BHS-240: Group Dynamics and Process unit provides a comprehensive understanding of group development stages, group dynamics, group counseling theories, and ethical standards pertaining to group work. In addition, this course explores theoretical approaches to group work. Moreover, this course also addresses the growth and development of group members. With our BHS-240: Group dynamics and process assignment help, students get detailed knowledge of the development of the group and its members. Thus, enabling them to be able to develop useful groups.
Table of Contents
What is group dynamics?
Group dynamics deals with the attitudes and the behavioral patterns of a group. Group dynamics concern how groups are formed, what is their structure, and which processes are followed in their functioning. Thus, group dynamics is concerned with the interactions and forces operating between groups.
What is a group?
A group is two or more people who share a common meaning and evaluation of themselves and come together to achieve common goals. In other words, a group is a collection of people who interact with one another, accept rights and obligations as members, and share a common identity.
What are some of the characteristics of a group?
Irrespective of the group’s purpose or size, all groups have these similar characteristics:
- It must have 2 or more persons.
- Formal social structure.
- Common fate.
- Common goals.
- Face-to-face interaction.
- Self-definition as group members.
- Recognition by others.
Process of group developments.
Group development is a dynamic process. How groups evolve is a five-stage process through which groups must pass through. These five stages of group development include forming, storming, forming, performing, and adjourning.
1. Forming.
This is the first stage of group development. This stage is focused on forming a group. During this stage, members either seek a work assignment or other benefits like status, affiliation, or power.
2. Storming.
This is the second stage of group development. It is characterized by the formation of dyads and triads. During this stage, members seek out familiar or similar individuals and begin a deeper sharing of self. Continued attention to the subgroup creates a differentiation in the group and tensions across the dyads may appear. Pairing is a common phenomenon. Moreover, there will be conflict about controlling the group.
3. Norming.
Norming is the third stage of group development. It is characterized by more serious concerns about task performance. The triads begin to open up and seek out other members of the group. Moreover, efforts are made to establish other various norms for task performance. During this stage, members begin to take greater responsibility for their own group and relationship while the authority figure becomes relaxed. Once this stage is complete, a clear picture will emerge about the hierarchy of leadership. The norming stage is over with the solidification of the group structure and a sense of group identity and camaraderie.
4. Performance.
This is a stage of a fully functional group. During this stage, members see themselves as a group and get involved in the task. Moreover, the authority figure is also seen as part of the group. Most importantly, each member makes a contribution. Group norms are followed and collective pressure is exerted to ensure the process of group effectiveness of the group.
During this stage, the group may redefine the development of its goals in the light of information from the outside environment. Moreover, it may show an autonomous will to pursue those goals. Thus, the long-term viability of the group is established and nurtured.
5. Adjourning.
Adjourning or mourning is the last stage and is common with temporary groups. These temporary groups perform a certain task. Therefore, the group may decide to disband after the task completion.
What are the types of groups?
Groups can be classified by the way of formality -formal or informal. Organizations usually establish formal groups to achieve their goals. On the other hand, informal groups merge impulsively. Formal groups may take the form of command groups, task groups, and functional groups.
1) Command groups.
Command groups are specified by the organizational chart and often consist of a supervisor and the subordinates that report to that supervisor.
2) Task groups.
Task groups or task forces usually consist of people working together to achieve a common task.
3) Functional groups.
An organization creates a functional group. A functional group’s main purpose is to accomplish specific goals within an unspecified time frame. Most importantly, functional groups remain in existence even after the accomplishment of current objectives.
Informal groups may take the form of interest groups, friendship groups, and reference groups.
