LA 10: group development

group

communication system composed of 3 or more individuals, interacting for the achievement of some common goal(s) who influence and are influenced by each other

primary group

a group characterized by an informal structure and close personal relationships; can be automatic; important inflyence on self identity and socialization skills

secondary group

Time-limited group relationships with an established beginning and end; size determined by goals and functions; prescribed formal structure; group ends when task is completed

group dynamics

communication processes and behaviours that occur during the life of a group; influenced by group norms, functional group roles, self roles and maintenance functions

group norms

Unwritten behavioural rules of conduct expected of group members; provides needed predictability for effective group functioning and make the group safe for its members

universal norms

explicit behavioural standards which must be present in all groups to achieve effective outcomes

functional group roles

roles that relate to the type of member contributions needed to achieve group goals

self roles

Roles a person unconsciously uses to meet self-needs at the expense of other members’ needs, group values, and goal achievement

maintenance functions

Activities that facilitate working relationships among group members and increase personal satisfaction

harmonizing

maintenance function; attempts to reconcile disagreements, helps members reduce conflict and explore differences in a constructive manner

gatekeeping

maintenance function; keeps communication channels open; points out commonalities in remarks; suggests approaches that permit greater sharing

encouraging

maintenance function; indicates by words and body language unconditional acceptance of others; agrees with contributions of other group members

compromising

maintenance function; admits mistakes; offers a concession when appropriate; modifies position in the interest of group cohesion

setting standards

maintenance function; calls for the group to reassess or confirm implicit and explicit group norms when appropriate

task functions

Activities that facilitate groups working together towards their goals

initiating

task function; identifies tasks or goals; defines group problem; suggest relevant strategies for solving problems

seeking info or opinion

task function; requests facts from other members; asks other members for opinions; seeks suggestions or ideas for task accomplishment

giving info or opinion

task function; offers facts to other members; provides useful information about group concerns

clarifying/elaborating

task function; interprets ideas or suggestions placed before group; paraphrases key ideas; defines terms; adds information

summarizing

task function; pulls related ideas together; restates key ideas; offers a group solution or suggestion for other members to accept or reject

consensus taking

task function; checks to see whether group has reached a conclusion; asks group to test a possible decision

interprofessional collaboration

when multiple providers from different professions provide comprehensive services by working with clients, their support networks, care providers, and communities to deliver the highest quality of care across all settings

forming

stage of group development where group forms with unclear purpose; introduction or group ground rules

storming

stage of group development where power and control is the focus; conflict and power struggles may occur; organizing structure and group goals evolve

norming

stage ot group development where individual goals align with group goals; group identity forms, with clear roles and responsibilities

performing

stage of group development where there is collaboration or friendly competitions; effective group structure, and focus on task achievement

adjourning

stage of group development where there is task completion; may be group disbanding; reviewing accomplishments and reflection

authoritatian

Work best when the group needs a strong structure to function and there is limited time to reach a decision

laissez-faire

group leader allows group members to decide how to complete task in defined time frame; can be effective in groups who are experts in their fields and independent and creative to accomplish group goals

democratic

form of participatory leadership, which involves members in active discussion and shared decision making

transformational

leader is inspirational and focuses on motivating group members to achieve a high level of performance in achieving group goals; focuses on collaboration, creativity and raising questions

cohesion

reults when members desire to work together to accomplish their goals; describes the emotional bonds members have for each other; develops as trust is established

groupthink

when the members’ strivings for inanimity override their motivation to realistically appraise alternative courses of action

aggressor

criticizes or blames others, personally attacks other members, uses sarcasm and hostility in interactions

blocker

instantly rejects ideas or argues an idea, cites tangential ideas and opinions, obstructs decision making

joker

disrupts work of the group by constantly joking and refusing to take group tasks seriously

avoider

whispers to others, daydreams, doodles, acts indifferent and passive

self-confessor

uses the group to express personal view and feelings unrelated to group tasks

recognition

seeks attention by excessive talking, tries to gain leader’s favour, expressing extreme ideas or demonstrating strange behaviours