Introduction to Group Dynamics

What is a Group?

Definition of a group:Two or more individuals who are connected to one another by social relationships.

Two or more individuals who are connected to one another by social relationships.

• Size: dyads and triads to large collectives.

Two or more individuals who are connected to one another by social

relationships.

• Connected: members are linked, networked

Two or more individuals who are connected to one another by social relationships.

Social, interpersonal connection: not

categorical only

The Nature of Groups

Group

• Is often used for almost any occasion when two or more people come together.

• In sociology, however, we use several terms for various collections of people, not all of which are considered groups.

Social group

• Consists of a number of people who have a common identity, some feeling of unity, and certain common goals and shared norms

Why do you feel social groups are important?

Functions of Groups

To function properly, all groups—both primary and secondary—must

• Defining Boundaries• Choosing Leaders • Making Decisions • Setting Goals • Assigning Tasks • Controlling Members’ Behavior • Reference Groups

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Team

Team– A group whose members work intensely with

each other to achieve a specific, common goal or objective.

– All teams are groups but not all groups are teams.

• Teams often are difficult to form.• It takes time for members to learn how to work

together.

 Types of Groups

• Dyad

• Triad

• Primary group

• Secondary group

• Reference group

• In-group

• Out-group

Dyads and Triads

• DyadGroup consisting of two people

• TriadGroup consisting of three people.

.

Primary Groups

Groups consisting of intimate, face-to-face interaction and relatively long-lasting relationships.

Examples:

Families, close friends, peer groups, gangs, elite military squads

Secondary group

Secondary groups are people who share only part of their lives while focusing on a goal or task.

Secondary relationships are impersonal interactions involving limited parts of personalities.

Examples:

work groups, unions and professional associations

Reference groups

Reference groups are a group use for self-evaluation and the formation of attitudes, values, beliefs, and norms.

A reference group is a group to which we compare ourselves.

Reference groups

For example, if a man buys a more expensive car than he normally would because his neighbors drive that particular model, his buying behavior is seen to be influenced by his reference group.

In-groups

• In-groups are exclusive groups demanding intense loyalty.

Out-groups

• Out-groups are groups targets by an in-group for opposition, antagonism or competition.

Social networks

• Social networks are a web of social relationships that join a person to other people and groups.

Five Types of Social Interaction

• •Robert Nisbet (1988) describes 5 types of social interaction basic to group life:

• 1.Cooperation

• 2.Conflict

• 3.Social Exchange

• 4.Coercion

• 5.Conformity

• Cooperation is interaction in which individuals or groups combine their efforts to reach a goal.

• Conflict is interaction aimed at defeating an opponent.

• Social exchange is a voluntary action performed in the exception of getting a reward in return.

Coercion: is an interaction in which individuals or groups are forced to behave in a particular way.

Conformity: is the behavior that matches group expectations.

What is a Team?

The word 'team' derives from the use of oxen or bullocks shackled together to create a focused, shared force for transporting heavy materials.

You are here as part of a team…

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Team

A small number of people with complementary

skills who are committed to a common purpose, set of performance goals, and approach for which they hold themselves mutually accountable.

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Existing teams might regress back to an earlier stage of development

FormingForming

StormingStorming

NormingNorming

Performing

AdjourningAdjourning

Stages of Team Development

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Forming

• Team members are introduced and begin getting to know each other

• Goals and tasks are established

• Generally polite behavior among members

• Norms are not understood

Storming

• Members are sizing each other up and may feel more comfortable and voice their views

• Members may compete for team roles

• May argue about goals or how they should be accomplished

• May choose sides against other members

Norming• Once issues are resolved,

agreement occurs around team norms and expectations

• Trust and common interests are developing

• Roles and objectives are clarified and understood

Performing

• Members make contributions and are motivated by results

• Leadership is shared according to members’ knowledge and skills

• Norms and culture are well understood

• Tasks get accomplished effectively and efficiently

Group Development Process

Stage 5: Adjourning

• Work is done

• Time to move on to other things

Group Leadership

• Leaders exert influence over members– In formal groups, leaders can reward or punish

members who do not conform to orders or rules

• A formal group may have no formal leader– Autonomous work groups– Self-managed teams

3 C’s of Team Players

Every Team Member Can Help!

Teamwork“Create A Story”