Understanding Group Dynamics

• Group dynamics covers how members interact, influence each other, and work together to achieve common goals.
• Group dynamics includes group formation, roles, decision-making, conflict resolution and performance.
• Understanding group dynamics is key to improving group behavior and addressing challenges effectively.

Definition of a Group

• A group consists of two or more individuals who interact, share common goals, and see themselves as part of a collective.
• Groups can be small and informal, or large and structured organizations.

Varieties of Groups

• Groups can be categorized based on their purpose, structure, or member interactions.
• Primary groups are small, close-knit, long-term, with strong emotional ties and frequent personal interactions.
• Families, close friends, and small combat squads are examples of primary groups.
• Secondary (social) groups are larger, more impersonal, goal-oriented with temporary and task-focused relationships.
• Coworkers, teams, crews, study groups, and task forces are examples of secondary groups.
• Collective groups are relatively large aggregations of individuals who display similarities in actions and outlook.
• Audiences, queues, mobs, crowds, and social movements are examples of collective groups.
• Category groups consist of members of the same social category sharing a common identity.
• Men, Asians, doctors, LGBTQIA individuals, and those in the upper/lower/middle class are examples of category groups.

Collective vs. Aggregate and Social Groups

• A collective group has minimal direct interaction but individuals are engaged in a common activity; it falls between an aggregate and a social group.
• Passengers on a bus are an aggregate unless they interact.
• An audience at a concert is a collective group because they share a common focus.
• Protesters at a rally are a collective group, but can become a social group if they have structured organization.
• Women at the same place without interaction form an aggregate, but with a common cause (e.g., women's rights march) they form a collective group.

Category Groups

• Category groups do not require interaction or shared goals.
• If category members recognize their identity and begin to interact, they develop into a social group, like women forming a feminist organization.
• Women in one place without interaction form a category group, but they may become a collective group with a common goal.

Key Group Concepts

• Social Capital: The extent to which individuals/groups are linked in social relationships to yield positive benefits, determined by social connectedness.
• Social Identity: An individual's sense of self from group relationships, reflecting aspects assumed common to members of the same group/category.
• Stereotype: A socially shared set of qualities, characteristics, and behavioral expectations ascribed to a group or category of people.

Characteristics of Groups

• Shared Goals or Objectives: Members work toward a common purpose.
• Interdependence: Members rely on each other to achieve group goals.
• Interaction: Regular communication and collaboration occur within the group.
• Structure: Groups have roles, norms, and expectations that guide behavior.
• Cohesion: The degree of unity and solidarity among group members.
• Size: Varies, but dynamics change as size increases.

Interdependence

• James Thompson identified three types of interdependence as pooled, sequential, and reciprocal
• Symmetric interdependence involves reciprocity
• Hierarchical interdependence can occur without reciprocity
• Unequal reciprocity
• Sequential interdependence is typified when there is reciprocity

Interaction Process Analysis

• Robert Bales created Interaction Process Analysis
• Positive socio-emotional interactions include being friendly, dramatizing, and agreeing.
• Task-related answers include giving suggestions, opinions, and information.
• Task related questions include asking for information, opinion, and suggestions.
• Negative socio-emotional includes disagreeing, showing tension and being unfriendly.

Circumplex Model of Group Tasks

• Joseph McGrath created the Circumplex Model of Group Tasks
• Quadrant I (Generate) involves tasks like generating ideas and plans
• Quadrant II (Choose) involves tasks like solving problems with correct answers and decision-making tasks
• Quadrant III (Negotiate) involves tasks like resolving conflicts of viewpoint and interest
• Quadrant IV (Execute) involves tasks like performances/psychomotor tasks and contests/battles/competitive tasks

Stages of Group Development

• Psychologist Bruce Tuckman identified five stages of group development as:
• Forming: Members come together and establish relationships.
• Storming: Conflicts arise as individuals assert their ideas and roles.
• Norming: Group members agree on norms, roles, and collaboration strategies.
• Performing: The group operates efficiently to achieve its goals.
• Adjourning: The group disbands upon goals completion.

Why Study Groups

• Studying groups enhances People Understanding; groups often mirror individual behaviors, thus improving individual psychology insights.
• Studying groups enhances understanding of the Social World; the way groups form, maintain, and dissolve impacts social structures, cultural norms, and societal changes.
• Group study includes application on practical problems, conflict resolutions, teamwork, social change and public policy