Session 2: Group dynamics

Question 1

How can the group concept be defined?

Answer 1

• Two or more people interact and influence each other
• Members feel they belong together
• They share common beliefs and attitudes
• Common goal
• Two issues involved:
• task
• process (mechanisms by which group acts as a unit)
• Process leads to cooperation and coordination

Question 2

How can group structures be described?

Answer 2

• Groups have boundaries which determine structure
• Rules and roles determine/manage behavior
• Systems of rules and positions & bodies consisting of
  members make up groups
• Group boundaries must be set
• Group structure: norms and roles
• Social norms: norm- set of rules establishing what’s
  expected from a person in a position & responsibility
  of each member
  ~ keep group functioning as a system
  ~ norms can be formal/informal
• Roles: - roles and obligations of a person in position
  - help predict behaviour
  - resolve conflict and avoid it
  - give structure
• Focus: two basic foci - group and task