SD DOMBO UNIVERSITY OF BUSINESS AND NTEGRATED

DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCE AND ARTS

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL WORK

COURSE TITLE:GROUPS, ORGANIZATIONS AND

INDIVIDUALS

COURSE CODE: SOC 304

STUDENT ID; UG0308421

QUESTION:
A social group exhibits some degree of cohesion, and it is more than just a simple
collection or aggregation of individuals. With your knowledge in group studies,
expound the process of group formation and how group significantly serve its
members.
ANSWER:

INTRODUCTION;

A group can be defined as two or more persons who interact with one another, share a

common purpose, and influence one another. Groups can take many forms including

formal organizations, teams, social groups like church groups, the family as well as

communities. However, group formation can be described as the process in which a

group comes into existence that is, group formation involves the coming together of

individuals who share common interests, goals, or characteristics. Creating a group is

concerned or comes with the manner in which the group is formed, the structure of the

group as well as the functions of the group.

The process of group formation include several stages which are forming stage,

storming stage, norming stage, performing stage and adjourning stage. After the

creation of groups, they can be relevance in many ways such as social support, sense

of belonging, personal and professional growth, identity formation, sense of

responsibility among others. The group formation process and how it significantly

serve its members have been discussed below.

The Group formation process

1. Forming stage: The forming stage is the first stage of group formation, where

group members get to know each other, establish their roles and responsibilities in the

group and sharing their expectations. This stage is characterized by sense of

uncertainty and politeness as members try to figure out their place in the group and

what is expected of them. For example, students who are grouped for a certain project

may during this period, engage in small talk getting to know each other better,

discuss the project requirements, goals and expectations and begin to brainstorm ideas
for the project. They may also develop some roles individual members will play such

as who will be the leader, who will be responsible for certain tasks and more.

2. Storming stage: This is the stage where conflicts and disagreements may arise as

members begin to express their opinions and views within the group. This stage is

usually marked by tension and power struggles. Members may challenge each others

ideas, question the direction of the group and vie for leadership positions. For

example, the student group for a project may argue about the best approach to the

project, question each others’ abilities or compete for leadership roles.

3. Norming stage: The norming stage is where the group begins to establish norms

and values that guide its behaviour. Members may start to develop the sense of trust

and cooperation. They may also begin to establish a sense of group identity and

shared purpose. For example, the same group of students used in the previous stages

may establish ground rules for communication and decision making, develop a shared

vision for the project, and begin to trust each others’ abilities and contribution.

4. Performing stage: During the performing stage, the group is able to work

effectively to achieve its goals. At this stage, members are able to collaborate and

support one another to accomplish their tasks. They may also experience a sense of

camaraderie and motivation. This stage is characterized by maturity and cohesiveness.

Example, the same group of students may work seamlessly to complete their project,

communicate effectively, and support each others’ strengths and weaknesses.

5. Adjourning stage: The adjourning stage is the last stage in group formation and in

this stage, the group disbands as its goals are achieved or the project comes to an end.

This stage is characterized by feeling of closure and sadness as group members say

goodbye to their group mates. A typical example is when students are sent to

communities for their project work, the last day in the community with their group
mates is coupled with sadness as every student go their way. On the other hand, they

may also reflect on what they have learnt and achieved together as well as celebrating

their successful completion of the project.

The significance of group formation

1. Social support: social support is the perception and actuality that one is cared for,

has assistance available from other people and most popularly, that one is part of a

supportive social network such as family, friends and coworkers. In group formation,

there is social support as group members feel connected, motivated and supported.

Social support can be in the form of emotional support which may include provision

of empathy, caring and concern to the members, informational support which includes

the provision of advice, suggestions and information and also in a form of appraisal

support which include offering of constructive criticism, feedback on ideas of each

member.

2. Sense of belonging: A sense of belonging refers to the feeling of being accepted

and connected to a group or community. In group formation, a sense of belonging can

help members feel committed, invested, and motivated to participate. For example,

during the forming stage of a group, members may work to establish a shared identity

or sense of purpose to help foster a sense of belonging among the group.

3. Personal and professional growth: Personal and professional growth refers to the

development of skills, knowledge, and experience that can benefit an individual both

personally and in their career. In group formation, personal and professional growth

can be fostered through learning opportunities, mentorship, and feedback. For

example, during the norming and performing stages of a group, members may provide

each other with constructive feedback, mentorship, or opportunities to learn new skills.

4. Identity formation: Identity formation refers to the process of developing a sense

of self and understanding one's place in the world. In group formation, identity

formation can be influenced by the group's values, norms, and shared identity. For

example, during the forming and norming stages of a group, members may work to

establish a shared identity or set of values that help to shape their individual identities.

5. Sense of responsibility: A sense of responsibility refers to the feeling of obligation

or duty to a group or community. In group formation, a sense of responsibility can

help members feel invested and committed to the group's goals. For example, during

the performing stage of a group, members may take on specific roles or

responsibilities to help ensure the group's success. Additionally, members may hold

each other accountable for meeting deadlines or completing tasks to help foster a

sense of responsibility and ownership within the group.

In conclusion, group formation is a complex process that requires effective

communication, conflict resolution, and a shared sense of purpose. Groups

significantly serve their members by providing social support, a sense of belonging,

personal and professional growth, identity formation and sense of responsibility.