What are the six key characteristics of systems in group work?
A: 1) Subsystems exist within systems
2) The whole is more than the sum of its parts
3) Change in one part affects the whole
4) Systems have boundaries
5) Systems have a mission
6) Every part contributes to system survival
Why does systems thinking matter in group facilitation?
A: It helps facilitators see connections, understand behavior, spot patterns, explore process, and guide sustainable change.
What are the different layers of the group system?
A: 1) Suprasystem – world around the group
2) Group system – group’s purpose and interaction
3) Interpersonal subsystems – relationships within the group
4) Individual subsystems – each member’s inner world
Why is verbal communication important in groups?
A: It drives interaction and can unite or divide a group depending on word use, context, and interpretation.
What should facilitators observe about verbal communication?
A: Who talks, how often, communication style, turn-taking, and treatment of silence.
What are ways to improve verbal communication in groups?
A: Monitor cues, link comments, seek clarification, assess own participation, and be sensitive to misunderstandings.
What are key types of nonverbal communication?
A: Vocalics, kinesics, proxemics, haptics, and chronemics.
What is kinesics?
A: Nonverbal communication through facial expressions, posture, gestures, and eye contact.
What is proxemics?
A: Use of space to communicate dominance, interest, or withdrawal.
What is chronemics?
A: Use of time to communicate influence, leadership, and reliability.
What are two common listening pitfalls?
A: Prejudging and rehearsing a response.
What are the consequences of poor listening?
A: Poor relationships, ineffective outcomes, and wasted time.
How can group members improve listening?
A: Focus consciously, actively paraphrase, ask questions, and confirm understanding.
What is task communication?
A: Communication focused on accomplishing group goals (e.g., giving directions, defining goals).
What is relational communication?
A: Communication that fosters and maintains group relationships (e.g., expressing friendliness or tension).
Why is relational communication important?
A: It affects cohesion, identity, and overall group climate.
How should facilitators support quiet participants?
A: Gentle eye contact, small group discussion, private check-ins, and structured turn-taking.
How can talkative participants be managed?
A: Summarise and redirect, set time norms, and aim for balance.
How to handle disagreeable participants?
A: Paraphrase, depersonalise the disagreement, and invite group discussion.
How to guide questioning participants?
A: Redirect with questions, brainstorm together, and structure Q&A sessions.
What are strategies for managing disruptive participants?
A: Pause, restate key points, involve them in planning, and check in privately.
How to respond to hostile participants?
A: Take breaks, re-establish group norms, check in compassionately, and end session if needed.
