Assessing Group Dynamics

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Walden University *

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Sociology

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Jan 9, 2024

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Assessing Group Dynamics In assessing group dynamics, social workers may look at the impact of the group dynamics on individual members and the group entity, future group functioning, and how individual members’ unique backgrounds impact group dynamics (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). The worker may evaluate communication, interaction patterns, group cohesion, social integration, and influence. The worker can assess how group members use language and symbols to share thoughts, feelings, their reasons for communication, and the patterns that may emerge in sending and receiving messages. The social worker should also assess how well group members can see and hear each other, as interference with hearing and visibility can negatively impact communication (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). The worker can assess whether interactions are leader-centered or group-centered (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). It is essential to explore the cues and feedback present in exchanges, the physical arrangement of the group, power and status relationships, subgroups, and emotional bonds between members (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). Assessing group cohesion, social integration, and influence also represent specific aspects of group interactions and feelings. For instance, the worker can explore how well members appear to like each other and the group as a whole and the levels of community and teamwork in the group by observing how much feelings are shared, how well members use feedback, and how willing they are to listen (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). Workers can consider when and why deviations from group norms occur to make beneficial changes that promote the group’s growth and well-being (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). There are also formal assessment tools that measure engagement (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). Workers can examine the group’s norms, roles, and status hierarchies and observe levels of conformity and compliance to evaluate social integration and influence (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). For instance, the social worker might see if some members are uncomfortable contributing or physically remove themselves from the group somehow. Subgroups can also form and impact the group differently (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). Evaluating Group Dynamics from the Video

Communication. In the video, both verbal and nonverbal communication were observable (Group, 2020). At times, members used facial expressions to show that they were paying attention or to show support, confusion, disbelief, irritation, or agreement. As one gentleman became more adamant about what he was saying, he used his hands to communicate. There was also an example of how messages may be interpreted differently than intended when one member read an implication in another's message (Group, 2020; Toseland & Rivas, 2017). The sender then clarified, and the discussion continued. At one point, a group member questioned another member's reasons for speaking. He believed that she was asking questions because she was enjoying the situation on some level. It was also noticeable that some members were more vocal while others observed before asking questions or making statements. Cohesion. The group seemed to have a good level of cohesion because most members seemed comfortable sharing their feelings about the situation (Group, 2020; Toseland & Rivas, 2017). No one pulled their chair out of the circle or sat behind another member. Most members appeared comfortable giving and receiving feedback and appeared to listen to one another even if they did not wholly agree. The group demonstrated cohesion when Pam first said she thought she should leave. No one wanted to lose a group member (Group, 2020). Though members disagreed about whether either Pam or Henry should leave, they were willing to dialogue and include Pam and Henry's viewpoints (Group, 2020). Social integration . Considering conformity or deviation from group norms can help evaluate social integration (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). Most members sat in chairs with their feet on the floor and their arms near their bodies, but one member often had their feet in the chair and their arms draped across the back of the chair (Group, 2020). Her posture could be body language that communicates openness or confidence, but it could also be a deviation from group norms. More experience with the group would help interpret this difference. Henry's presence in the group was a deviation from the group's norms because they had not previously had two members with a past relationship (Group, 2020). One member asked about the group's formal rules but did not seem satisfied with the answers. One lady seemed to take a leadership position, asking questions, trying to focus the group, and supporting Pam.

Influence. Members seemed to give more respect to some members than others. For instance, one member could refocus the group, and others looked to her to fulfill this purpose. After a conflict between two members, someone suggested they hear Henry's story. He then looked at the member who seemed to take a leadership role, and she invited Henry to share his story. Then, the discussion continued (Group, 2020). The group leader also had significant influence as members looked to him for answers and explanations and often seemed to follow his lead in discussing the situation. Group Dynamics’ Impact on Treatment The group demonstrated an ability to give and receive feedback, including clarifying how a message was received and intended (Group, 2020; Toseland & Rivas, 2017). This ability could positively impact the group by strengthening communication and cohesion. Some group members did seem more reserved than others, which could have negative impacts if they do not feel comfortable sharing or do not feel they are heard. Many significant contributions could be lost to the group if some members do not fully engage (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). On the other hand, if these members are merely taking time to observe and think before speaking, it could be of great benefit to the group because they may notice things that other members miss and be able to bring them to the attention of the group. Even though they did not always agree, all members seemed to care about the well-being of individual members and the group as an entity. They shared their feelings and demonstrated the ability to work through conflict. This cohesion level should positively impact group treatment because all members have a vested interest in the group. From this one example, there seemed to be a decent level of social integration. If all members feel valued, they are more likely to participate and engage, positively impacting treatment. However, growth and progress can be sacrificed if a group becomes too homogenous and uniform (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). The fact that the group does not uniformly agree on everything should also positively impact treatment because new ideas and perspectives will be voiced. Helpful Practice Principles

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Knowing and discussing with the group how group dynamics change throughout the group’s life cycle could help people know what to expect as the group progresses and enable each member to evaluate the group’s progress (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). Adding the new member caused conflict and tension, though conflict and tension may also be a normal development at this group stage (Group, 2020; Toseland & Rivas, 2017). In either case, the leader can help develop norms that promote respect and tolerance, mediate differences, and support members working together. It seems like the group is in the middle stage of development, and staying focused on the work at hand is a primary objective (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). When group members experience new situations that can be overwhelming, helping them to stay focused on the purpose of the group would be beneficial. As the group continues to develop, it will be essential to explore feelings about endings and help everyone prepare for the group to end (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). References Group. (2020, May 1). S1, Ep 5: Is this allowed in group? [Video].

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