GROUP:

The aim of a group is usually to bring about some change, support or insight into
either the individual, the group as a whole, or the environment
GROUP DYNAMICS:
The way groups and individuals act and re-act to changing circumstances. The
scientific study of the actions, processes and changes that occur in groups.
Groups go through a number of stages like a life-cycle.
Bruce Tuckmans Theory of group development :
Stage One - Group bonding (Forming).
Stage Two - Group conflict and fragmentation (Storming).
Stage Three - Group maintenance and the development of norms (Norming).
Stage Four - Group working and achieving its aims (Performing).
Stage Five - Group disbanding (Adjourning, sometimes referred to as Mourning).
LEADERSHIP STYLE: Autocratic, Democratic, Laissez-Faire
Stage One:
The Establishment and Formation of the Group (Forming)
Members in the group are brought together.
Members of the group get to know each other and discover common interests.
This initial stage in group forming is a perfect time to practise interpersonal skills such as
building rapport and questioning. Team-building exercises that can be used to break the
ice.
The role of the group leader is to encourage group members to find common ground.
Achieve balance between the more extrovert and the more introvert members.
The leader should aim for each individual member to feel that they have an equal status
within the group.
The norms of the group will begin to evolve at this stage.
Group is dependent on the group leader, who needs to establish the group's confidence
and respect.
The group leader may try to prevent the group from forming sub-groups.
The group style is established. Style refers to whether the group has a positive or
optimistic outlook, whether it is supportive or antagonistic, whether it is serious or light-
hearted.

STAGE TWO:
Group Conflict and Fragmentation (Storming)
Individuals within the group exert themselves.
Conflicts may occur and members may challenge the role and authority of the leader.
Leaders should encourage group members and refocus the group on its aims and
purpose.
STAGE THREE:
Development of Group Norms (Norming)
Groups tend to develop greater cohesiveness and mutual trust and sense of
belonging between members after storming.
This is a period of negotiation working out group norms and can be a positive
and stable time.
Now members can focus their attention on the groups aims.
STAGE FOUR:
The Working Stage (Performing)
Groups focus on its aims and serving its purpose.
Members should be working well together.
Members know their roles. Some may take on leadership roles. They can operate apart
from leader.
STAGE FIVE:
The Disbanding Stage (Adjourning/Mourning)
Some groups have limited life spans.
If the groups objectives are met, there is no longer a reason for it to exist.
Some groups hold a party, have recognitions, etc. to end the groups existence on a high
note and celebrate its accomplishments.

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Leadership/Facilitator Roles
The term facilitator is sometimes used rather than leader, because the role is often not so
much one of directing, than enabling the group to achieve its aims. In many groups, the leader
may eventually take a back seat, handing over the leadership role to other members of the
group. Ex. Yearbook Adviser

3 Styles of Leadership: autocratic; democratic; and laissez-faire
Different styles of leadership may be appropriate at different stages in a groups development.
Ex. Class
Different people with different personalities will adopt different leadership styles. Ex. Teachers
Autocratic
The Autocratic leader takes full control of the group and dictates what will happen the
direction of the group and the steps needed to complete the aims and objectives.
Autocratic leaders tend to praise and criticize individuals with the group, rather than the group
as a whole.
Autocratic leaders will tend to distance themselves from the actual work of the group after
having told the group what to do.
Democratic
The Democratic leader runs the group as a democracy, giving choice whenever possible and
appropriate. The democratic leader will allow group members to decide how they wish to work
in order to best complete the aims and objectives of the group. The democratic leader is more
likely to be present in the group, offering advice and alternative ways of accomplishing a task
when appropriate.
Laissez-Faire
The Laissez-Faire leader is very laid back in their approach. Laissez-Faire leaders give complete
freedom to individual and group decisions and rarely make suggestions or attempt to direct the
group in any particular way. The lasses-faire leader will only offer advice when asked.
It could be argued that the laissez-faire leader does not lead at all, in the traditional sense of
the word, they are often a figure-head with expert knowledge that can be called upon if needed
by the group

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