Group Interaction and Group Dynamics

What is a Group? Individuals Group Team

Teams Advantages Disadvantages

Structure Who belongs? What is the purpose? Where do we get together? When do we get together?

Process How will we communicate? What form of leadership? How are decisions made? How is conflict handled?

Strategies How will we divide the work? What is the timeline? How will we measure success? What methods/tools will we use? What resources do we need?

Individual Behaviors Task Behaviors Contribute information. Provide resources. Evaluate feasibility. Establish deadlines. Delegate responsibilities. Identify problems. Keep focus on goals. Maintenance Ask for clarification. Provide summarization. Identify common ground. Identify conflict. Encourage participation. Address conflict. Reduce tension. Seek consensus.

Team Roles “A tendency to behave, contribute and interrelate with others in a particular way.” Dr. Meredith Belbin

Bruce W. Tuckman & Mary Ann Jensen Educational Psychologist. Directs the Academic Learning Lab at Ohio State. Model arose from his observation of small groups ”Developmental sequence in small groups.” (4 stages) th stage (with Jensen)

Forming Polite Can I trust? Avoid conflict Avoid serious issues and feelings Busy with who does what, when to meet, etc. Depends on leader for guidance.

Transition Teambuilding activities Ice breakers Guide goal-setting.

Storming Vying for leadership and position Power struggles Confrontation Uncertainties Cliques and factions Little listening Look to rules

Transition Conflict management. Continue teambuilding. Discussion of group roles. Identify and understand diverse perspectives. Encourage positive group interactions. Review goals and purpose.

Norming Agreement/Consensus Shared leadership Rules of engagement established Roles and responsibilities are clear Individuals listen to and support each other Cohesiveness High Creativity

Transition Refocus on task Encourage group identity: T-shirts Group cheer Group symbol

Performing Interdependence/Flexibility Know and trust each other Supportive Focus on the task Disagreements resolved positively Work towards achieving the goal High morale High level of problem solving behavior

Transition Provide positive feedback. Sit back and let the group perform.

Adjourning Task completed (hopefully) Members feel good about what has been achieved. Members move on “Deforming and Mourning” Sense of loss as the group disintegrates

Transition Provide closure activities. Provide opportunities for members to evaluate the group.

Productivity in the stages of Group Development

Activity Stages of Group Development