Group Dynamics Meaning and Role

Group Dynamics Meaning and Role

Group Dynamics Meaning and Role: The study of forces inside a group is referred to as ‘group dynamics.’ Group dynamism is unavoidable because humans have a natural urge to belong to a group. We may witness small and huge groups working for the good of an organisation or a community.

Group dynamics is a social phenomenon in which individuals engage with one another in small groups. A group has a set of shared aims and objectives. As a result, members are bonded together by shared ideals and culture.

The study of a group’s attitudes and behavioural tendencies is known as group dynamics. Group dynamics is concerned with how groups are created, their structure, and the methods that they use to operate. As a result, it is concerned with the interactions and forces at work among groups.

Group Dynamics Meaning and Role

For starters, an organisation may influence the opinions of its members. The interactions of other members in the group constantly have an impact on the members. When compared to a group with a poor leader, a group with a strong leader performs better.

The group may produce synergy, which means that if the group is made up of positive thinking, the production will always be more than doubled.

Members may also experience work satisfaction as a result of group dynamics.

The group may also instil a sense of belonging among its members.

Members’ attitudes, insights, and ideas are all influenced by group dynamic. Negative thinkers, for example, may become positive thinkers with the aid of the facilitator.

Furthermore, if the group operates as a cohesive one, collaboration and convergence may lead to increased production.

Additionally, group dynamism may help to prevent worker discontent. Finally, owing to emotional attachment among group members, it minimises labour turnover.

Group Dynamics Process/Stages

The process of group development is fluid. How do groupings change throughout time? There are five phases in the process that groups go through. Forming, storming, forming, performing, and adjourning are the five steps of the process.

• Forming

The formation of a group is the initial step in the life of a group. Members in this stage are looking for a job (in a formal organisation) or other benefits, such as status, affiliation, power, and so on (in an informal group). Members at this stage are either engaged in a busy task or apathetic.

• Storming

The creation of dyads and triads marks the next step in this group. Members seek for others who are similar to them and begin to share more about themselves. Continued focus on the subgroup differentiates the group, and conflicts between the dyads / triads may emerge. Pairing is a very regular occurrence. Controlling the group will be a source of contention.

• Norming

The third stage of group growth is characterised by a greater emphasis on task performance. The dyads/triads begin to form and seek out other group members. Attempts are made to establish various task performance norms.

While the authority figure relaxes, members begin to take greater responsibility for their own group and relationship. When this stage is completed, a clear picture of the leadership hierarchy will emerge. With the solidification of the group structure and a sense of group identity and camaraderie, the norming stage is complete.

• Performing

This is a stage in the development of a fully functional group in which members recognise themselves as a unit and become actively involved in the task. Each person contributes, and the authority figure is seen as a member of the group as well. To ensure the group’s Process of Group effectiveness, group norms are followed and collective pressure is applied.

The group’s objectives may be re-defined. Development in light of information from the outside environment, as well as a self-motivated desire to achieve those objectives. The group’s long-term viability is established and nurtured. clip image002

• Adjourning

Adjourning is the fifth stage in the case of temporary groups, such as project teams, task forces, or any other group with a specific task to complete.

The band decides to break up. Some members may feel happy over the performance, and some may be unhappy over the stoppage of meeting with group members. Adjourning may also be referred to as mourning, i.e. mourning the adjournment of the group.

The readers must note that the four stages of group development mentioned above for permanent groups are merely suggestive. In reality, several stages may go on simultaneously.

Types of Groups

One way to classify the groups is by way of formality, formal and informal. While formal groups are established by an organisation to achieve its goals, informal groups merge spontaneously. Formal groups may take the form of command groups, task groups, and functional groups.

• Command Groups

Command groups are specified by the organisational chart and often consist of a supervisor and the subordinates that report to that supervisor. An example of a command group is a market research firm CEO and the research associates under him.

• Task Groups

Task groups consist of people who work together to achieve a common task. Members are brought together to accomplish a narrow range of goals within a specified time period. Task groups are also commonly referred to as task forces. The organisation appoints members and assigns the goals and tasks to be accomplished.

Examples of assigned tasks are the development of a new product, the improvement of a production process, or designing the syllabus under semester system.

Other common task groups are ad hoc committees, project groups, and standing committees. Ad hoc committees are temporary groups created to resolve a specific complaint or develop a process are normally disbanded after the group completes the assigned task.

• Functional Groups

A functional group is created by the organisation to accomplish specific goals within an unspecified time frame. Functional groups remain in existence after achievement of current goals and objectives. Examples of functional groups would be a marketing department, a customer service department, or an accounting department.