Group dynamics

Group dynamics - the processes of interaction of members of a small group, as well as studying these processes scientific direction, the founder of which is considered to be Kurt Levin. Kurt Levin introduced the term group dynamics, describing the positive and negative processes occurring in a social group. In his opinion, group dynamics should consider issues related to the nature of groups, patterns of their development and improvement, interaction of groups with individuals, other groups and institutional entities. In 1945, Levin founded the Group Dynamics Research Center at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

This scientific direction is connected with psychology, sociology, communication theory, and studies primarily the behavior of small groups.

Processes

Since the group members interact and influence each other, there are processes in the group that distinguish it from the totality of individuals. Among these processes ^{[1] [2]} :

• formation of interest subgroups;
• the emergence of leaders and their departure into the shadows;
• group decision making;
• group cohesion and conflicts;
• changing roles of group members;
• impact on behavior;
• the need for connectivity;
• group breakup.

The reasons for the formation of groups

There are two types of small groups: formal and informal. The reasons for their formation are different. Formal groups are formed under the influence of external factors that define the system of prescriptions, the distribution of roles and statuses, and even the setting of group goals. External factors are not psychological mechanisms. ^[3]

The basis of the informal group is a person’s desire to belong to a group. This is primarily due to the human need for communication, and the small group becomes the medium for its satisfaction. The American psychologist M. Shaw also considers interpersonal attraction and group membership among the sources with the help of which the need for communication can be satisfied, considering the latter as an opportunity to satisfy an affiliated need — the need to belong to a group and be with others. ^[3]

Mechanisms of group dynamics

The mechanisms of group dynamics are the processes by which the group is being formed (see the phased development of a small group).

1. Resolving intragroup contradictions. A group needs to go through a certain number of conflicts in order to work out its “group norms”, which will be the same for all group members. Overcoming conflicts will lead to stabilization of the group structure. ^[3] There are several types of intragroup contradictions:
   • the contradiction between the increasing potential of the group and its current activities
   • the contradiction between the individual's increasing desire for self-realization and self-affirmation and at the same time the increasing tendencies of inclusion of the individual in the group structure, its integration with the group
   • contradiction arising from the inconsistency of the leader’s actions with what other members of the group expect of him. ^[3]
2. “Idiosyncratic credit” - the group gives the right to conduct that goes beyond the “group norms” to a high-status member of the group (the more relaxed the greater was the contribution to the achievement of group goals in the past). An idiosyncratic loan introduces innovation into the life of the group, it stimulates the transition of the group to a new level of development. This is the reason why idiosyncratic credit refers to the mechanisms of group development. ^[3]
3. Psychological exchange. - the group assigns a higher psychological status to a member of the group for a higher contribution to her life. ^[4] There are two levels of psychological exchange: The dyadic level is more characteristic in the initial stages of a group’s development, while it is not yet a complete entity. The exchange is carried out between any two members of the group, and ultimately occurs within the set of dyads. The result of this exchange is the attribution of a certain status to each other. ^[3] Actually, the group level is more characteristic of the already established group. Psychological exchange goes beyond the dyads: one of the parties to the exchange is a group that acts as an aggregate collective subject, determining the status of its members depending on their value contributions to the life of the group. ^[3]

Stages of development of a small group

Group formation is a process related to group dynamics, which consists in the gradual development of a group by changing stages (or stages). One of the models that demonstrate the change of stages is the model B. Takmen. This model is widespread, since Takmen distinguishes two spheres of group activity: business (instrumental, which is dedicated to solving group tasks) and emotional (expressive, aimed at interpersonal relations). For each sphere were created their own models . ^[3]

In the area of ​​interpersonal activity (it is from her that B. Takmen’s analysis of group formation begins) these include: ^[3]

• the “verification and dependency” stage - indicative behavior and the search for mutually acceptable behavior by members of the group;
• the stage of “internal conflict” - aggravation of contradictions in the group;
• the stage of “group cohesion development” - increasing cohesion through conflict resolution;
• the stage of “functional role correlation” is the formation of role structures.

In business activity, B. Takmen highlights: ^[3]

• the stage of “orientation in the task” - search by the group members for the best opportunity to solve the problem;
• the stage of “emotional response to the demands of the task” —the opposition of the group members due to the discrepancy of personal interests with the conditions necessary to complete the task;
• the stage of “open exchange of relevant interpretations” —informational exchange between group members;
• the “decision making” stage is a constructive attempt to solve the problem.

Leadership

The leader is such a member of a small group that is put forward as a result of the interaction of the members of the group to organize the group when solving a specific task. Leadership is a purely group phenomenon that cannot be realized within one person. That is why this phenomenon refers to dynamic processes. ^[five]

The leader has a more pronounced level of activity when solving group tasks. A leader takes on specific functions at a specific point in time. The remaining members of the group take for him the right to perform these functions. Relationships are arranged in such a way that the leader is the leader, the others “follow him”. But this relationship can be asymmetrical: the level of the leader’s claims can be much higher than the rest of the others’s readiness to take the lead. ^[five]

Group decision process

A group solution is a solution for members of a group of a problem facing them. The leader’s functions include the process of organizing a group to make a group decision, which is a very difficult task. There is ample evidence and evidence that in many cases a group solution is more effective than an individual one. The most common form of group decision making is group discussion. A special case of group discussion is brainstorming. ^[five]

Group cohesion

Cohesion is a dynamic characteristic of a group that characterizes the degree of generality, unity of a group, the stability of interpersonal relationships, the degree of emotional attractiveness of a group for its members. Group cohesion has been widely studied in various psychological areas. First of all, the study of this phenomenon is based on the group's understanding primarily as a system of interpersonal relations based on an emotional basis. ^[four]

The first studies of this phenomenon began in the group dynamics school. Group cohesion was measured based on the emotional assessment of the attractiveness of the group by its members. In studies conducted by L. Festinger, cohesion was analyzed on the basis of the frequency and strength of communication links in the group. ^{[5] The} approach to group cohesion in the sociometric direction of D. Moreno is different. Here, the level of group cohesion is associated with the level of mutual emotional attractiveness of group members and is determined by the relative number (share) of mutual positive choices or positive emotional evaluations of individuals in the group. ^[four]

Application

Knowledge obtained in the study of group dynamics, are used in conducting business training, group therapy.

see also

• Social Psychology
• Social group
• Psychology of nations and masses
• Group efficiency
• Group cohesion

Links

• ABC social psychologist-practice. Group dynamics (unavailable link from 06/14/2016 [293 days])
• Theory of Group Relations
• Group Dynamics, Processes & Development