7.2.5 - Elements of Group Structure
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Introduction to Groups
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Today, we're starting our exploration of groups. Can anyone tell me what defines a group?
I think a group is just a collection of people together.
That's a common thought, but it's not completely accurate. A group is an organized system of individuals who interact and are interdependent. They also share common goals.
So, how is a group different from just being in a crowd?
Great question! In a crowd, individuals are not interdependent; in a group, there's mutual dependence. Remember, groups have defined roles and norms, which helps them achieve common goals.
So, our class can be considered a group?
Exactly! And all of you have roles—like students and friends—that help the class function effectively. Let's remember the acronym G.I.R.L. for groups: Goals, Interdependence, Roles, and Limits.
What about the types of groups? Are they all the same?
Not at all! That's a key point I'm glad you brought up. Let's dive deeper into the types of groups now.
Stages of Group Formation
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Now that we understand what groups are, can anyone tell me how they think groups come together?
Maybe they just start meeting and talking?
That’s part of it. Groups go through five stages: forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning. Let's break each of these down. In the forming stage, members are introduced and uncertain.
What happens in the storming stage?
In the storming stage, conflicts and disagreements typically arise as members try to establish their roles. This is where the group really starts to take shape.
So, does every group go through all these stages, or can they skip some?
Good observation! Not all groups follow this sequence perfectly. Sometimes stages overlap or are skipped completely. Remember the acronym F.S.N.P.A.: Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, Adjourning!
Can you give us an example of when a group might not go through all stages?
Sure! Think about a committee formed for a one-time event. They might move quickly into performing without much storming because they have a clear goal.
Types of Groups
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We've covered the stages of group formation. Now let's discuss the types of groups. Can anyone name some types?
Primary and secondary groups.
Correct! Primary groups are fundamental for personal development, such as your family, while secondary groups are bigger and often more formally organized, like clubs. Who can give examples of formal and informal groups?
Formal groups could be a school board, and informal groups could be a group of friends.
Exactly! Lastly, we talk about ingroups and outgroups. Do you remember what those terms mean?
Ingroups are the groups we identify with, and outgroups are those we don’t.
Well said! Understanding these distinctions helps us navigate social interactions. Keep in mind, the distinction creates a psychological boundary that influences behavior.
Would you say that our class is an ingroup for us?
Yes! And the perceptions you have about other classes might be classified as outgroups. Let's hold onto the acronym P.S.I.O. for Primary, Secondary, Ingroups, and Outgroups.
Influence on Individual Behavior
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Now, let's discuss how groups influence individual behavior. What have you noticed in group settings?
Sometimes people do things they'd never do alone.
Exactly, that’s where concepts like social loafing come in. In group tasks, some individuals may exert less effort — that's social loafing. Can anyone provide an example?
Like when we work in groups on projects, sometimes not everyone pulls their weight?
Right! And the opposite can happen, too. Group polarization means that with like-minded people, opinions tend to strengthen and become more extreme. What do you think could be a risk of that?
It could lead to poor decisions because everyone agrees on something without questioning it.
Exactly, and that connects to the concept of groupthink. We must learn to balance group cohesion with critical thinking. Remember the term G.L.I.P. for Group Loafing, Influence, and Polarization!
It makes sense to ensure group discussions have diverse opinions!
Absolutely! That’s key for healthy group dynamics.
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
In this section, we delve into the nature and formation of groups, their characteristics, and how groups differ from other collections of people. Additionally, we discuss the impact of groups on individual behavior, highlighting phenomena such as social loafing and group polarization.
Detailed
Elements of Group Structure
Introduction to Groups
Groups are defined as organized systems of individuals who interact and depend on one another, sharing common goals and having a structured hierarchy. This section highlights the essential characteristics that distinguish groups from mere gatherings of people.
Nature and Formation of Groups
Groups are distinguished by mutual interdependence, defined roles, status, and expectations. Aspects such as security, status, self-esteem, and common goals motivate individuals to join groups. Key conditions for group formation involve proximity, similarity among members, and shared motives.
Stages of Group Formation
Groups develop through five sequential phases: forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning, as proposed by Tuckman. These stages highlight the evolution of group dynamics from initial meetings to structured teamwork.
Types of Groups
Groups vary widely, categorized as primary, secondary, formal, informal, ingroups, and outgroups—each with unique characteristics and functions that shape individual experiences and behaviors.
Influence on Individual Behavior
The presence of groups significantly impacts individual actions and decisions. Concepts like social loafing and group polarization illustrate how group dynamics can lead to decreased individual effort or more extreme collective decisions, respectively. Overall, understanding these elements is crucial for comprehending social influences in various contexts.
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Defining Groups
Chapter 1 of 5
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Chapter Content
A group may be defined as an organised system of two or more individuals, who are interacting and interdependent, who have common motives, have a set of role relationships among its members, and have norms that regulate the behaviour of its members.
Detailed Explanation
A group is essentially more than just a collection of people. It consists of individuals who interact with each other, rely on one another, share objectives, have defined roles, and follow common behavioral guidelines. For example, in a family, each member has roles (like a parent or child) and they depend on each other for emotional and practical support.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a soccer team where the coach, players, and even staff members all interact regularly. The players must work together to win, each has roles like defender or forward, and there are rules (like offside) everyone must follow, which makes them a group.
Characteristics of Groups
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Chapter Content
Groups have the following salient characteristics:
- A social unit consisting of two or more individuals who perceive themselves as belonging to the group.
- A collection of individuals who have common motives and goals.
- A collection of individuals who are interdependent.
- Individuals trying to satisfy a need through their joint association also influence each other.
- A gathering of individuals who interact with one another either directly or indirectly.
Detailed Explanation
Groups have specific traits that help identify them. They are social units where members see themselves as part of a whole. They share common goals (like winning a game), rely on each other (like leaning on teammates), and their interactions can influence each other's thoughts and behaviors. This makes them distinct from random crowds where people do not interact meaningfully.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a study group preparing for exams. Each member sees themselves as part of a team working towards a common goal. They help each other understand difficult topics, showing interdependence, which is unlike a crowd at a concert where individuals don’t necessarily interact.
Reasons Why People Join Groups
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Chapter Content
- Security: Being part of a group provides safety and comfort.
- Status: Membership in important groups gives recognition and a sense of power.
- Self-esteem: Groups offer feelings of worth and enhance self-concept.
- Common motives and goals: People come together to achieve shared objectives.
Detailed Explanation
People have various reasons for joining groups, such as the desire for safety and comfort, which groups naturally provide. Being recognized in an important group can boost one’s status and confidence. Additionally, shared goals motivate people to associate with each other, making the journey towards achieving those goals more manageable and enjoyable.
Examples & Analogies
Consider someone who joins a sports club. They feel safer and more supported while participating in activities with others who share a passion for sports. The recognized feeling of belonging to a prestigious team can significantly improve their self-esteem.
Stages of Group Formation
Chapter 4 of 5
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Chapter Content
Groups may go through different stages of formation, conflict, stabilization, and performance, as discussed by Tuckman: forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning.
Detailed Explanation
Tuckman's model outlines the developmental phases groups typically experience. Initially, members may experience uncertainty (forming), leading to potential conflicts over roles and rules (storming). As they settle into their dynamics (norming), they begin working effectively towards their goals (performing) and may disband after achieving their objectives (adjourning). Understanding these stages helps to manage group dynamics more effectively.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a project team assigned to complete a report. At first, they may be uncertain about who will do what (forming), then have disagreements about contributions (storming), agree on roles and tasks (norming), collaborate to finish the report (performing), and finally, disband once the project is submitted (adjourning).
Elements of Group Structure
Chapter 5 of 5
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Chapter Content
Four important elements of group structure are roles, norms, status, and cohesiveness.
Detailed Explanation
Roles in a group are the expected behaviors associated with a position within the group. Norms are the unwritten rules governing how members should behave. Status refers to the perceived ranking of a member within the group. Cohesiveness reflects the strength of the bonds between group members. Each of these elements contributes to how effectively a group functions and achieves its goals.
Examples & Analogies
In a workplace, an employee is expected to follow specific protocols (roles) while working as part of a team that has established rules on how to communicate (norms). Their position may be viewed as higher or lower by others (status), and how well everyone works together can influence success (cohesiveness).
Key Concepts
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Group Dynamics: The social processes that occur within a group.
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Roles: The expected behaviors associated with a position in a group.
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Norms: Shared expectations about how group members should behave.
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Cohesiveness: The strength of the connections among group members.
Examples & Applications
A school project team where members have distinct roles and responsibilities functions as a group.
A family provides emotional support, representing a primary group.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
Groups are defined by their roles and goals, where cooperation is key and everyone has roles.
Stories
Once in a school, a group of friends formed a study circle. They each contributed unique strengths, learning together and supporting each other's weaknesses.
Memory Tools
To remember the stages of group development, think of F.S.N.P.A., which stands for Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, Adjourning.
Acronyms
Keep in mind the acronym G.I.R.L. for Groups
Goals
Interdependence
Roles
Limits.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Group
An organized system of two or more individuals interacting and interdependent with shared goals.
- Social Loafing
Reduction in individual effort when working collectively in a group.
- Cohesiveness
The degree of attraction and unity among group members.
- Ingroup
A group that an individual identifies with.
- Outgroup
A group that an individual does not identify with.
Reference links
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