Chapter 2—Group Formation and Development

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Groups and Maslow Which hierarchical needs can be fulfilled by group participation? Do some groups fulfill more than one need? What might happen if a group fails to fulfill a member’s needs?

Schultz’s Theory of Interpersonal Behavior People need people! Fundamental Interpersonal Relationship Orientation (FIRO) needs: Inclusion, Control, Affection Inclusion: undersocial/oversocial Control: Democratic, abdicrat, autocrat Affection: underpersonal/ overpersonal

Schultz’s Theory of Interpersonal Behavior What happens to members who are less social or overly social? What can you do to encourage group members to change their behavior? What if a group member will not change his/her behavior?

How Groups Develop Tuckman’s stages Forming – The group comes together Storming – Why is it a good thing to address conflict early? Norming – Group finds their “team” voice. Performing – Group focuses their energies.

Fisher’s Phases Orientation – getting to know each other Conflict – Express opinions. Emergence – Search for solutions and decisions replaces argumentation. Reinforcement – Agreement

Wheelan’s Model In each of these models, conflict emerges as the second phase of group formation. Why???????? Dependency and inclusion – Finding your “role” in the group. Counterdependency and fight – Come here, go away! Trust and structure – Overcome disagreements. Work – Begin to work together. Termination – Project completes.

Group Norms What is a “norm”? Explicit Norms: Put in Writing—“The syllabus states that three tardies equals one absence.” Implicit Norms: Behaviors and actions that are implied—“When I come to class late, I should quietly go to my seat.”

Four Categories of Norms Interaction – How group members communicate with each other will help them determine what types of communication behavior are appropriate in a group. Procedural – Dictates how the group will operate based on rules and procedures. Status – Identifies the levels of influence among group members and how status is determined. Achievement – Determines the quality and quantity of work expected from the group members. You discuss how much time and energy must be devoted to working.

Conformity and Deviation Is it possible to conform to group norms, even if you are not in agreement with them? Is it possible deviate from the group norm in a constructive manner? How can group members change goals in a healthy way? When is it time to change the norms of a group?