Group Dynamics Analysis Argumentative Essay Example
Group Dynamics Analysis Argumentative Essay Example

Group Dynamics Analysis Argumentative Essay Example

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  • Pages: 4 (978 words)
  • Published: September 15, 2017
  • Type: Analysis
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Group dynamics refers to both the examination of groups and the overall concept of group processes.

Within the realms of psychology, sociology, and communication studies, a group refers to a collection of two or more individuals who share social connections. [1] These social relationships foster a range of dynamic processes that set groups apart from mere random individuals. Such processes encompass norms, roles, relationships, development, social influence, the need to belong, and their effects on behavior. The study of group dynamics focuses mainly on small group behavior and categorizes groups as either aggregate, primary, secondary, or category groups.

The field of group psychology was established by influential theorists such as Gustave Le Bon, who conducted a seminal study titled The Crowd: A Study of the Popular Mind (1896). Sigmund Freud further expanded on Le Bon's work with his critique in G

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roup Psychology and the Analysis of the Ego (1922). In later years, Kurt Lewin, often referred to as the founder of scientific group studies, made significant progress in theories relating to group behavior and coined the term "group dynamics" to describe how groups and individuals react to changing circumstances. William Schutz brought a unique perspective through his analysis of interpersonal relations based on three dimensions - inclusion, control, and affection - leading to a theory that posits groups resolve issues within each stage before moving onto subsequent developmental stages.

Wilfred Bion examined group dynamics from a psychoanalytic angle and discovered that unresolved issues in a particular stage could result in a group reverting to a prior stage. Bion's work, particularly "Experiences in Groups," incorporated many of his discoveries. While working at University College Hospital London, Bion wa

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influenced by Wilfred Trotter and Ernest Jones, both notable figures in the Psychoanalytic movement. The Tavistock Institute has since built on Bion's theories and methods. Tuckman's four-stage model for groups, known as Tuckman's Stages, was proposed by Bruce Tuckman in 1965.

According to Tuckman's model, the four stages of an ideal group decision-making process include: •Forming (pretending to get along with others); •Storming (breaking down politeness barriers and confronting issues even if tempers flare up); •Norming (developing trust and productivity as a group); •Performing (efficiently working together towards a common goal). Tuckman later added a fifth stage for group dissolution called adjourning (also known as mourning the adjournment of the group).

It is important to acknowledge that while the model pertains to the group as a whole, individuals within the group may operate differently. If distrust persists, the group may never reach the norming phase. M. Scott Peck created phases for bigger groups (i.e.

)

Peck identified stages of development in communities that are similar to Tuckman's stages of group development. According to Peck, the stages of a community include Pseudo-community, Chaos, Emptiness, and True Community. Peck believes that communication barriers must be eliminated by members to establish true community, making communities distinct from other types of groups. Such barriers include expectations and preconceptions, prejudices, ideology, counterproductive norms, theology and solutions, the desire to heal, convert, fix or solve, and the longing for control. A community is said to be formed when its members reach a stage of "emptiness" or inner peace.

The principles of group dynamics are used in various contexts, such as group therapy, family therapy, expressive therapies, and by politicians and sales personnel. In

today's world, group dynamics are particularly relevant in the context of online social interaction and virtual communities facilitated by the internet. In the realm of software project management, agile software development prioritizes people over processes, and thus values group dynamics. However, caution must be exercised in implementing certain agile practices such as Collective Code Ownership and pair programming because developers in a team-oriented environment tend to align their efforts with the perceived average of their colleagues (Lui and Chan).

The following topics are related to Group Dynamics: Cog's Ladder, Collaboration, Collaborative method, Crowd psychology, Facilitator, Forming-storming-norming-performing, Group-dynamic games, Group (sociology), Group conflict, Group selection, Groupthink, Group process, Interpersonal relationships, Small-group communication, Talking circle. Counterproductive norms should also be taken into consideration. (Source: Forsyth, D.R. (2006) Group Dynamics)

Peck, M. S. (1987) The Different Drum: Community-Making and Peace. p.

References from 95 to 103 include W.R. Bion's Experiences in Groups: And Other Papers.

The book "Tavistock" was reprinted in 1989 by Routledge and the author's name is D.R. Forsyth. The ISBN is 0-415-04020-5.The content referenced includes the fourth edition of "Group Dynamics" published in 2006 by Thomson Wadsworth in Belmont, CA, with an identifying ISBN of 0-534-36822-0. Also referenced is Sigmund Freud's work "Group Psychology and the Analysis of the Ego," originally published in 1922. These references are within an HTML paragraph tag.

New York's Liveright Publishing presents Homans' "Social Behavior: Its Elementary Forms," revised by G. C. Homans in 1974.

The Crowd: A Study of the Popular Mind by G. Le Bon, published by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich in New York, has an ISBN of 0-15-581417-6.

London: Ernest Benn Limited. •Lewin, K. (1947) Frontiers in group dynamics 1. Human Relations 1, 5-41.

- The text provides information about a publication from London's Ernest Benn Limited and a study by K. Lewin on group dynamics, which was published in Human Relations volume 1 and covers pages 5-41.The following books are listed: Resolving Social Conflicts: Selected Papers on Group Dynamics (1948) by Harper & Row, Software Development Rhythms (2008) by Lui and Chan published by John Wiley and Sons, and M. Peck's work.

S. 1987. The book titled The Different Drum discusses Community-Making and Peace and was published in New York by Simon and Schuster.

Schutz, W. 1958. FIRO: A Three-Dimensional Theory of Interpersonal Behaviour. New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston. ISBN 0-684-84858-9

The reference for Tuckman's 1965 article "Developmental sequence in small groups" in Psychological Bulletin is included within HTML paragraph tags:

•Tuckman, B. 1965. Developmental sequence in small groups. Psychological bulletin, 63, 384-399.

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