GROUP DYNAMICS

DEFINITION OF GROUP
 A group is a collection of individuals who share a
common set of norms, who generally have
differentiated roles among themselves, and who
interact with one another to jointly pursue
common goals. (Steers 1984)
DEFINITION…
Group dynamics involve the study and analysis of
how people interact and communicate with each
other in face-to face small groups. The study of
group dynamics provides a vehicle to analyse
group communications with the intent of
rendering the groups more effective.
TYPES OF GROUPS
 INFORMAL GROUP
 FORMAL GROUP
INFORMAL GROUP
 It evolve naturally as a result of people’s
interaction within an organisation.
 They are informal in the sense that they are not
part of any organisational design.
 Ex a group of people who regularly eat together
FORMAL GROUP
 They are work units developed by the
organisation either temporarily or permanently
to accomplish organisational tasks.
 Formal groups such as departmental groups,
task groups or teams, task forces, committees,
and informal organisational groups are going to
be discussed.
 Ex are family, social, special interest, and
therapy groups
OTHER TYPES OF GROUPS
 Command Groups
 Task groups

 Committee
STAGES OF GROUP DEVELOPMENT
 Forming Stage
 Storming Stage

 Norming Stage

 Performing stage

 Adjourning Stage
FORMING
 It is characterized by a great deal of uncertainty
about the group’s purpose, structure, and
leadership.
 This stage is complete when members have
begun to think of themselves as part of a group
STORMING
 If storming stage is one of intragroup conflict.
 Members accept the existence of the group but resist
the constraints it imposes on individuality.
 When this stage is complete,there will be a relatively
clear hierarchy of leadership within the group.
NORMING
 This stage is complete when the group structure
solidifies and the group has assimilated a
common set of expectations of what defines
correct member behavior.
 It is characterized by close relationships and
cohesiveness.
PERFORMING
 The structure at this point is fully functional and
accepted.
 Group energy has moved from getting to know
and understand each other to performing the
task at hand.
 This is the last stage of Permanent work groups.
ADJOURNING
 The final stage in group development for
temporary groups.
 It is characterized by concern with wrapping up
activities rather than task performance.
GROUP PROPERTIES
 Roles
 Norms

 Size

 Status

 Cohesiveness

 Diversity
GROUP DECISION MAKING
 Groups possess greater knowledge and
information than any of their members
individually
 Groups can deal with more complex problems
than individuals can
 Groups deal with problems more effectively
crossing group boundaries
 It increases acceptance and understanding of the
decision and leads to enhanced co-operation in
effective implementation
GROUP DECISION-MAKING TECHNIQUES
 Interacting group
 Brainstorming

 Nominal group technique

 Electronic meeting
FACTORS AFFECT GROUP DECISION
 Groupthink
 Groupshift
A GROUP WILL BE EFFECTIVE WHEN

 The members are attracted to it

 Members trust each other
 Norms and goals of the group are congruent with
organizational goals
 Group size, structure, and heterogeneity match the task
to be accomplished
 Group members are motivated to communicate openly
and cooperate
 The group is rewarded for goal attainment
THANK YOU