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Fundamentals of Group Dynamics - Coggle Diagram
Fundamentals of Group Dynamics
Group
defined as two or more persons engaged in a social interaction
Forces Found in Small Groups
Group Dynamics
The social process by which people interact in a small group and in a face-to-face manner
the study of the forces operating within a group.
refers to the attitudinal and behavioral characteristics of a group.
Concepts of Social Group
San Juan and Centeno (2011)
“psychologically, man is said to be a rational being; politically, he is political and power-seeking being; theologically, he is a religious, God-seeking being; and sociologically, man is a gregarious social being seeking the company of other social beings.”
Types of Groups
Primary group
characterized by intimate face-to-face association and cooperation among its members.
Secondary group
consists of members who are aware and cognizant of personal relationships, but they do not feel that their lives are bound with one another except in time of social crisis.
Characteristics of a Group
Interaction is the pattern of mutual influence (physical, verbal, non-verbal, emotional, etc.).
Structure is a stable pattern of relationships
a) Roles deal with the behavior expected of members in a given position.
b) Norms are the rules that identify and describe appropriate behavior
c) Inter-member relations are influenced by authority and communication
Goals are the reason for existence.
Perceived groupness is the extent in which members see themselves as one (common fate, similarity, proximity).
Dynamic interdependency occurs when the members are active, energized vibrant, and changing.
Motivation focuses on personal needs which – then attained – lead to satisfaction
Kinds of Formal Groups
Command groups are specified by the organizational chart and often composed of a leader and the members who directly report to him/her
Task groups consist of people who work together to achieve a common task. Members are brought together to accomplish a narrow range of goals within a specified time.
Functional groups are created by an organization to accomplish specific goals within an unspecified time frame. They continue to function even after their goals have been achieved.
Kinds of Informal Groups
Interest groups usually continue over time and may last longer than general informal groups. The goals and objectives of interest groups are specified to each group and may not be related to organizational goals and objectives.
Friendship groups are formed by individual who enjoy similar social activities, political beliefs, religious values, or other common bonds. Members enjoy each other’s company.
Reference groups are composed of people who are evaluated for social validation and social comparison. Social validation allows individuals to justify their attitudes and value while social comparison helps individuals evaluate their own actions by comparing themselves with others.