Understanding Group Dynamics

Introduction to Groups

• Group dynamics involves behaviors and psychological processes within or between groups.
• Studying group dynamics aids understanding of decision-making, attitudes, communication, and perceptions.
• Kurt Lewin popularized the term "group" in the 1930s.
• Lewin described how groups form, their structure, and how they affect members and the organization.
• Group dynamics emphasizes democratic leadership, member participation, and cooperation.
• Group dynamics include interpersonal attraction, social relationships, conflict resolution, communication, conformity, deviance, and group therapy.
• A group is two or more people with common objectives, mutual stimulation, loyalty, shared activities, and a recognized structure.

Why People Join Groups

• Joining a group reduces insecurity.
• Group inclusion provides recognition and status.
• Groups can provide self-worth.
• Groups fulfill social needs.
• Group action makes more possible than individual action
• Management relies on formal groups to pool talents, knowledge, or power to complete a job.

Theories Explaining Why People Join Groups

• Propinquity Theory: Individuals affiliate due to spatial or geographical proximity like employees in the same area.
• Exchange Theory: This theory is based on reward-cost outcome of interactions. Rewards from interactions gratify needs, while costs incur anxiety, frustrations, or fatigue.
• Balance Theory by Theodore Newcomb: People are attracted based on similar attitudes and relevant goals.
• The members strive to maintain a symmetrical balance and restore it if imbalance occurs.
• Homan's Theory by George C. Homan: Group formation is based on activities, interactions, and sentiments.
• Shared actvities lead to more interaction.
• Interactions build their sentiments.
• Interaction is the major element that can accomplish group goals such as cooperation and problem solving.

Stages of Group Development

• Forming: Members are well-acquainted, establish ground rules, remain formal, and treat each other as strangers.
• Storming: Members communicate feelings but view themselves as separate, resist leadership, and show hostility.
• Norming: People feel part of the group and realize that they can achieve the goal if they accept other viewpoints.
• Performing: The group work is based on open and trusting atmosphere where flexibility is important.
• Adjourning: The group conduct an assessment & transition, and members contributions are recognized. Once the goal is achieved, the group disband.

Types of Groups

• Charles Horton Cooley introduced primary and secondary groups in 1909.
• Primary groups have continuous face-to-face interaction and a strong 'we feeling'.
• They are based on permanence, affection, multifaceted relationships, and non-task orientation like family.
• Secondary groups have limited interaction, ties of exchange, and task-oriented relationships.
• Secondary groups are defined by the organization's structure and directed towards goals, like clubs and trade unions.