1. The concept of group dynamics

In social psychology, it is difficult, perhaps, to find a more vague concept than group dynamics. Therefore, it equally applies to all interaction processes that occur within a small social group, including it applies to such processes as the formation of relationships in a group, the emergence of various subgroups on an informal basis, the influence of one group member on another, decision making , leadership, interaction with other groups, etc.

Just as there is no single definition of the term "group", so there is no general agreement on what the term "group dynamics" means. In accordance with a multifaceted understanding, group dynamics is considered from the point of view of the inner nature of small groups - how they are formed, their structures and processes, their influence on individual members of the group and on other groups.

Another view of group dynamics is that it consists of a set of techniques. In accordance with this point of view, role-playing games, brainstorming, group meetings, leaderless groups, group therapy, sensitivity training and similar techniques in their totality constitute group dynamics.

Finally, the term “group dynamics” is also used in the West to denote a specific area of ​​scientific research. In this case, group dynamics is understood as an interdisciplinary branch of the social sciences, based on the knowledge of psychology, sociology, cultural anthropology and political science. Moreover, it can be said that all sociology in a broad sense is the study of group dynamics.

We will consider group dynamics from the point of view of the internal nature of small groups, which is closest to the original concept of K. Levin, who contributed to the popularization of this term. Levin laid in the 1930s. The beginning of the tradition of research of small groups specially created for experimental purposes. In accordance with this tradition, groups are considered on the basis of “group locomotion”. This refers to the movement of the group towards the goal on the basis of concerted actions of all its members. Western researchers believe that "locomotion" is accompanied, first of all, by such interrelated group variables as cohesion, communication and conformance. Each of them depends on the others and, in turn, affects them.

The word "dynamics" usually implies the presence of some forces that bring about any changes. Indeed, the study of group dynamics is directed to the processes by which changes occur in groups (Hollander, 1971). The introduction of certain changes requires a change in the "quasistationary equilibrium" (Levin's term) of the existing state of affairs in the group. At the same time, it is necessary to overcome the individual resistance of individual members of the group, which is possible only with the presence of appropriate group support. According to reports, cohesive groups have the greatest impact on their members, both in promoting change and in countering it.

The effectiveness of the group can be considered on the basis of two criteria: its productivity and satisfaction of its members. These indicators depend on the task of the group, and on the characteristics of the situation. Research shows that group satisfaction is not necessarily related to group productivity. A review of domestic and foreign studies on this issue is presented in one of the works of the author of this book (Sventsitsky, 1999).

Another aspect of group effectiveness is based on the potential resources available to the group to carry out its functions.

The result of this process is based on the ratio of the contribution to the group and its environment and the "output" in the form of productivity and satisfaction for a certain period. Therefore, the qualities of the individuals that make up the group are vital to its effectiveness.

The dynamics of a small group reflects both the complexity of each individual within its structure and the presence of such a group characteristic as synergy based on the interaction of these personalities, as a result of which integrity arises, which is more than just the sum of its individual members. Even if we take the most elementary group, the dyad, in it we can single out at least three “social forces” that influence its dynamics. This is the self-concept of one person, the self-concept of another person and, finally, the relationship of these people. Each group is characterized by a unique originality of its dynamics.