Sensitivity Training

Behavioral Dynamics

WHAT IS SENSITIVITY???

WHAT CAUSES INSENSITIVITY???

What is Sensitivity Training

• Training groups that seek to change behavior through unstructured group interaction

• Most commonly used Organizational Development intervention

• Also called– Laboratory Training– Encounter Groups– T-Groups

• Goal is more oriented toward growth on an individual level

• Used to study and enhance group relations

What is Sensitivity Training

• Designed to make people more aware of group dynamics and their own behavior, interpersonal traits, and role within a group

• It is a method to changing behavior through unstructured group interaction

• Sensitivity Training was introduced by Kurt Levin and

Ronald Lippit

• It also forms a part of the

'human potential development' movement

The Basis of Sensitivity Training

• ST aims is not to make people conform to a set of acceptable norms and ideas

• It is designed to help people confront their own biases and prejudices and broaden their Tolerance

The Evolution of Sensitivity Training

• Origin – 1914 “Psychodrama”• Concept expended by Kurt Lewin – organized &

led first T-Group• The focus of this first group was on the way

people interact as they are becoming a group• Mid-1950s and early 1960s – focus shifted from

social to clinical psychology• 1960’s – Became more than just a human

relations study, but as a cultural force• Late 1960s and 1970s – Decline in the use of ST• However still used by organizations & agencies • World War 2

GOALS OF Sensitivity Training

• To help reintegrate the individual man into the whole society through group development

• To have intense experiences leading to life-changing insights

• Personal experience within the group

OBJECTIVES OF SENSITIVITY TRAINING

• To increase individual awareness of their own behavior & how others perceive them

• To create better understanding of others behavior

• To gain insight into the group process• To develop specific behavioral skills.

OBJECTIVES OF SENSITIVITY TRAINING

• Increase your understanding of group development and dynamics

• Increase interpersonal skills • Increase your sensitivity to others'

feelings. • Increase your ability to give and receive

feedback. • Increase your ability to manage and

utilize conflict

T-GROUP

• Small group of people (8-10 persons)• Has no formal leader, agenda, or books• Has only a somewhat passive trainer• Primarily process rather than content

oriented• Training is not structured• Overall goal- Group Action

Procedure for Sensitivity Training

Sources of Change in Groups

• Self observation• Feedback• Insight• Self-disclosure• Universality• Group cohesion• Vicarious learning• Catharsis

Need for Sensitivity Training

• Modern Workplace Diversity• Comfortable Environment• Improving Cultural Stereotypes• Eg : EEOC

Signs that your Employee needs

Sensitivity Training• When addressing a customer, you overhear:

“I’m sick and tired of you calling me about this problem.  Call someone who cares.”

• When addressing a co-worker, you overhear:“You remind me of someone who is annoying, disorganized and late all the time.”

• When addressing a subordinate, you overhear:“How can someone your age be so dumb?”

How does it benefit an employer

• Sensitive employees are more likely to treat co-workers with respect.

• Sensitive employees are more likely to treat customers with respect.

• Respected employees and respected customers help your bottom line. 

• Beside these it also helps in these areas• Communication

Ability to control interruptions while others are talkingAbility to minimize misunderstandings

How does it benefit an employer

• ToleranceAbility to avoid being judgmentalAbility to avoid stereotyping different cultures and backgrounds

• Conflict resolutionAbility to seek the facts and explore reasonable optionsAbility to resolve problems with tact and diplomacy

• Employees are aided to develop better problem-solving capabilities

LIMITATIONS OF SENSITIVITY TRAINING

• Passive role of trainers confuses or upsets those who seek guidance

• Difficulty in quantifying learning experience

• Measurement of Effectiveness• Individuals who would benefit the most

from Sensitivity Training

Sensitivity Training can be

• Cultural Sensitvity• Gender Sensitvity

Cultural SensitivityHelps to Understand• how valuing workforce diversity affects bottom-line

business issues• what culture is and how it impacts perception,

behaviour, values• why differences affect how people work, want to be

managed and manage others• to understand where false assumptions stem from so

as to overcome biases and prejudice• how to improve communication skills• About the importance of surfacing, discussing and

valuing differences so as to constructively

manage workplace conflict• how valuing differences prevents workplace

discrimination and harassment

Gender Sensitivity• Gender Sensitivity is the awareness and insight into

the state of the other sex, with respect to historical roots of sexist stereotyping, discrimination & violence

• Objective – To reduce barriers in developing personal and economic success created by sexism

- To generate respect for individuals regardless of sex

• Gender Sensitivity is about pitying women against men

• Issues in Gender Sensitivity– Gender Roles– Reproductive– Community Management Role

SUMMARY

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