1. Chapter 3 Purpose of Groups
©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Chapter 3
Purpose of Groups

2. ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Purpose of Groups
Being clear about the purpose of the group is perhaps the most important group leadership concept to be learned.
Clarity of purpose helps the leader keep the members on course by suggesting relevant activities, asking relevant questions, and cutting off irrelevant discussions.

3. When the Leader is Unclear About the Purpose, Groups Can Be…
©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
When the Leader is Unclear About the Purpose, Groups Can Be…
Confusing
Boring
Unproductive
To Insure Clarity:
Objectives should be well-defined
The leader should follow the stated objectives.

4. Determining the Purpose of the Group
©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Determining the Purpose of the Group
The leader must assess the potential members’ needs and then decide which kind of group will be most helpful.
During the first session of any group, the leader needs to clarify the purpose with the members.
First sessions have two purposes:
Getting members comfortable with the group
Introducing the content (anger, divorce, school)

5. Common Questions About Purpose
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Common Questions About Purpose
Certain questions arise regarding the purpose of groups…
Can the Group Have More Than One Purpose?
Must Each Session Have a Purpose?
Can the Purpose Change?
Can There Be No Purpose?
If the Leader is Clear, Will the Members Be?

6. Purpose in Single-Session Groups
©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Purpose in Single-Session Groups
Some groups may meet only once…
--a task group in a school setting
--an psychoeducation group on nutrition
--a job-seeking skill developmental group
For single session groups, clarity of purpose is even more important.

7. ©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Evaluating Groups
An outcome evaluation model objectively examines reported behavioral changes in members’
A self-evaluation model asks the leader to set objectives for a session/group and then assess outcomes
A members’ evaluation model can be done periodically and at the final session, giving the leader on-going and closing feedback

8. Research and Training in Group Leadership
©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Research and Training in Group Leadership
There continues to be a need for formal research to determine effectiveness of group work
Training in group work needs to be tailored more to the needs of specific populations
Trainees/students need more supervised experience to develop both general leadership skills and expertise in specific population areas