Toseland and rivas: Chapter 3 Week Two

“Fear of Groups Syndrome” Shulman2006 There are so many of them and only one of me So many people judge your work (if one person doesn’t come back to counseling that’s lack of motivation on their part. If 10 people don’t return worker feels like he/she failed) Negative feedback Lack of control

Development of Group Dynamics Inattention to group dynamics can have a negative effect on group members’ socio-emotional needs and goal attainment Groups can unleash both harmful and helpful forces Examples? Both have harmful effects on group members. Appropriate development can lead to positive outcomes for group and members

Group Dynamics Four dimensions of group dynamics: Communication and interaction patterns Figure 3.1(p.69) Cohesion Social integration and influence Group culture

Group Dynamics Unleashed Example: Cereal Mascot Slide

Communication As a Process (Kiesler 1978) Understanding Other People Finding Out Where They Stand in Relationship to others Persuading Others Gaining or Maintaining Power Defending Themselves Provoking a reaction from others Relational Making an Impression Unified Image

Communication: Non Verbal Messages Body language, gestures, facial expressions May not know how to verbally express feelings Silence Cultural Competencies

Communication: Patterns of Group Interaction 4 patterns of group interaction that could develop in a group: Maypole Round Robin Hot Seat Free Floating

Group Cohesion 2nd Dimension Member to Member Attraction to Group Sense of Unity and Community Sense of Teamwork GroupThink: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ah5lBPr_iAY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRW8vgoHOWg Near death experience

Social Integration & Influence (3rd dimension of group dynamics) Norms Roles Status Think about norms developed in a classroom setting. Norms: shared expectations and beliefs about appropriate ways to act in social situations. Result from what is valued, preferred, accepted by group. Develop as group develops. Norms can change through discussion, intervention, deviating , helping group adapt and be more aware, hiring consultant Roles: shared expectations about functions of individuals in the group. They ensure someone will be designated to take care of vital group functions. Status: evaluation and ranking of each member’s position in the group. Could be related to how well you are liked, how much they rely on your expertise, Research by Sherif, Newcomb, Asch, and Milgram show minority opinions can influence the majority by offering compelling arguments, being heard, confidence, etc.

Group Culture 4TH Dimension of group dynamics Group culture is an important force in the group as a whole: Group culture refers to Values, Beliefs, Customs, Traditions 3 Levels: Surface, Deeper, Deepest Level

Stages of Group Development Beginning Middle Ending

Principles for Practice Closed membership Open membership Exploration of purpose Norm development, role testing and status awareness Structure Tension or conflict Increased group cohesion Review and evaluate Strong feeling-recognition and plan