Understanding Group Dynamics: Theories and Real-World Applications

Group Dynamics Paper The usage of theories to explain certain human behaviors in groups is based on many factors including what type of group, the groups goals, and what theory or theories are used to explain these functions. While theories are used to closely examine groups as one and the individuals in groups this paper will focus on both aspects to understand human dynamics as a group while still retaining the individual within that group. In this paper we were divided into groups to reach the goal of putting together a teaching assignment. I was assigned to this group after the initial group had already been allocated and had already met in a group setting before I became involved with the group. Group sessions met on Fridays during our regular class ...show more content... The next stage norming did happen in some context the group did come to an agreement about the presentation as a whole and the game involved in the presentation. Some group members were talking outside the group so cohesion did happen between some members. The group seemed to be politely trying to conform into the role of group. The group moved in context of the task group development but not always from one stage to the next but at times bordering two developments at the same time. This happened at one point when the teaching session was presented which is the performing part of group development and then the adjourning of the group took place as soon as the session had been performed. In group task development many factors can be found that effect the way associates or group members respond to each other such as social connectedness in the article Mere Belonging: The Power of Social Connections this is explained as, "social belonging has many factors conflated in it, such as shared experience, social norms, and social feedback Get more content on StudyHub.Vip

Group Dynamics The continual meeting of the groups helped our overall development into a better flowing group. We each learned how to better interact with each other as the sessions went on and we became a better group in the process. One of the ways the group changes from the beginning was that we all became more comfortable sharing our thoughts and ideas with each other. In the beginning we did not know each other that well so it was hard to share ideas with each other, for fear of being judged or looked down on. But once we got to know each other and felt safe to talk about our own opinions and ideas, the group dynamic improved. The change was definitely a positive one and one that allowed us to challenge each others ideas or questions someones thought, ...show more content... In the beginning it was odd and uncomfortable because we didn't know each other or what was expected of us. But after we learned what the expectations were we can feel more comfortable within the group which was a nice thing. I think as a whole the group got along pretty well and for the most part we were able to work together to attempt to solve the issue, there were little issues here and there, but that can be expected within any group. The group sessions were also a good way to learn how to work productively with people you may not like or get along with, and its a good example of how to separate what you feel about the person outside the group from what you have to get done in the Get more content on StudyHub.Vip

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Reflection On Group Dynamics This is my first semester at City Tech. When I signed up for the group dynamics class I expected to have some difficulties. Prior to this class I worked on various group projects and for the most part it was a wreck. The information given was unclear, members were not focused and/ or the professor was too busy to help. As a result, I ended up doing all the work and not feeling confident in my projects. This class on the other hand, has been totally different. The group that I am in is extremely unique. We all have different ideas but we come together as a group to accomplish the task at hand. The commitment of the group members has never been an issue. Our Professor is Nicole Borger, she has a great attitude and is extremely down to earth. She is approachable and willing to assist her student's. For instance, after the midterm, the class and the professor agreed that we didn't do well. We discussed our issues and ways to review for the next exam. Due to, professor Borger attitude, I am confident that the class will do exceptionally well. Both the group and the professor are clear on the purpose of the class and, what is expected from each other. In conclusion, this class has changed my perspective about working in a group. Since my prior experience with groups was so unsettling, I believed that all groups were going to be the same. However, this class has made it possible to believe that there are groups that respect and take into consideration other members' Get more content on StudyHub.Vip

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Group Dynamics This is a case study of Southwest Minnesota State University wheelchair basketball team and how group dynamics play a key role in teamwork. From my understanding in class and playing for SMSU, I will explain how a group of individuals worked together to achieve a common goal. But, First, I will define group dynamics and how group decision making helped the team succeed as a group. Secondly, I will discuss the significant role of skills development. Most importantly, I will point out the variety of disabilities we share as athletes. Then again, groups can run into trouble, and it is useful to be aware of these issues, and the appropriate solutions right from the start. However, after reading this case study, you will be informed about how wheelchair athletes cope with group decision making, skills development, social comparison, and conflict between group members. To begin with, SMSU is a University located in Marshall, Minnesota that offers wheelchair basketball for students with disabilities. To play wheelchair basketball one must have a physical disability that limits his or her ability to play able–bodied sports. Such as, amputation of the lower and upper limbs of the body, spinal bifida, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries and many other disabilities. Although SMSU ...show more content... Also, we learned that group dynamics is an important area of psychology because it can have value when looking at the way people work together, live together and play together. However, by understanding how groups are formed it help individuals understand how to best organize and communicate with groups of people. In fact, groups that work well together can achieve much more than individuals working on their own. SMSU wheelchair basketball team is a notable example of groupwork. As the season progressed the team Increased their productivity and performance as group instead of a Get more content on StudyHub.Vip

Group Dynamics GROUP DYNAMICS The social process by which people interact and behave in a group environment is called group dynamics. Group dynamics involves the influence of personality, power, and behaviour on the group process. Group dynamics is the study of groups, and also a general term for group processes. Relevant to the fields of psychology , sociology , and communication studies, a group is two or more individuals who are connected to each other by social relationships. Because they interact and influence each other, groups develop a number of dynamic processes that separate them from a random collection of individuals. These processes include norms, roles, relations, development, need to belong, social influence, and effects ...show more content... 2. Storming: In this stage, the group is likely to see the highest level of disagreement and conflict. Members often challenge group goals and struggle for power. Individuals often vie for the leadership position during this stage of development. This can be a positive experience for all groups if members can achieve cohesiveness through resolution. Members often voice concern and criticism in this phase. If members are not able to resolve the conflict, then the group will often disband or continue in existence but will remain ineffective and never advance to the other stages. 3. Norming: This stage is characterized by the recognition of individual differences and shared expectations. Hopefully, at this stage the group members will begin to develop a feeling of group cohesion and identity. Cooperative effort should begin to yield results. Responsibilities are divided among members and the group decides how it will evaluate progress. 4. Performing: Performing, occurs when the group has matured and attains a feeling of cohesiveness. During this stage of development, individuals accept one another and conflict is resolved through group discussion. Members of the group make decisions through a rational process that is focused on relevant goals rather than emotional issues. 5. Adjourning: Not all groups experience this stage of development because it is characterized by the disbandment of the group. Some groups are relatively Get more content on StudyHub.Vip

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Group Dynamics in Psychology Essay Questions and Answers About Group Dynamics in Psychology 1. How does each one of the two fit the definition of a group? Social– In my social group, it is clear that we are a collection of individuals guided by roles and norms. We, as friends, clearly influence each other, satisfy personal needs through association, and could be classified as a unit due to our common relation and degree of similiarity. I also notice a great degree of interdependence. That is, evnts affecting one tend to affect us all in some way or another. Work– ...show more content... Because we had made group plans, we all went over and helped with the painting. Had we not helped, we would not have achieved the group experience that we all wanted. Work: Because my work group is more goal oriented, positive interdependence plays a greater role in this context. For example, at work we all have different tasks that we must accomplish. I usually work the sales floor, write up sales and oversee operations while the other guys might be out delivering merchandise or unloading Get more content on StudyHub.Vip

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Group Dynamics Paper 3 Group Dynamics a) There are many ways to communicate effectively with your group, and there can be many reasons why some groups communicate poorly. Valentine Belonwu states, many points on group dynamics and effective group communication, (Belonwu, 2013). Some important points that Belonwu makes are: One on one, people understand better when talked to directly or face to face. Maintaining eye contact will ensure the message has been understood and that way effective communication is accomplished. Listen to you team members, communications is a two way path, make sure to not just keep talking about your topics, give your team members a chance to talk as well. This will mean next time they will be more likely to engage in the conversation. Be Appreciative, always be courteous towards your listeners and group members. The point of ...show more content... One reason for it being effective was just like how Belonwu states is that we created a very receptive atmosphere, this means that we didn't have a tense environment whenever we had meetings, therefore we felt more confident discussing the topics. Another instance is we made sure to reduce our perceptions and to be empathetic towards how others see a situation. This made communication really effective as we moved passed trying explain things we didn't need to and had more time to discuss the important issues and go straight to the point. As a team, we didn't really face unsuccessful communication, this was due to us just listening to each other during our meetings, and we listened politely and made sure we weren't being ignored. This not only helped us have effective communication as a team, but also got closer as a team. While having meetings as a group we displayed confidence and seriousness, when talking about our topics this told each of us that we were not talking nonsense. This greatly helped us understand better and complete our work Get more content on StudyHub.Vip

Group Dynamics | Team Assessment Paper | [Type the document subtitle] | | | Working with my team in Group Dynamics throughout the semester proved to be a rewarding, enlightening perspective into how groups and teams work together. We encountered challenges along the way but for the most part we succeeded in setting out what we wanted to accomplish this semester and were able to reach our designated goals. One of the challenges I encountered first in my team was the varying degrees of trust and friendship I shared with my group members. I had known Karen since we were in undergraduate classes together and had worked with her several times. Denise had been in a few of my classes before but we had never worked together previously. Lastly, ...show more content... Similarly, the conflict resolution styles of my group members and I matured during the semester. When completing our first assignment most team members used the avoidance conflict resolution technique because we did not feel comfortable being honest with one another. However, as our social relationships improved, we each spoke up more about out opinions in a respectful, tactful manner. This allowed us to collaborate better when dealing with conflict and helped us to reach decisions that led to everyone 'winning' (Levi, 2011). Although we had been using the consensus making decision style since the beginning of the semester we were also able to improve upon our administration of it. This approach is time consuming because it requires every group member to discuss an issue and all agree on it before it can be accepted (Levi, 2011). We found that it was taking too long for us to reach group decisions because no one wanted to offend anyone else or offer their honest opinion at first. The more we developed trust the better we could discuss issues honestly in a timely fashion and make well thought out decisions quickly. For the most part I am happy with how my team members and I progressed and developed our skills throughout the semester. I feel that we were able to achieve the goals we set out to achieve in the beginning of class. I don't think that I would change the path we went on to reach this Get more content on StudyHub.Vip

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Essay on Group Dynamics Group therapy is an important aspect in the treatment process for many psychological disorders. Group therapy consists of two or more people engaged in a therapeutic session at the same time. The goals of group therapy are dependent upon which type and form the group is. There are three types of groups; the task group, the midrange group, and the process group. Within these types, four basic forms of groups exist; the activity, the support, the problem–solving and psychoeducational, and the psychodynamic. Activity groups are categorized within the task group. The goal of an activity group is to engage clients in activities that will promote a sense of belonging and cooperation. These groups may also help the client develop ...show more content... These groups allow clients to reflect on how past behaviors affect present behaviors. This enables them to discover more about themselves and what it is that they would like to change about themselves. Positive relationships are the focus of these groups, through interpersonal communication within the group. Within a group, members can assume several roles. In midrange groups, for example, members are likely to assume the task and group maintenance functions. The initiator, elaborator, and coordinator encompass the task function of a group. It is the responsibility of the initiator to develop new ideas for discussion within the group, what they hope to accomplish while in the group, how they plan to accomplish it and the rules before implementing it. The evaluator will determine the effectiveness of the initiator's proposal, and the coordinator clarifies the ideas submitted by the members, as well as assisting different subgroups in reaching their desired goal more effectively. The encourager, within the group maintenance function, commends members when needed, demonstrates approval of others, and decreases conflict within the group. The harmonizer intervenes to diminish stress resulting from any discord within the group, and the compromiser seeks a mutually agreeable concession. Individuals within the group may assume the role of aggressor, who shows negativity towards others and their ideas. The recognition–seeker is someone who wants Get more content on StudyHub.Vip

Group Dynamics Essay

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