Group dynamics (1)

definition, charecteristics of group dynamics, formal and informal group.

1. Prepared By: Roll no: 1-8 BNS 3rd year 6th batch

2. General objective: At the end of this session, BNS 3rd year students will be able to explain about “ Group Dynamics ”.

3. Specific objectives: At the end of this session BNS 3rd year students will be able to: define group dynamics. describe the characteristics of group. state the characteristics of group dynamics. classify the types of groups. describe the advantages and disadvantages of group. explain the group formation process. outline the mode of group dynamic.

4. Introduction: The term Group Dynamics is comprised of two words: Group and Dynamics. The term Group applies when: a number of people form a social unit . each member leads specific role. share a status relation to one another. share a set of common value or norms.

5. Definition According to Penguins dictionary (1971), “ Dynamics is the mathematical and physical study of the behavior of bodies under the action of forces which produce change of motion in them. The term Dynamics simply means the study of how various forces in any field operate with each other.”

6. Definition According to Keith (1972), “Group Dynamics refers to the study of forces operating within a group. It is therefore, a social force by which people interact face to face in small groups. In other words, it is a social process , which put emphasis upon interpersonal relations : how people interact face to face in small groups. ”

7. Continue... The reason behind people joining the group apparently is the gratification of their needs. The main two objectives for forming a group are: Achievement of some specific group goal. Maintenance and strengthening of the group itself.

8. Continue... I t serves three functions for individuals : Satisfaction of social needs . Identification of social needs. Assistance in meeting objectives.

9. Characteristics of group dynamics: A group is formed through some community of interest in similar skills and duties on the same language, members have common goals. A group develops a structure of its own, a relatively stable pattern of relationship among its members. The members also interact with each other. A group is cohesive. Cohesiveness is brought about through interaction.

10. Characteristics of group dynamics: Cohesiveness is maintained and strengthened through norms and rules. Norms lead to style, every group has a style of its own. At the head of the group is a leader whose directions are followed by all the members. Members have a certain role to play and duties to perform.

11. Types of groups:

12. Formal Group The Formal Groups are formed deliberately , consciously and collectively to direct the efforts of group members, especially the employees towards the accomplishment of organizational objectives . It is also called planned group . The formal group is the part of the formal organization.

13. CONT… Formal group could be temporary as well as a permanent in nature. The temporary groups cease to exist as it accomplishes the particular mission that it was formed initially to carry out. Group could be in the form of ad hoc committees, projects or task forces. Permanent groups are likely to have more rules and provide more guidelines for the expected behavior of the group members

14. Formal Group cont… The amount of structure in a group is reflected by its written guidelines, record keeping, leadership structure and decision making process and membership . The extent of structure within a group has a significant impact on the group productivity and effectiveness.

15. Formal Group contd...... The permanent groups are: 1. C ommand groups : comprised of the managers and their subordinates 2 .Task Forces : The group form to carry out a particular task is known as Task Forces.

16. contd..... 3 . Committees : The group of people who are appointed by an organisation, to resolve the matters, referred to them are known as Committee . For   example : Research committee, Hospital quality assurance committee, Advisory Committee , subject committees, management committees, curriculum committees etc . It is formed by bringing together those who have special competence or specialties.

17. Features of formal groups: Its formation is deliberate. It is large in size. It has well defined structure. It is bound by rules, regulations and procedures. In this group importance is given to position.

18. Features of formal groups Cont… The type of relationship is professional . The position, authority, responsibility and accountability of each level are clearly defined . Communication moves in a definite direction.

19. Benefits of formal groups It helps to capitalize the expertise of each individual towards the accomplishment of complex tasks . It helps to make use of synergy , i.e. collective efforts of group members yields better results than an individual working separately . It helps to facilitate a proper decision-making , as with many people in a group the conflicting ideas and thoughts arise that could be considered to formulate a better decision.

20. Benefits of formal groups cont… It helps to help others in the group to learn new skills and to know about the details of the organizational environment . It ensures the systematic accomplishment of goals. It facilitates the coordination of activities or function of the organization .

21. contd........ It aids in the establishment of logical relationship among people and position . It enables the application of the concept of specialization and division of labor.

22. Limitations of formal groups: Loss of individuality Group rivalry Restriction of output Parallel organization

23. Informal group: Informal group are the groups that are created naturally , within the organization due to social and psychological forces common to them such as interest, goals, attitudes and working pattern as soon as individuals start interacting with each other on a regular basis Informal group are formed spontaneously by the individuals of the group rather than by the management.

24. Informal group: The group members share similar outlook that result into friendship and other social interactions . They can be formed horizontally or vertically. Effective informal groups that contribute to an organization may at times become formal groups.

25. Features of informal groups: Built spontaneously over time not deliberately. Policies, procedures are not required. Based on personal interactions and common interest. Does not possess any definite structure or hierarchy. Independent channel of communication. It lacks stability.

26. Benefits of informal groups: It becomes the sources of policy and other information . It facilitates the adjustment of the newcomers. It provide warmth and support to individuals . It becomes primary sources of recognition and self-esteem. It helps satisfy their security needs .

27. Benefits of informal groups cont… It helps in better decision making and generating innovative ideas. It helps in perpetuation of cultural values. It helps in the achievement of tasks. It helps compensate for managerial incapability.

28. Limitation of informal groups: Rumors through the distortion of information. Resistance to change. Rivalry among different informal groups. Parallel organization. Loss of individuality.

29. Comparison between formal and informal group: Basis for comparison Formal group Informal group Meaning Groups created by the organization, for the purpose of accomplishing a specific task. Groups created by the employees themselves, for their own sake. Formation Deliberately Voluntarily Size Large Comparatively small Life Depends on the type of groups Depends on the members.

30. Comparison between formal and informal group: Basis of comparison Formal group Informal group Structure Well Defined Ill Defined Importance is given to Position Person Relationship Professional Personal Communication Moves in a defined direction. Stretches in all the directions.

31. Comparison between formal and informal group: Basis of comparison Formal group Informal group Leadership official leadership Non official leadership Source of leader power Delegated by management Given by group Guidelines for Behavior Rules and policies Norms

32. Group Formation Process:

33. Group Formation Process: All groups undergo a process of growth and development. The forming- storming-norming-performing model of group development was first proposed by Bruce Tuchman in 1965. In 1977 Tuchman and Jensen added adjourning stage of development in this model of group development process.

34. C ontinue ..... Forming or orientation phase: Storming or conflict phase: Norming or cohesion phase: Performing phase: Adjourning or termination phase:

35. Forming or orientation phase: First stage in group development, characterized by much uncertainty where: its members are trying to get to know each other, the goal, the task, and leadership. the conversation is polite; the goal is to create a safe environment and find a common interest and acceptance. people are looking for leadership and authority.

36. Continue... The forming stage involves a period of orientation and getting acquainted. Since they are the stage of testing each other and drawing up the group norms, there act is rather restricted.

37. Continue... As Johns (2008) states characteristics of this stage can include: confusion about group purpose, anxiety, silence and awkwardness, and off – topic chatter- group struggles to find a level of ease. As the group comfort will grow they will move to next stage.

38. Storming or conflict phase: 2nd stage in group development, characterized by intra-group conflict where: the people get to know each other well and feel free to put forward their views more assertively. group members jockey for position, control and influence. Leadership struggle and increased competition take place. chance of arising conflict takes place.

39. Continue.... This stage is characterized by emotional tension and hostility: as members challenge each other in attempt to identify each member’s interpersonal style and acquired power within the group. The conflict occurs because many individuals attempt to contribute, blend, and mould their ideas, feelings, attitude and beliefs as they try to approach the task at hand.

40. Continue.... Cliques and subgroups will develop as agreement and disagreement over issues will become apparent. An effective group leader will utilize the skill of negotiations and consensus building. In order to progress to next stage group members have to move to “problem solving” mentality from that of the “testing and proving” mentality.

41. Norming or cohesion phase: Third stage , also called norming is characterized by close relationships and cohesiveness where: the members set aside their differences and become more cohesive and tolerant of differences, the group process becomes calmer. roles and norms are established. group members become more familiar with each other, they are better able to predict each other’s reactions and behavior.

42. Continue... Here, the group interactions (group process) are characterized by openness, sharing attitude and creativity: share their feeling and ideas, solicit and offer feedback to one another and explore action related to group task. Morale and trust increased and the negative is suppressed.

43. Performing phase: 4th stage, when the group is fully functional and here: members do become highly task oriented and people oriented and the depth of their relationships become interdependent. members work with deeper involvement, greater disclosure and unity.

44. Continue.... group cohesion is build and the group members work as a team to engage themselves in genuine problem solving to reach effective solutions. the group is productive, and the group member progress towards goal achievement by supporting one another in the solutions of problems encountered during the execution of their common mission.

45. Continue.... As Jones proclaim, transformation from being a group individual to being highly functioning team is completed. here, the point to remember is that not all groups may reach the performing stage.

46. Adjourning or termination phase: In the adjourning stage, most of the team’s goals have been accomplished. the emphasis is on wrapping up final tasks and documenting the effort and results. as the work load is diminished, individual members may be reassigned to other teams, and the team disbands.

47. Continue.... There may be regret as the team ends, so a ceremonial acknowledgement of the work and success of the team can be helpful. If the team is a standing committee with ongoing responsibility, members may be replaced by new people and the team can go back to a forming or storming stage and repeat the development process.

48. Mode of Group Dynamic

49. Mode of group dynamic are: Group formation: Development of Groups: Facilitating the group:

50. Group Formation: A group is able to share experiences, to provide feedback, to pool ideas, to generate insights and to provide an arena for analysis of experiences. The group provides a measure of support & reassurance. Moreover, as a group, learners may also plan collectively for change action.

51. In group formation phase, dynamic process occurs through following action; Participation Communication Problem solving Leadership

52. Participation: Participation is a fundamental process within a group because many of the other processes depend upon participation of the various members . Participation means involvement & concern for the change which contribute in achieving the group goal.

53. Communication: Effective communication helps in clarification of doubts, confusions & misconceptions , both parties understanding each other, receiving & giving of feedback.

54. Problem solving: Most groups find themselves unable to solve problems because they address the problem at a superficial level. After that they find themselves blocked because they cannot figure out ; why the problem occurred and how they can tackle it. So there should be an effective problem solving procedure to make group dynamic.

55. An effective problem solving procedure would be: Clearly define the problem Try to thoroughly explore & understand the causes behind the problem Collect additional information & analyze it to understand the problem further Brainstorming in a group for better solution Decide for solution & apply it

56. Leadership: Leadership involves focusing the efforts of the people towards a common goal. To enable them to work together as one. Group dynamic process depends on the quality or skill of leader. So effective leadership make change in group dynamic,

57. Development of group: The development process of groups can be viewed in several ways; firstly, it is useful to know the persons who compose a particular group, that is; past experiences their personalities and their particular set of expectations

58. Continue.... The priorities & expectation of person comprising a group can influence the manner in which the group develops over a period of time. Viewing the group as a whole we observe definite patterns of behavior occurring within a group.

59. These can be grouped into four stages: First stage : it is characterized by members seeking safety & protection, seeking superficial contact with others, demonstrating dependency on existing authority figures.

60. Continue.... Second stage: members seek out familiar & begin a deeper sharing of self. this stage is marked by the formation of dyads & triads. pairing is a common phenomenon.

61. Continue.... Third stage: this stage is marked by a more serious concern about task performance. The dyads/triads begin to open up & seek out other members in the group. Norms are made for task performance. Members begin to take greater responsibility for their own group & relationship while the authority figure becomes relaxed.

62. Continue..... Fourth stage: this is a stage of a fully functional group where members see themselves as a group & get involved in the task. Each person makes a contribution & the authority figure is also seen as a part of the group. Group norms are followed & the long term viability of the group is established & nurtured.

63. Facilitating the Group: A group cannot automatically function effectively, it needs to be facilitated. Facilitating is the conscious process of assisting a group to successfully achieve its task . Effective facilitating helps in the maintenance of group dynamics.

64. To facilitate effectively the facilitator needs to: Understand what is happening within the group Be aware of his/her own personality Know how to facilitate and practice it.

65. Summary

66. References Singh, I. (2019). Leading and Managing in Health (11th edition). Kathmandu: Hisi Offset Printers Pvt. Ltd. Suwal , R.K. Leadership and Management in nursing (2nd edition). Kathmandu: Smiksha Publication Pvt. Ltd. Retrieved from https://keydifferences.com/difference-between-formal-and-informal-groups.html on 2021/06/10. Retrieved from https://study.com/academy/lesson/adjourning-stage-of-group-development-definition-lesson-quiz.html on 2021/06/10 https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-principlesmanagement/chapter/reading-the-five-stages-of-team-development/ on 2021/06/10