Group Dynamics: Intro

defining features of a group

1. interaction

2. structure

3. interdependence

4. common goals

interaction

• the opportunity for group members meaningfully interacting / communicating

• doing things together that leads to a common goal

• example: meetings and discussions

interdependence

• what i do affects others, and what others do affects me

• state of mutual reliance between two or more people

• example: not finishing my task may lead to another person not being able to finish with their task

structure

• members of the group would report to a certain person, and a certain person is accountable over several people

• this shows flow of communication, work, responsibility, accountability

7 types of group and their category

• by relationship closeness:

  • primary groups

  • secondary groups

• by structure ang rules groups:

  • formal grouos

  • informal groups

• by purpose and origin

  • command groups

  • interest groups

  • friendship groups

primary groups

• small, long lasting circles with deep emotional ties

• ex: families / lifelong friends

secondary groups

• large, impersonal and task oriented collectives with emotional bonds

• examples: coworkers / classmates

• you can have a primary group within a secondary group but not the other way around.

formal group

• highly structured collectives with defined roles and rules

• ex: corporate department, military unit

informal groups

• social circles that form naturally without official organization

• ex: group of coworkers who eat lunch together

command groups

manager and all employees who report directly in an organization

interest groups

• people banding to achieve a specific personal objective

• ex: labor union or environment activists, clubs in school

friendship groups

alliances formed because members share similar ages, backgrounds or hobbies

dynamics

• force that produce movement or change or growth within a system

• not static, it is moving / changing whether positive or negative

why is group dynamics important

• this is where you study / apply concepts of: in facilitating, managing, or influencing a particular group

group dynamics

• studies how people interact, behave, and influence each other when they form a group

• looks at hidden forces, unwritten rules, and psychological patterns that shape how a group functions, makes decisions and evolves over time

2 things to balance in group dynamics

1. relationship interaction

2. task interaction

relationship interaction

• about interdependence and structure

• sustaining relationships, encourage others, complaining, etc.

• some people dwell on this more that they forget that the group is formed to achieve a certain goal

• ex: close sila pero nalimot nila purpose nila

task interaction

• about the shared goal / how my task affects others

• problem solving, providing guidance, coordination, etc.

• some people look at the members as mere numbers to deliver the goal of the group, forgetting that it is composed of people with emotions

• ex: puro gawa lang, hence maraming members na stressed, burned out, conflict arises, coordination is affected, etc.

reasons why people gravitate towards groups

• psychological reasons:

  • the need to belong

  • less doubt → affirmation na you’re in a group so

  • higher self worth

• social and safety reasons:

  • safety in numbers → more people, the better

  • shared traits

  • easy choices → following opinions / decisions of the group

    • ex: mas pipiliin bumili ng product sa shopee na may maraming reviews compared sa wala

group dynamics that attracts

• social bonders

  • high cohesion (acceptance / warmth)

  • mutual validation

  • shared success

• structure and safety

  • clear norms

  • inclusive leadership (anyone can be a leader)

  • low barrier to entry (no many requirements)

• purpose and status

  • common goals (has to be clear)

  • high prestige (good reputation)

  • collaborative learning

reasons why people gravitate towards solitude

• personal traits and energy:

  • introversion

  • autonomy (decide on your own)

  • mismatched values (find it difficult to meet people who share the same values of them)

• negative experiences

  • fear of rejection

  • social anxiety

  • bad group history

group dynamics that repels

• conformity pressure

• in group drama

• loss of identity (caused by conformity pressure)