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Challenging Group Members and Behaviors

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Challenging Group Members and Behaviors

In group discussion sessions, there may occur some strange behaviors within the group

members which may be deemed to be challenging behaviors. These behaviors if not handled

properly may prevent the group from attaining its objectives of the day. One of the challenging

behaviors include sharp disapprovals or censures among group members.

A sharp disapproval is one of the most challenging behavior within a group setting. The

main cause of a censure is usually conflicting opinions between members of the same group (Yin

et al., 2020). As people debate and discuss ideas, some individuals tend to feel that their opinions

are always right. As a result, conflicts tend to arise. Some arguments that are unhealthy may last

even for hours and the group will still not have attained its main objective.

Let one consider the hypothetical scenario where a group of investors meet to discuss

whether or not they should invest on a new product. The lead investor will advice that since this

new product on discussion has a high return on investment that all members should pull their

assets together and make an investment on it. However, another member comes forward and

disagrees with that notion. The investor suggests that they continue to invest on last year’s

product since it is safer although in reality, last year’s product had low returns compared to the

new product. If members of the group do not reach a final decision on time, this may lead to

conflict as the emotional state of the investors is affected in the long run.

If the debate that follows may not reach a conclusion, the group leader may wish to

discuss with the individual on a one on one basis. This may allow the member to feel their

opinion has been heard and negotiate for a compromise. In the end the group objectives will have

been met and unity within the group become safeguarded.

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One of the difficulties experienced in my group is scapegoating which refers to the act of

passing or directing blame at one or more individuals within a group setting (Cheung, 2015).

Scapegoating may affect the self esteem of the victims of the act. Scapegoating can also lead to

anger and frustration which can result in conflicts. This may ultimately lead to dissolution of the

so formed group.
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References

Cheung, A. K. (2015). Scapegoating the interpreter for listeners’ dissatisfaction with their level

of understanding: An experimental study. Interpreting, 17(1), 46-63.

Yin, J., Jia, M., Ma, Z., & Liao, G. (2020). Team leader’s conflict management styles and

innovation performance in entrepreneurial teams. International Journal of Conflict

Management.