
Diversity
Cohesiveness
STAGES OF GROUP DEVELOPMENT
group formation is not a spontaneous phenomenon.it gradually progresses from a gathering to a goal
directed team. It has to muddle through a forming process where the group member interacts, clash and
ultimately get into a common stream to work towards shared objectives.
FORMING PHASE
STORMING PHASE
NORMING PHASE
PERFORMING PHASE
ADJOURING PHASE
STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE GROUP FUNCTIONING
Individuals participating in a group must have clear understanding of individuals goals as well as
group objectives so that their interaction is goal oriented.
People participating in a group must have clear idea about expectations within a group.
Group member must have clear understanding of their responsibilities and should be committed
towards their designated responsibilities.
Member in a group must follow the principle of positive competence; so that assigned task can be
carried out more competently and efficiently.
7. Appropriate control over the functioning of group member must be maintained for cohesiveness and
smooth functioning in a group.
The success of a group primarily depends on the collaboration of the functions of its members. group
member must carry out their functions with a collaborative approach.
Effective communication is essential for efficient group functioning
Coordination between individual tasks is essential in achieving efficient group functioning
How a leader manages a group?
A leader should set clear objectives, high standards and clear purpose for the group.
The leader should take the decision for the group on the basis of his/her knowledge and experience
and he should consult the taken decisions with the group member.
The leader should be sensitive with the needs and expectations of the team members.
Leader should motivate the group members to the goal.
Leader should not constrain the team but determine the boundaries within which they can work
freely.
Leader should clear the roles and responsibilities of each member of the group.
A leader should provide a positive sense of direction in order to give meaning to the lives of the team
member.
A leader should create a sense of value and purpose in work.
Leader should build up confidence and zeal in the work group.
Leader should exercise authority whenever necessary to implement the general policies in the
interest of the group.
Overall the leader builds up, develop, maintains the group throughout the
ADVANTAGES
Heterogeneity in processes.
Diversity of views
Increased acceptance of a solution
More productive
More resources
8. More reliable
Learn things from individual
New methods and ideas
Information exchange
Team commitment
DISADVANTAGES
Time consumption
Conformity pressure
Dominance by a few
Unequal participation
Intrinsic conflict
No individual thinking
Decision making takes times
Easy to avoid work
Loss of creativity
Inability to focus on task.