BSW3702 PORTFOLIO
(COMPLETE ANSWERS)
2025 - DUE 1 October
2025
NO PLAGIARISM
[Pick the date]
[Type the company name]
,Exam (elaborations)
BSW3702 PORTFOLIO (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) 2025 - DUE 1 October 2025
Course
Group Work: Theories, Approaches and Models (BSW3702)
Institution
University Of South Africa (Unisa)
Book
A-Z of Groups and Groupwork
BSW3702 PORTFOLIO (COMPLETE ANSWERS) 2025 - DUE 1 October 2025;
100% TRUSTED Complete, trusted solutions and explanations. Ensure your
success with us.
FINAL ASSESSMENT BSW3702 Due: 01 October 2025 This portfolio consists of
two compulsory questions that are based on a case study. Please read the
case study carefully to ensure that you understand it before you attempt to
answer the questions. Your portfolio must adhere to the requirements
provided in the attached Addendum A. There is no extension beyond the set
due date.
1.1 Briefly discuss the field theory and its applicability in group work (08)
Field Theory Overview
Field theory posits that behavior (B) is a function (f) of the person (P) and their environment (E),
expressed as:
B=f(P,E)
This total configuration of the person and the environment at a given moment is called the "life
space" or "psychological field."
Key concepts include:
Life Space: The totality of facts that determine the behavior of an individual (or group)
at a specific time. It includes the person, their needs, goals, beliefs, and the environment
as they perceive it.
Locomotion: The movement or change within the life space, representing changes in a
person's (or group's) behavior, goals, or situation.
, Vector: A force that has both magnitude and direction, representing a drive or influence
on behavior. Positive vectors attract (goals), and negative vectors repel (threats/barriers).
Barrier: An obstacle in the environment that prevents locomotion toward a goal.
Tension System: A state of psychological need or disequilibrium that drives locomotion
and aims to be resolved (e.g., an unmet goal creates tension).
Applicability in Group Work
Field theory is highly applicable to group work because a group can be viewed as its own social
field or "group space." Lewin considered the group to be a dynamic whole where the behavior
of any one member (P) and the state of the group's environment (E) are interdependent. Changes
in one part of the group's field affect all other parts.
1. Analyzing Group Dynamics
Interdependence: The theory highlights that group members are interdependent. The
behavior of the group as a whole (Bgroup) is a function of the members (Pmembers)
and the group environment (Egroup, including norms, structure, and task).
Goal Orientation: The group's vectors (forces) can be analyzed. Identifying shared
goals (positive vectors) and internal conflicts or external threats (negative
vectors/barriers) helps a facilitator understand what is driving or hindering the group's
progress (locomotion).
2. Understanding Change and Resistance (Force Field Analysis)
Force Field Analysis (FFA): This is the most practical application. FFA conceptualizes
any group situation (e.g., maintaining current performance, adopting a new strategy) as a
state of quasi-stationary equilibrium maintained by two sets of opposing forces:
o Driving Forces: Forces pushing the group toward the desired change or goal.
o Restraining Forces: Forces resisting the change, maintaining the status quo (e.g.,
resistance, group norms, lack of resources).
Strategy for Change: The theory suggests that change is most effective and lasting when
group work focuses on reducing restraining forces rather than solely increasing driving
forces, which often only increases tension.
3. Leadership and Intervention
Leadership Style: Lewin's work on democratic, autocratic, and laissez-faire leadership
styles is rooted in field theory, demonstrating how the environment (E) created by the
leader significantly impacts group behavior (B).
Group Locomotion: A group facilitator's role is to help the group recognize its current
life space, identify barriers, and facilitate locomotion toward the desired state or goal by
resolving group tensions and managing vectors.
(COMPLETE ANSWERS)
2025 - DUE 1 October
2025
NO PLAGIARISM
[Pick the date]
[Type the company name]
,Exam (elaborations)
BSW3702 PORTFOLIO (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) 2025 - DUE 1 October 2025
Course
Group Work: Theories, Approaches and Models (BSW3702)
Institution
University Of South Africa (Unisa)
Book
A-Z of Groups and Groupwork
BSW3702 PORTFOLIO (COMPLETE ANSWERS) 2025 - DUE 1 October 2025;
100% TRUSTED Complete, trusted solutions and explanations. Ensure your
success with us.
FINAL ASSESSMENT BSW3702 Due: 01 October 2025 This portfolio consists of
two compulsory questions that are based on a case study. Please read the
case study carefully to ensure that you understand it before you attempt to
answer the questions. Your portfolio must adhere to the requirements
provided in the attached Addendum A. There is no extension beyond the set
due date.
1.1 Briefly discuss the field theory and its applicability in group work (08)
Field Theory Overview
Field theory posits that behavior (B) is a function (f) of the person (P) and their environment (E),
expressed as:
B=f(P,E)
This total configuration of the person and the environment at a given moment is called the "life
space" or "psychological field."
Key concepts include:
Life Space: The totality of facts that determine the behavior of an individual (or group)
at a specific time. It includes the person, their needs, goals, beliefs, and the environment
as they perceive it.
Locomotion: The movement or change within the life space, representing changes in a
person's (or group's) behavior, goals, or situation.
, Vector: A force that has both magnitude and direction, representing a drive or influence
on behavior. Positive vectors attract (goals), and negative vectors repel (threats/barriers).
Barrier: An obstacle in the environment that prevents locomotion toward a goal.
Tension System: A state of psychological need or disequilibrium that drives locomotion
and aims to be resolved (e.g., an unmet goal creates tension).
Applicability in Group Work
Field theory is highly applicable to group work because a group can be viewed as its own social
field or "group space." Lewin considered the group to be a dynamic whole where the behavior
of any one member (P) and the state of the group's environment (E) are interdependent. Changes
in one part of the group's field affect all other parts.
1. Analyzing Group Dynamics
Interdependence: The theory highlights that group members are interdependent. The
behavior of the group as a whole (Bgroup) is a function of the members (Pmembers)
and the group environment (Egroup, including norms, structure, and task).
Goal Orientation: The group's vectors (forces) can be analyzed. Identifying shared
goals (positive vectors) and internal conflicts or external threats (negative
vectors/barriers) helps a facilitator understand what is driving or hindering the group's
progress (locomotion).
2. Understanding Change and Resistance (Force Field Analysis)
Force Field Analysis (FFA): This is the most practical application. FFA conceptualizes
any group situation (e.g., maintaining current performance, adopting a new strategy) as a
state of quasi-stationary equilibrium maintained by two sets of opposing forces:
o Driving Forces: Forces pushing the group toward the desired change or goal.
o Restraining Forces: Forces resisting the change, maintaining the status quo (e.g.,
resistance, group norms, lack of resources).
Strategy for Change: The theory suggests that change is most effective and lasting when
group work focuses on reducing restraining forces rather than solely increasing driving
forces, which often only increases tension.
3. Leadership and Intervention
Leadership Style: Lewin's work on democratic, autocratic, and laissez-faire leadership
styles is rooted in field theory, demonstrating how the environment (E) created by the
leader significantly impacts group behavior (B).
Group Locomotion: A group facilitator's role is to help the group recognize its current
life space, identify barriers, and facilitate locomotion toward the desired state or goal by
resolving group tensions and managing vectors.
