Group formation involves carefully selecting individuals with common goals and establishing shared experiences. Group norms guide member behavior and interactions to create order and build trust. Group cohesiveness reflects the level of unity among members, influencing effectiveness and satisfaction. Together, formation, norms, and cohesiveness shape a group's character and success in achieving objectives.

1. Group formation, Group
norms, Group cohesiveness
Submitted by,
Swathy Krishna k.u
Central University of Kerala

2. Introduction
The process of forming a group involves carefully selecting individuals with
common goals, creating a foundation for shared experiences and collaboration.
Once a group is formed, establishing group norms becomes essential—these are
the unspoken rules that guide behaviour, communication, and interaction within
the group.
Group cohesiveness, on the other hand, reflects the level of unity and connection
among members, influencing the overall effectiveness and satisfaction within the
group. Group cohesiveness, on the other hand, reflects the level of unity and
connection among members, influencing the overall effectiveness and satisfaction
within the group.
Together, group formation, norms, and cohesiveness shape the character and
success of a group, impacting its ability to achieve objectives and foster a positive
and supportive environment.

3. Group formation
• Group formation is like bringing people together in a purposeful way.
While some groups naturally come together, a group worker plays a
key role in initiating and guiding the process.
• The worker studies individuals, understanding their attitudes,
interests, and needs. Then, based on certain principles, the group is
formed to address common motives and fulfill shared needs.
It’s a dynamic process where the group worker actively stimulates the
formation and development of the group, ensuring that it aligns with
the motivations and needs of its members. The goal is to unite
individuals, creating a collective space where they can collaborate and
support each other .

4. Steps in the formation of groups
• 1.Establishing purpose
• 2.The Agency’s social worker perspective
• 3. Group composition
• 4.Open versus closed groups
• 5.Group size
• 6. Frequency and duration of meetings
• 7. Formulating group guidelines
• 8.Areas to agreement with individual members and group
• 9.Details about venue
• 10. Confidentiality

5. Establishing purpose
• Establishing the purpose of a group is like setting a clear destination
for a journey. It involves defining why the group exists and what it
aims to achieve. Just like a roadmap guides travellers, a well-defined
purpose guides the actions and discussions within the group. This
clarity helps members understand what they can expect and
contributes to a sense of unity.
• In social work, the purpose of a group often aligns with addressing
common challenges, sharing experiences, or learning new skills. For
example, a support group for individuals dealing with grief may have
a purpose of providing emotional support and coping strategies.

6. The Agency’s social worker perspective
• Align the group’s purpose with the goals and values of the social work
agency.
• Ensure that the group’s objectives contribute to the agency’s mission.
For example Consider a community outreach program within a social
work agency. So The supervisor ensure that the outreach events align
with the agency’s mission and goals, emphasizing community
engagement and support.

7. Group Composition
• Identify and recruit individuals who share common interests or
concerns related to the group’s purpose.
• Consider diversity in backgrounds and experiences for a well-rounded
perspective.

8. • Let’s consider forming a study group for high school students
preparing for exams.
• In this case, group composition involves bringing together students
with varied strengths in different subjects. For instance, including
individuals who excel in math, science, and literature creates a well-
rounded group.
• This composition allows each member to contribute expertise,
fostering a collaborative learning environment where students can
support each other in various subjects. The diversity in skills and
knowledge enhances the overall effectiveness of the study group.

9. Open versus Closed Groups
Decide whether the group will be open (new members can join at any
time) or closed (membership is fixed once the group starts).
Open Groups:
An open group allows members to join at any point during its
existence. New individuals can enter, and others may leave as the
group progresses.
Closed Groups:
A closed group has a fixed or limited membership, and new members
typically cannot join once the group has started.

10. Consider a grief support group.
Open Group: If it’s an open group, individuals dealing with loss can join
at any time, providing a flexible and ongoing support system.
Closed Group: In a closed group, a grief counselling program with a
specific duration might limit new participants after the first few
sessions to create a stable and consistent environment for existing
members.

11. Group Size
• Determine an optimal group size that allows for meaningful
interaction without becoming overwhelming.
• Consider the type of group and its goals when deciding on the size

12. Imagine a therapy support group for individuals managing stress and anxiety.
Small Group (4-6 members): A small group may allow for more intimate
discussions, where each member has ample time to share their experiences
and receive personalized support. This setup promotes a close-knit,
supportive atmosphere.
Large Group (15-20 members): Conversely, a larger group might offer a
diverse range of perspectives and shared experiences. While it could provide
a broader support network, individual sharing may be more limited due to
time constraints.
The optimal group size depends on the specific goals and nature of the
group, balancing the need for personal interaction with the benefits of a
varied group dynamic.

13. Frequency and Duration of Meetings
• Set a regular schedule for meetings to maintain consistency.
• Define the duration of each meeting based on the group’s needs and
objectives.

14. • Frequency: This refers to how often a group meets. It can be daily, weekly,
monthly, etc.
• Duration: This is the length of time each meeting lasts.
Let’s consider a fitness group.
High Frequency, Short Duration: If the goal is daily exercise, the group might
meet for 30 minutes each day. The high frequency ensures regular workouts,
and the short duration accommodates busy schedules.
Moderate Frequency, Longer Duration: Alternatively, if the group meets
three times a week, each session could last 60 minutes. This allows for more
in-depth workouts and discussions during fewer but longer sessions.

15. Formulating Group Guidelines
• Establish ground rules for group interactions.
• Clearly communicate expectations regarding participation, respect,
and confidentiality.
• Group guidelines are established rules and expectations that guide
the Behaviour of members within a group, ensuring a positive and
structured environment.
Example: book club

16. • Example: book club
Reading Commitment: Guideline: Members commit to reading the assigned
book before each meeting, ensuring meaningful discussions.
Discussion Etiquette: Guideline: Establish respectful discussion etiquette,
allowing each member an opportunity to share thoughts without
interruptions.
Open-mindedness: Guideline: Encourage open-mindedness toward diverse
literary preferences, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for various tastes.
Rotation of Hosts: Guideline: Members take turns hosting the book club
meetings, promoting a sense of shared responsibility and inclusivity.
Attendance: Guideline: Members strive to attend at least 75% of meetings,
ensuring a consistent and engaged group dynamic.

17. Areas of Agreement with Individuals and
Group
• In a group setting, areas of agreement refer to common ground
where both individual and collective interests align.
• Address individual expectations and concerns to ensure alignment
with the group’s goals.
• Foster a sense of collective agreement on the group’s purpose and
guidelines.

18. • Individual Agreement: Members may have personal preferences for
the types of plants they want to grow in their designated plots, based
on personal taste or gardening goals.
•
• Group Agreement: The collective goal of the group might be to
maintain an aesthetically pleasing community garden. Therefore,
there could be a shared agreement on certain design elements, like
the layout or selection of communal plants.
• In this example, individuals have autonomy over their specific plots
(individual agreement), while the group agrees on aspects
contributing to the overall beauty and cohesion of the community
garden (group agreement). Finding harmony in both individual and
group goals fosters a collaborative and satisfying experience for all
members.

19. Details about Venue
• Select an appropriate and comfortable venue for meetings,
considering accessibility and privacy.
• Ensure the venue facilitates the group’s activities and discussions.
• The details of the venue encompass specific information about the
location where a group or event is held, including its physical
characteristics, amenities, and suitability for the intended purpose.

20. Example:
Imagine organizing a fitness class.
Location: The venue could be a local community center with a spacious
hall.
Amenities: It offers access to audio equipment for music, mirrors for
form checks, and water stations for participants.
Accessibility: The venue is easily accessible, with parking facilities and
ramps for individuals with mobility needs.
Ventilation: The hall has good airflow, ensuring comfort during
energetic workouts.
Availability: The venue is booked for the desired days and times for the
fitness classes.

21. Confidentiality
• Confidentiality involves keeping private information shared within a
group or professional setting secure and undisclosed to unauthorized
individuals.
• Establish and communicate strict confidentiality policies to build trust
among group members. Clearly articulate the importance of
respecting each other’s privacy.

22. Imagine a support group for individuals managing stress at work.
Individual Sharing: Members openly discuss personal challenges they face in
their professional lives, such as high workloads or interpersonal conflicts.
Group Agreement: A key aspect of the group’s guidelines is that what is
shared within the sessions remains confidential. Members agree not to
discuss or disclose each other’s personal stories outside the group.
Trust Building: This commitment to confidentiality fosters a trusting
environment. Members feel secure knowing that their vulnerabilities won’t
be shared without consent, encouraging open and honest sharing.
In this scenario, confidentiality is crucial to creating a safe space where
individuals can seek support without fear of their personal struggles
becoming public knowledge

23. Forming Preliminary Group: Key Points
Individual Meetings:
Conduct one-on-one meetings with potential group members to
understand their needs, concerns, and expectations. This personal
interaction helps establish rapport and trust.
Provision of Information about the Group:
Clearly communicate the purpose, goals, and format of the group to
each individual. Providing comprehensive information ensures
informed decision-making about participation.

24. Promoting Motivation:
Inspire motivation by highlighting the potential benefits and positive
outcomes of group participation. Emphasize how individuals can
achieve personal growth through the group experience.
Ensuring an Actual Match Between Members:
Assess compatibility among potential members to ensure a cohesive
group. Consider factors such as shared goals, interests, and challenges
to enhance group synergy.

25. Individualization:
Acknowledge respect the unique strengths and needs of each member.
Tailor aspects of the group experience to accommodate individual
differences, promoting inclusivity.
Giving People Choice:
Offer choices within the group structure, allowing individuals to have a
say in aspects like meeting times, topics, or activities. Empowering
members with choices fosters a sense of ownership and engagement

26. Qualities While Forming Groups: Key Points
Professionalism:
Demonstrate professionalism in group formation by adhering to ethical
standards, maintaining confidentiality, and fostering a respectful and
inclusive environment. Professional conduct sets the tone for the group’s
culture.
Knowledge:
Possess a solid understanding of the group’s purpose and objectives.
Knowledge about the subject matter or the issues the group aims to address
enhances the facilitator’s ability to guide discussions effectively.

27. Skill:
Exhibit facilitation skills to manage group dynamics, encourage
participation, and navigate challenging situations. Effective
communication, conflict resolution, and active listening are
essential skills for a successful group facilitator.
Supervision:
Provide appropriate supervision to ensure the group functions
smoothly. Supervision involves overseeing interactions,
addressing conflicts, and guiding the group toward its goals. A
skilled supervisor enhancesthe overall effectiveness of the group

28. Group norms
• Group norms in social group work are shared expectations and
guidelines that shape members’ behaviour.
• Similar to unwritten rules, these norms influence how individuals
interact within the group.
• They foster a positive and cohesive atmosphere, providing a sense of
predictability and safety.
• For instance, a norm might be active listening during discussions.
Establishing and reinforcing these norms contributes to a healthy
group dynamic, encouraging cooperation and respect among
members.

29. Objectives of Group Norms
Guiding Behaviour: Group norms set clear expectations for how members
should behave, fostering a positive and respectful environment.
Creating Order: Norms provide a structured framework, helping the group
function smoothly by reducing confusion and promoting consistency.
Building Trust: Establishing norms builds trust among members, as everyone
understands the acceptable ways of interacting within the group.
Enhancing Communication: Norms facilitate open communication by
defining how members express opinions, share feedback, and resolve
conflicts

30. Promoting Cohesiveness: Group norms contribute to a sense of unity,
belonging, and cohesiveness among members, strengthening the
group’s identity.
group norms serve as a guidebook for how individuals in a group
should act, promoting a harmonious and collaborative atmosphere.

31. Group cohesiveness
• Group cohesiveness in social group work is like the glue that holds a
group together. It’s the sense of unity and connection among
members. When a group is cohesive, people feel a strong bond, trust
each other, and work towards shared goals. It’s like being part of a
supportive team where everyone feels valued. This cohesiveness
enhances communication, cooperation, and overall group
satisfaction. In social work, building and maintaining group
cohesiveness is crucial for creating a positive and effective
environment where individuals feel understood and supported.

32. Dimensions of Group Cohesiveness:
Dimensions include emotional bonds, a sense of belonging, shared
goals, and the commitment of members to the group.
Factors Contributing to Group Cohesiveness:
Factors include clear communication, shared experiences, common
goals, and positive interdependence among group members.
Benefits of Group Cohesiveness:
Cohesive groups often experience increased member satisfaction,
improved collaboration, and enhanced group performance. Members
may feel a sense of support and security.

33. Disadvantages of Group Cohesiveness:
While cohesion is generally positive, excessive cohesion might lead to
groupthink, where dissenting opinions are suppressed, potentially
hindering creativity and critical thinking.

34. Conclusion
• In conclusion, the process of group formation involves thoughtful
consideration of individual needs, clear communication of group purpose,
and the establishment of guidelines that guide behaviour. Group norms
play a pivotal role in shaping interactions, fostering respectful
communication, and maintaining a positive atmosphere. Group
cohesiveness, built upon shared goals and a sense of belonging, enhances
collaboration and member satisfaction.
• Together, these elements contribute to the creation of a dynamic and
supportive group environment, where individuals feel valued, heard, and
connected. Successful group formation, adherence to norms, and the
cultivation of cohesiveness ultimately lead to a collective experience that
promotes growth, understanding, and the achievement of common
objectives.