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The Dynamics of Leadership in Groups

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1 The Dynamics of Leadership in Groups
HPR 323 Chapter 7

2 Wild ducks make a lot of noise, but they also have the sense to benefit from occasionally flying in formation Leadership is an interactive process – talent of the leader and behavior of the group and the setting. Groups are a fundamental element in any recreation, parks and leisure service agency

3 Defining Group Dynamics
The interaction that takes place between individuals within a group setting. Concerned with communication and other forces in the physical, social and cultural environment that influence patterns of interaction. Group dynamics is group behavior and techniques which can be used to improve group effectiveness The ability to use appropriate techniques at the appropriate time to facilitate positive group interaction makes a good leader Also includes patterns of interaction within the group (internal group dynamics) , external forces that affect the group and techniques and processes that affect group behavior Internal group dynamics (communication, group goals, size, atmosphere, leadership patterns and participation External forces – organizational and institutional values and expectations, physical structures, community values and expectations Techniques used by the leader are tools (leadership techniques, style, communication style, role playing, brain storming, small group discussions, problem solving)

4 Variety of Groups Instructional groups Social groups Volunteer Groups
Competitive Groups Boards, Citizen Advisory Groups, and Neighborhood Associations Professional Colleagues Professional Societies and Associations Situations in which a park, recreation, leisure service leader can benefit from knowledge of group dynamics Instructional – development of knowledge, skills, attitudes – generally voluntary so motivation is high Leader should be aware of group learning principles, group atmosphere, communication, group interaction Social Groups – Interact with others – meet, mix, interact in a positive environment – Leader will establish and work with clubs, large group, small group Volunteer Groups – Rec leaders use volunteer networks. Standards have to be set and they need to feel a sense of membership in the group. They join for group affiliation, , social interaction, or need to serve. Leader needs to be aware of reasons Competitive groups - Teams, leagues, tournaments, contests – involve recognition, reward – need to keep morale high – may want to emphasize participation more than winning Boards, Citizen Advisory Groups, Neighborhood Associations – Involves decision-making and policy-making – conduct formal meetings, forming goals, establish agendas, process information, interact with other groups Professional Colleagues – establish rapport with others, building group morale, solving problems, identify goals Professional Societies and Associations – Join to promote the work of the profession – committee organization, management of conferences and workshops, communication, interaction

5 What is a Group? A group is a collection of individuals who interact with one another in such a way that they are interdependent to some degree. Cartwright & Zander Interdependence or inter-relatedness is the variable common to all groups. Just to say “a group of individuals” isn’t sufficient. They have to be “tied together” in some way (interaction, cooperation) Interdependence, Interrelatedness or both – Tied together in action and behavior Gym example – people come to exercise, run, play basketball, etc – not a “group” If they come to play on a basketball team they are a group.

6 Primary and Secondary Groups
Primary Groups: A setting in which intimate, face-to-face interaction and cooperation occurs. Secondary Groups: Groups where human interaction is transferable, readily redirected to other individuals, and defined in specific standardized terms. Individuals join groups for different reasons – professional assoc to enhance career, religious groups to affirm spiritual values, Membership in a family, etc. What other kinds of groups? Primary Groups – Live, Work, play – most easily identified is family – Holistic acceptance and deep and extensive communication – Intimate face-to-face interaction and cooperation Secondary Groups – Transactions are narrow and limited to the transaction itself – movie theater. Another example is parks, recreation, leisure. Leader often acts in a secondary formal group mode – The leisure experience may be a holistic experience for the participant. What do you think? A family is a primary group.

7 Why Do People Join Groups?
Affiliation Recognition Mutual Support Meet new people Learn a new skill Self-enhancement Achieve intimacy Coercion Make a statement Self-identity Achieve Intimacy – Share a common activity with a significant other Self Enhancement – Resume’ Builder Coercion – parents make the child Groups form the basis of many of life’s activities and provide great meaning to one’s journey through life Make a statement – rebel against the establishment

8 Influence of Groups 5 Sources of Group Influence
Shared Participation: Involvement of individuals in the decision-making process. Public Commitment: Behavior is influenced by the approval of others. Social Support: Reinforces individual decisions to act. Normative Standards: Compare behavior with the established standards for the group. Psychological Stability: Face to face/Intimate Group membership can directly influence our lives, can shape and mold our behavior and can influence our perceptions. Sources of group influence Shared Participation – active part of the change process Public Commitment – Individual more likely to follow through than if commitment is made in private because they want to seek approval of the group Social Support – Reinforces an individual’s decision-making and confidence and viability of their decisions Normative standards – How group members are supposed to behave – social norms – various roles within a group Psychological Stability – face to face interaction and intimate relationships with group members

9 Six Group Properties That Influence Interdependence
Interaction - communication Norms – behaviors expected Status Structure – roles of members Goals – group vs. individual Cohesiveness – interpersonal attraction Awareness of Membership – sense of belonging to the group Remember, individuals in a group form interdependence ( cohesiveness or unity) High to low – low being anomie state or condition of individuals or society characterized by a breakdown or absence of social norms and values, as in the case of uprooted people. 6 properties influence the degree of interdependence necessary to solidify Interaction -Communication – could be friendly -> antagonistic Norms – “should do, ought to do, expected to do” consensus – Deviation results in negative sanctions Status Structure – Roles of individual members – defined expectations – consensus on roles increases interrelatedness Goals – characterized by cooperative nature – entire group attains them – group oriented vs personal motives Cohesiveness – satisfaction or pleasure derived – Cliques reduce cohesiveness – create isolation Awareness of Membership – extent to which individuals perceive being a part of the group

10 Sociogram – pg 171 in book – used to provide indication of cohesiveness
Group size Small groups – less threatening – greater opportunity for social relationships – greater access to the leader Leadership techniques – lecture vs. discussion – divide into smaller groups for comfort in decision-making

11 Group Leadership Three variables influence whether or not an individual occupies a role of leadership within a group. The amount of influence one has within the group. The one who is at the center or focal point of group interaction. One’s ability to solve instrumental and socioemotional problems associated with group functioning. Status structure defines role expectations

12 Responsibilities of Group Leader
To develop a sense of “we-ness”. To develop a positive group climate. To identify goals. To organize for goal achievement. To initiate action. To develop patterns of communication. To facilitate group structures. To develop and implement group philosophy.

13 Communication in Groups
Interindividual Unilateral Multilateral Intragroup Intergroup Interindividual – 2 people interacting with each other - Dyad Unilateral – Interaction between an individual and 2 or more persons – group focuses attention on 1 individual and dynamic is typically antagonistic Multilateral – 3 or more individuals interacting. Competitive but not one person as the antagonist Intragroup – positive interaction focusing on achievement of a group goal (positive, involves compromise, high degree if interrelatedness) Intergroup – Communication occurs between groups and focused on achievement of a goal sought by both groups. Usually mutual understanding of rules and regulations.

14 Group Conflict Incompatible Goals Status Incongruities
Differences in Perceptions Difference in perceptions – goals, processes, roles, etc

15 Group Functioning Stroking Organizing Producing Creating
Stroking – When a group first gets together – Handshake, smiles, Small talk – Sends message “I’m glad you are here” Organizing – Groups have a form of structure and way of doing business – Formal or informal – From informal seating chart to bylaws – Must be organized to act Producing – Action that moves the group forward toward its goals and objectives Creating – Keeps a group vital and fulfilled – in a state of flow – members are totally involved

16 General Task Roles pg 182-183 Initiator-Contributor Information Seeker
Opinion Seeker Information Giver Opinion Giver Elaborator Summarizer Coordinator-Integrator Orienter Disagreer Evaluator-Critic Energizer Procedural Technician Recorder

17 Group Building and Maintenance Roles pg184
Encourager - Cheerleader Harmonizer - Peacemaker Compromiser - Mediator Gatekeeper – Keep communication flowing Standard Setter Group Observer- Commentator – provides feedback Follower- Listener and doer Group Building and Maintenance Roles – Social/Emotional Support that members offer each other

18 Individual Antigroup Roles pg 185
Aggressor – attacks others Blocker – disagrees w/ everything Recognition Seeker – me, me, me Self-Confessor – cosmic awareness Clown – makes mockery / cynical Dominator - monopolizes Help Seeker – plays dumb Special Interest Pleader – personal interests Individual roles that adversely affect group – Leader must resolve the problem to protect the integrity of the group

19 Major Functions of Committees
To make decisions on policy, programs or actions. To make recommendations on policy, programs or actions. To direct or supervise To effect coordination To study, make inquires To visit or inspect To educate committee members To promote public relations To carry on administrative or service activities. To select, appoint or approve personnel. To render judgment

20 Agenda Call to order Roll Call Reading of the minutes
Committee reports Old Business New Business Announcements Summary of Chapter Group Dynamics – interactions (positive or negative) must be recognized and/or controlled by the Leader to affect group behavior Groups are a collection of people who are interdependent and interrelated Group members assume various roles


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