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