Group Dynamics

Group Dynamics

• How people act/behave in group situations

• Merger of sociology and psychology

• When a group is formed, new characteristics and actions emerge that were not evident before

Characteristics of Groups

• Membership• Interaction• Interdependence in needs

satisfaction• Shared purpose

Committees

• Positive aspects– react to situations well– different perspectives can create a

superior product

• Negative aspects– cannot develop or initiate

Chairperson

E n cou rag in g M ed ia tin g G ate K eep in g

C h a irp erson

Principles for effective groups/committees

• Initiating• Information seeking and giving• Sharing opinions• Clarifying• Elaborating• Coordinating• Orienting• Summarizing

Group Decision Technique

• Study the situation• Prepare the proposal• Present the proposal• Guide committee discussion• Group evaluation

Group Think

• Illusion of invulnerability• Shared stereotypes• Rationalization• Illusion of morality• Self censorship• Illusion of group being unanimous

From Designing Effective Instruction 4th Ed., Morrison, Ross, & Kemp, 2004.