Group Dynamics
Group Dynamics
Elizabeth Duncan
Psych/570
November 5, 2011
Dr. Edward Garrido
Group Dynamics The dynamics of a group is very important to how the group functions. According toGreenlee and Karanxha, “ group dynamics, as a conceptual framework, provide a heuristic approach for understanding how effective groups both work and advance our knowledge” (2010 p. 360). The first area to look at is what a group is. There are different areas to group dynamics. This paper will look at these areas. One area that will be looked at is the makeup of the group in terms of gender, education, and length of time with the organization. Another area that the paper will examine is what growth the organization has under went in the time it has been operating. The next area to be examined is the structure of the group and how that structure affects the performance of the group. The next area of group dynamics is to describe the dynamics of group behavior. How the group interacts with each other and with those outside the group. The last area that this paper will examine is to look at the effect that the group has had on the author in terms of his or her views on group polarization, conformity, and groupthink. In the end the paper will provide a look at UTS and how the author has changed since becoming a member.
What is a group? There are many definitions of what makes up a group. A group is made up of a collection of individuals who have regular contact and frequent interaction, mutual influence, common feeling of camaraderie, and who work together to achieve a common set of goals. People are a part of many different types of groups. They are part of a family, a group within the community, and a group at their workplace. The group provides a sense of belonging as well as a social outlet for people. Groups are used for many different purposes. According to Jex and Britt, “organizations make use of groups for an obvious reason: A group can accomplish more
Elizabeth Duncan
Psych/570
November 5, 2011
Dr. Edward Garrido
Group Dynamics The dynamics of a group is very important to how the group functions. According toGreenlee and Karanxha, “ group dynamics, as a conceptual framework, provide a heuristic approach for understanding how effective groups both work and advance our knowledge” (2010 p. 360). The first area to look at is what a group is. There are different areas to group dynamics. This paper will look at these areas. One area that will be looked at is the makeup of the group in terms of gender, education, and length of time with the organization. Another area that the paper will examine is what growth the organization has under went in the time it has been operating. The next area to be examined is the structure of the group and how that structure affects the performance of the group. The next area of group dynamics is to describe the dynamics of group behavior. How the group interacts with each other and with those outside the group. The last area that this paper will examine is to look at the effect that the group has had on the author in terms of his or her views on group polarization, conformity, and groupthink. In the end the paper will provide a look at UTS and how the author has changed since becoming a member.
What is a group? There are many definitions of what makes up a group. A group is made up of a collection of individuals who have regular contact and frequent interaction, mutual influence, common feeling of camaraderie, and who work together to achieve a common set of goals. People are a part of many different types of groups. They are part of a family, a group within the community, and a group at their workplace. The group provides a sense of belonging as well as a social outlet for people. Groups are used for many different purposes. According to Jex and Britt, “organizations make use of groups for an obvious reason: A group can accomplish more
References: Greenlee, B.J., & Karanxha, Z. (2010). A Study of Group Dynamics in Educational Leadership Cohort and Non-Cohort Groups. Journal of Research on Leadership Education, 5(11), 357-382. Jex, S. M. & Britt, T. W. (2008). Organizational psychology: A scientist-practitioner approaches (2nd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Mackenzie, S., Podsakoff, P. and Podsekoff, N., Challenge-Oriented Organizational Citizenship Behaviors and Organizational Effectiveness: Do Challenge-Oriented Behaviors Really Have an Impact on The Organization’s Bottom line, Personnel Psychology, September 2011 64(3):559-592.