1. PERSONAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT -23126Z
GROUP DYNAMICS

2. GROUP DYNAMICS
is the study of groups, and also a general term for group processes
a group is two or more individuals who are connected to each other by social relationships.
understanding of the behavior of people in groups, such as task groups, that are trying to solve a problem or make a decision.

3. Key theorists
Gustave Le Bon
Sigmund Freud
Jacob L. Moreno
Kurt Lewin
William Schutz
Bruce Tuckman

4. Tuckman's model : 5 stages of Group Development
Forming :characterized by some confusion and uncertainty .
Storming :likely to see the highest level of disagreement and conflict
Norming : recognition of individual differences and shared expectations
Performing: group has matured and attains a feeling of cohesiveness
Adjourning: the dissolution of a group

5. Stage 1: Forming
The major goals of the groups have not been established
Task or leadership has not been determined
An orientation period when members get to know one another and shared expectations
Trust and openness has not been developed

6. Stage 2: Storming Members challenge group goals
Vie for leadership position
Voice concern and criticism
If conflict cannot be resolved, the group will disband or continue existence ineffectively.

7. Stage 3: Norming
Recognition of individual differences and shared expectations
Develop a feeling of group cohesion and identity
More cooperative among members of the group
Responsibilities are divided among members

8. Stage 4: Performing
Everyone knows each other well enough to be able to work together
Trusts each other enough to allow independent activity. 
Conflict is resolved through group discussion
Make decisions through a rational process not emotionally.

9. Stage 5: Adjourning Completion/accomplishment of a task
Disengagement- individuals deciding to go their own ways
Often experience feelings of closure and sadness

10. Formal Informal Established by an organization to achieve its goals.
Group Types
Formal
Established by an organization to achieve its goals.
Informal
Formed naturally in response to the common interests and shared values of individuals

11. Formal Groups Command Groups : Task Groups : Functional Groups :
specified by organizational chart
Task Groups :
consists of people working together to achieve a common task
Functional Groups :
created by organization to accomplish specific goals within an unspecified time frame

12. Informal Groups 1. Interest Group:
Continue over time and may last longer.
Members may not be part of the same department but are bound together by common interest
Eg study group for a specific class

13. INFORMAL GROUPS – 1. Interest group:
Continue over time and may last longer.
Members may not be part of the same department but are bound together by common interest
Eg study group for a specific class

14. Informal Groups 2. Friendship Groups:
Formed by members who enjoy similar social activities, political beliefs, religious value
Enjoy each other’s company
Eg. Exercise group, softball team, potluck lunch once a month

15. Informal Groups 3. Reference Groups: People use to evaluate themselves
Social validation: allows individuals to justify their attitudes and values
social comparison: evaluate own actions by comparing to others
Strong influence on members’ behaviour
Family, friends and religious affiliation are strong reference groups for most individuals.

16. Group structure
A pattern of relationship among members that holds the group together to achieve its assigned goals.
Can be described as
Group size
Group roles
Group norms
Group cohesiveness

17. Group Size Vary from 2 people to a very large number
Small groups of 2 – 10 people are more effective because of ample opportunity to participate
Increasing the size of the groups results in decreased satisfaction because it is difficult to experience cohesion.

18. Group Roles
Work roles: task oriented activities that involve accomplishing the group’s goals
Maintenance roles: social-emotional activities such as harmonizer who will reduce tension in the group.
Blocking roles: activities that disrupt the group such as aggressor criticizes members’ value and make jokes in a sarcastic manner.

19. Group Norms
Norms define the boundaries of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour.
Reflect the level of commitment, motivation, and performance of the group.