Purpose of Groups

1. Copyright
©
2012
Brooks/Cole,
a
division
of
Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
Purpose of Groups
©2016.
Cengage
Learning.
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rights
reserved.

2. Copyright
©
2012
Brooks/Cole,
a
division
of
Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
Purpose of
Groups
 Being clear about the purpose of the group is
perhaps the most important group leadership
concept to be learned.
 Clarity of purpose helps the leader keep the
members on course by suggesting relevant
activities, asking relevant questions, and cutting off
irrelevant discussions.
©2016.
Cengage
Learning.
All
rights
reserved.

3. Copyright
©
2012
Brooks/Cole,
a
division
of
Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
When the
Leader is
Unclear
About
the
Purpose,
Groups
Can Be…
 Confusing
 Boring
 Unproductive
To Insure Clarity:
 Objectives should be well-defined
 The leader should follow the stated objectives.
©2016.
Cengage
Learning.
All
rights
reserved.

4. Copyright
©
2012
Brooks/Cole,
a
division
of
Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
Determin
ing the
Purpose
of the
Group
 The leader must assess the
potential members’ needs and
then decide which kind of group
will be most helpful.
 During the first session of any
group, the leader needs to clarify
the purpose with the members.
 First sessions have two purposes:
 Getting members comfortable with
the group
 Introducing the content (anger,
divorce, school)
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Cengage
Learning.
All
rights
reserved.

5. Copyright
©
2012
Brooks/Cole,
a
division
of
Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
Common
Question
sAbout
Purpose
 Certain questions arise regarding the purpose of
groups…
 Can the Group Have MoreThan One Purpose?
 Must Each Session Have a Purpose?
 Can the Purpose Change?
 CanThere Be No Purpose?
 If the Leader is Clear,Will the Members Be?
©2016.
Cengage
Learning.
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rights
reserved.

6. Copyright
©
2012
Brooks/Cole,
a
division
of
Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
Purpose
inSingle-
Session
Groups
 Some groups may meet only once…
--a task group in a school setting
--an psychoeducation group on nutrition
--a job-seeking skill developmental group
 For single session groups, clarity of purpose is even
more important.
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Cengage
Learning.
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rights
reserved.

7. Copyright
©
2012
Brooks/Cole,
a
division
of
Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
Evaluating
Groups
 An outcome evaluation model objectively
examines reported behavioral changes in members’
 A self-evaluation model asks the leader to set
objectives for a session/group and then assess
outcomes
 A members’ evaluation model can be done
periodically and at the final session, giving the
leader on-going and closing feedback
©2016.
Cengage
Learning.
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rights
reserved.

8. Copyright
©
2012
Brooks/Cole,
a
division
of
Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
Research and
Training in
Group
Leadership
 There continues to be a need for formal research to
determine effectiveness of group work
 Training in group work needs to be tailored more to
the needs of specific populations
 Trainees/students need more supervised
experience to develop both general leadership skills
and expertise in specific population areas
©2016.
Cengage
Learning.
All
rights
reserved.