2. Meaning of Group Dynamics
Kurt Lewin: known as the founder of Group Dynamics.
Concerned with the interactions of forces among grp
members in a social situation.
The term grp dynamics contains two terms:
1. Group =a social unit of two or more individuals who
have in common a set of beliefs and values, follow the
same norms and works for an establishable common aim.
The members of the group share a set of common purpose,
tasks or goals.
2. Dynamic = Dynamics- the flow of, coherent activities
which as envisaged, will, in toto, lead the group towards
the establishment of its set goals.
3. Thus, Group dynamics refers to a system of behaviors
and psychological processes occurring within a social
group (intragroup dynamics), or between social groups
(intergroup dynamics).
The study of group dynamics can be useful in
understanding decision-making behavior, tracking the
spread of diseases in society, creating effective therapy
techniques, and following the emergence and
popularity of new ideas and technologies.
Group dynamics are at the core of understanding racism,
sexism, and other forms of social prejudice and
discrimination.
4. Features of Group Dynamics
1. Perception:
Every member of the grp is aware of his respective
relationship with others.
Members are engaged in interaction with one another. They
have face to face meetings.
They develop some impression (perception) about each other
and give their reactions to each other.
Each member perceives the group differently.
2. Motivation:
Members join grps becz they expect that the grp will solve
their problems.
They can progress thru grp performance.
Grp norms emerge to guide individual behaviour.
5. 3. Group Goals:
Grp goals arewhich towards input, process and output are
directed.
It is the essential component of grp formation.
It motivates them, makes them highly responsible towards
their work to perform successfully.
4. Group Organization:
A grp has the structural elements of an effective org.
grp has a set stds of relationships among its members.
Has set of norms that regulate the functions of the grp.
Individuals have definite status, role relationship, set of
values and own regulating behaviour.
6. 5. Interdependency:
The main feature of grp members.
They support and interact with each other.
Interdependence must be dynamic.
6. Interaction:
Members of a group must interact one another.
If they are interdependent but do not interact, the grp’s goals are not
achieved.
Interaction may take place in different forms. Ex: verbal, physical, emotional
etc.
7. Entity:
Each group has its own identity.
It has similarity and proximity.
Individual experience become the guidelines for the members.
The uniform, office and people become the symbol of a group.
7. Importance of Group Dynamics
1. Both formal and informal groups are important
for competitive factors in an org.
2. Grps working together effectively and efficiently
achieve org.l tasks, visions and mission.
3. Useful to analyze groups.
4. Adds to diversity among grp members and
performance in project.
5. Help grp members achieve goals outside the
group, fulfills the affiliation need, achieve high
performance, etc.
