GROUP PROCESS: SOCIAL
FACILITATION, SOCIAL LOAFING,
GROUP INTERACTION, GROUP
POLARIZATION AND GROUP
MIND
The word ‘group’ has a variety of meaning. It refers to any
aggregation of human
beings including the pedestrians on the road or gathering of
people in any place.
A structured group has certain characteristics. Group
development refers to the
concerns as to how groups form, their structures and
processes, and how they
function in different situations, etc. There are mainly five stages
of group
development, viz., forming, storming, norming, performing and
adjourning.
,Forming is a stage which is characterized by some confusion
and uncertainty.
Forming is actually an orientation period when members get to
know one another
and share expectations about the group.
Storming is the stage where one can see the highest level of
disagreement and
conflict. Members mainly voice concern and it is important to
note that criticism
occurs in this stage.
Norming is characterized by the recognition of individual
differences and shared
expectations. Responsibilities are divided among members and
the group decides
how it will evaluate progress.
Performing occurs when the group has matured and attains a
feeling of
cohesiveness. In this stage, members of the group make
decision through a rational
process that is focused on relevant goals rather than emotional
issues.
,Adjourning indicates that members of the group often
experience feelings of
closure and sadness as they prepare to leave.
Thus, group is a collection of individuals and as mentioned
earlier it refers to
two or more persons who interact with one another, share
common goals and
recognize that they belong to a group. It must be remembered
that no person can
live in isolation. This is so because groups help us to satisfy
important
psychological needs and social needs. Different persons
perform different types
of tasks. Group may choose a person to serve as a leader and
other persons as
followers. There is link among the members. Not only this,
interaction among
the group members is a very important aspect for smooth
running of the activities
of the group.
, Development of Group
A very common question that is asked is that why and how
groups develop.
There are several theories regarding group development. A
classic theory,
developed by George Homans, suggests that groups develop
mainly on the basis
of activities, interactions and sentiments. Basically, this theory
indicates that
when individuals share common activities they will have more
interaction and
Group Dynamics
will develop attitudes (either positive or negative) toward each
other. The main
element is the interaction of the individuals involved.
Another important theory is social exchange theory which
offers an alternative
explanation for group development. According to this theory
individuals form
FACILITATION, SOCIAL LOAFING,
GROUP INTERACTION, GROUP
POLARIZATION AND GROUP
MIND
The word ‘group’ has a variety of meaning. It refers to any
aggregation of human
beings including the pedestrians on the road or gathering of
people in any place.
A structured group has certain characteristics. Group
development refers to the
concerns as to how groups form, their structures and
processes, and how they
function in different situations, etc. There are mainly five stages
of group
development, viz., forming, storming, norming, performing and
adjourning.
,Forming is a stage which is characterized by some confusion
and uncertainty.
Forming is actually an orientation period when members get to
know one another
and share expectations about the group.
Storming is the stage where one can see the highest level of
disagreement and
conflict. Members mainly voice concern and it is important to
note that criticism
occurs in this stage.
Norming is characterized by the recognition of individual
differences and shared
expectations. Responsibilities are divided among members and
the group decides
how it will evaluate progress.
Performing occurs when the group has matured and attains a
feeling of
cohesiveness. In this stage, members of the group make
decision through a rational
process that is focused on relevant goals rather than emotional
issues.
,Adjourning indicates that members of the group often
experience feelings of
closure and sadness as they prepare to leave.
Thus, group is a collection of individuals and as mentioned
earlier it refers to
two or more persons who interact with one another, share
common goals and
recognize that they belong to a group. It must be remembered
that no person can
live in isolation. This is so because groups help us to satisfy
important
psychological needs and social needs. Different persons
perform different types
of tasks. Group may choose a person to serve as a leader and
other persons as
followers. There is link among the members. Not only this,
interaction among
the group members is a very important aspect for smooth
running of the activities
of the group.
, Development of Group
A very common question that is asked is that why and how
groups develop.
There are several theories regarding group development. A
classic theory,
developed by George Homans, suggests that groups develop
mainly on the basis
of activities, interactions and sentiments. Basically, this theory
indicates that
when individuals share common activities they will have more
interaction and
Group Dynamics
will develop attitudes (either positive or negative) toward each
other. The main
element is the interaction of the individuals involved.
Another important theory is social exchange theory which
offers an alternative
explanation for group development. According to this theory
individuals form
