1

Introduction to Group
Dynamics
Group dynamics are the influential
actions, processes, and changes that
occur within and between groups.
Groups come in all shapes and sizes and
their functions are many and varied, but
their influence is universal. The
tendency to join with others in groups is
perhaps the single most important
characteristic of humans, and the
processes that unfold within these
groups leave an indelible imprint on
their members and on society. To
understand people, one must
understand groups and their dynamics.

What is a group?
What are some common
characteristics of groups?
Are there different types of groups,
and do people distinguish between
these groups?
What assumptions guide researchers
in their studies of groups and their
dynamics?
Why study groups and their
dynamics?
What topics are included in the
scientific study of group dynamics?

Preview
The Nature of
Groups

Introduction to Group Dynamics

The Nature of Group

Dynamics

Defining Groups

The Scientific Study of Groups

Describing Groups

A Multilevel Approach to the Study

of Groups

Classifying Groups

The Significance of Groups

Perceiving Groups

Topics in Contemporary Group

Dynamics
Group Dynamics is Dynamic

The Nature of Groups

Defining Groups

Two or more individuals

who are connected by
and within social

But note: As social identity

Out
theory explains, in many cases
broad social categories can become
psychologically meaningful
In to
members, and in those cases social
categories function very much like
dynamic, socially based groups

relationships.
Members
are
connectedlinkedtogether;
Groups
Unlike
Unlike
vary in
networks,
categories,
size
from groups
dyads
members
and
usually
triads
are have
socially
to
these
relationships
memberships
very
large
boundaries
connected,
aggregations,
that
not are
just
define
such
in as
the
who
mobs
same
is inand
grouping
the group
audiences.
and
or collection
who is not(e.g., all men, bricklayers)

The Nature of Groups

Defining Groups

Groups range widely

in size, but the larger
the group the more
relationships required
to sustain it.

 Interaction
Goals
Describing Groups

Interdependence
Structure
Unity

Interaction: What people do in groups

Relationship
interaction
(sustaining
relationships,
encouraging others,
complaining, etc.).

Task
interaction

(problem solving,
providing guidance,
coordination, etc.).

 Interaction
Goals
Describing Groups

Interdependence
Structure
Unity

 Interaction
Goals
Describing Groups

Interdependence
Structure
Unity

Interdependence: The
state of being
dependent to some
degree on other people

 Interaction
Goals
Describing Groups

Interdependence
Structure
Unity

Structure: The
underlying pattern
of roles, norms, and
relations among
members that
organizes groups

Classifying
Groups

Primary groups
Social groups
Collectives
Categories

 Interaction
Goals
Describing Groups

Interdependence
Structure
Unity

Social Cohesion
Task Cohesion
Collective Cohesion
Emotional Cohesion
Structural Cohesion

Perceiving
Groups

Entitativity: The
apparent cohesiveness or
unity of an assemblage of
individuals.

TYPES OF GROUPS

Perceiving groups: people intuitively draw distinctions

between groupssome look groupier than others

Primary groups
Social groups
Collectives
1 (not at all a group) to
9 (very much a group)

Categories

Introduction to Group Dynamics

The Nature of
Groups
Defining Groups

Describing Groups

The Nature of Group

a "field of
Dynamics

inquiry dedicated
to advancing
The Scientific Study of Groups
knowledge about
the nature of
A Multilevel
Approach to the Study
groups"
of Groups
(Cartwright & Zander, 1968, p. 7).

Classifying Groups

The Significance of Groups

Perceiving Groups

Topics in Contemporary Group

Dynamics
Group Dynamics is Dynamic

The Nature of Group Dynamics

Gustave le Bon,
Psychologie des Foules

The
Scientific
Study of
Groups

Wilhelm Wundt,
Volkerpsychologie
Emile Durkheim, collective
consciousness
Floyd Allport, group fallacy
Kurt Lewin, interactionism
B = f (P, E)

Orientation (forming)
Exchange of background personal
information, uncertainty, tentative communication

Tuckmans
theory of group
development

Conflict (storming)

Dissatisfaction, disagreement, challenges

to leader and procedures, cliques form

Structure (norming)
Cohesiveness, agreement on procedures , standards,
and roles, improved communication

Performance (performing)
Focus on the work of the group, task
completion, decision making, cooperation

Dissolution (adjourning)

Departures, withdrawal,
decreased dependence, regret

A Multilevel Approach to the

Study of Groups

Micro level: focus on the

individual (psychological)

Meso (group) level:

focus on the group and social

context (sociological)

Macro level: focus on

organizational/ community level

Multi level: adopts multiple

perspectives on groups

The Significance of Groups

Larger view

Topics in Contemporary Group

Dynamics

Foundations

Formation and
Development

Influence and
Interaction

Working in Groups

Conflict

Contexts and
Applications

Welcome to the Study of Groups!