FUNDAMENTALS

OF GROUP
DYNAMICS
 GROUP
+ Two or more persons engaged in social interaction (Henry
Clay Lingnen and John Harvey)
+ Each member of a group is aware of the other
members and their influences
+ Collection of individuals who find their association with
one another rewarding\

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 Group dynamics
+ The social process by which people interact in a
small group and in a face-to-face manner
+ Dynamics – Greek word “dunamis” – force
+ Study of forces operating within a group
+ A group is not a merely collection of individuals
but an aggregate of personalities acting and
interacting with one another in the process of
living

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 Group dynamics
+ To be a member of a group, one must
participate in its common life and activities
+ Group dynamics form the structure of a group
and how its members function.

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 TYPES OF GROUPS
1. Primary group – characterized by intimate face-to-
face association and cooperation among members.
+ Fundamentally forms the social nature and ideals of
an individual
2. Secondary group – consists of members who are
aware and cognizant of personal relationships, but
they do not feel that their lives are bound with one
another except in time of social crisis

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 Characteristics of a group
1. Interaction is the pattern of mutual influence.
2. Structure is a stable pattern of relationships.
a. Roles deal with the behavior expected of members in
a given position
b. Norms are the rules that identify and describe
appropriate behavior
c. Inter-member relations are influenced authority and
communication
3. Goals are the reason for existence

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 Characteristics of a group
4. Perceived groupness is the extent wherein
members see themselves as one.
5. Dynamic interdependency occurs when the
members are active, energized, vibrant, and
changing
6. Motivation focuses on personal needs, which
when gained lead to satisfaction.

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 Kinds of Formal Group
1. Command groups are specified by the
organizational chart and often consist of a
leader and the members that directly report
to their leader.
2. Task group consist of people who work
together to achieve a common task.
Members are brought together to
accomplishment a narrow range of goals
within a specified time.

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 Kinds of Formal Group
3. Functional groups are created by an
organization to accomplish specific goals
within an unspecified time frame. They
continue to function even after their goals
have been achieved.

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 Kinds of Informal Group
1. Interest groups usually continue over time
and may last longer than general informal
groups. The goals and objectives of interest
groups are specific to each group and may
not be related to organizational goals and
objectives

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 Kinds of Informal Group
2. Friendship groups are formed by individuals
who enjoy similar social activities, political
beliefs, religious values, or other common
bonds. Member’s enjoy each other company.

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 Kinds of Informal Group
3. Reference groups are composed of people
who are evaluated for social validation and
social comparison. Social validation allows
individuals to justify their attitudes and
values, while social comparison helps
individuals evaluate their own actions by
comparing themselves to others.

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Characteristics of Informal Group
+ Formed naturally in response to the common
interests and shared values of individual
+ Created for the purpose other than the
accomplishment of organizational goals
+ Do not have a specified time frame
+ Not appointed by an organization and
members can invite others to join from time
to time

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Thanks!
Any questions?

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