S O CI AL G R O U P WO R K

OBJECTIVES:
1. Define the social group work, its
classifications & types.
2. Discuss the dynamic, elements and
processes of groups in the social work context.
DEFINITION OF GROUP
Schriver (2025) defines GROUP as “a small, face-to-face collection
of persons who interact to accomplish some purpose.

= it is two or more individuals in face-to-face interaction, each

aware of his or her membership in the group, each aware of the
others who belong to the group, and each aware of their positive
interdependence as they strive to achieve mutual goals.
= Both definitions concern for shared purpose and common
interaction clearly differentiate a group from what is often referred
to an aggregate or mere collection of individuals with no common
purpose and mutual interaction.
Examples: basketball game in an arena or waiting for a public
transportation.
 • Some group are considered as the following:

1. PRIMARY GROUPS– where members share close enduring

relationships, spend a lot of time together and treat each
other well. Example: friends, families, gangs, and
co-workers.
2. SECONDARY GROUPS – are those that are formed usually
on a short-term basis to achieve certain goals or pursue a
specific activity. Example: classmates for a certain
semester; task group, etc.
CLASSIFICATION OF GROUPS
1. INFORMAL OR NATURAL GROUPS

= These are group of friends that develop over time or

classmates for a long period of that they become close to
one another.

2. FORMAL OR FORMED GROUPS

= are formal, secondary groups such as classmates

assigned to a group project or parents appointed in a school
organization.
TYPES OF GROUPS
1. TASK GROUP = is usually organized to accomplish a specific
tasks or activities that benefit a larger group like
neighborhood, community or organization. It varies depending
on the purpose on which they are organized.

More examples: boards and committees, administrative

groups, councils and social action groups. Functions may
include reviewing and crafting of policies, programs or planning
to address a certain issue or needs of the community.
TYPES OF GROUPS
2. TREATMENT GROUP = is organized to meet people’s
emotional and social needs. Therapy groups are an example
of this this therapy group targets, emotional, behavioral or
mental health problems. Educational groups, on the other
hand, has a goal to learn new skills like parenting. These
groups are often led by people who have knowledge on that
specific area.
 GROUP FORMATS ACCORDING TO
SCHRIVER (2015)
1. Consciousness-raising groups = time limited groups that help
members share their experiences and explore their feelings
about oppressed status.
2. Treatment groups: Groups that attempt to modify dysfunctional
behaviors, thinking and feelings.
3. Social action groups: groups directed to bringing changes in the
larger environment to reduce oppression. Such groups can also
teach members valuable skills in working with others and can
help members increase their self-esteem.
 GROUP FORMATS ACCORDING TO
SCHRIVER (2015)
4. Network and support groups: these groups can assist members
in reducting feelings of social isolation and in recognizing their
strengths by helping members to connect with others in similar
situations to provide mutual support and to seek resources.
5. Skill groups: These groups have as goals such as development of
members’ empowerment skills. Empowerment skills learned and
practiced in these groups might include group leadership, social
change, communication, and networking.
GROUP CHARATERISTICS AND STRUCTURE
GROUP STUCTURE is the existence of understandable group
order and the regularities characterizing the behavior of all forms
of organization. It is a group lay out that includes the following:

• ROLES are expectations about what is appropriate behavior for

persons in particular positions.

* Task Roles – help the group to select, define and solve

problems. It focus on completing group’s goals. The ff can be
performed by a group member.
…TASK ROLES
o COORDINATOR = links statements made by one group member to
another.
o ENERGIZER = provokes group to take action.
o ELABORATOR = Extends upon another’s ideas.
o EVALUATOR-CRITIC – evaluate the group’s work against higher
standards;
o INFORMATION-GIVER – gives helpful information
o INFORMATION-SEEKER = questions for clarification
…ROLES
• BUILDING AND MAINTENANCE ROLES help the group to
function as a group, each one helps strengthen and support the
group. This includes:
o ENCOURAGER = gives positive feedback
o FOLLOWER – obtains ideas of others in the group
o COMPROMISER = attempts to reach a solution acceptable by
everyone;
o HARMONIZER = Limits conflict and tension
o GATEKEEPER = assists participation from everyone in the group.
o OBSERVER = examines group progress
…ROLES
• PERSONAL OR SELF-CENTERED ROLES = directed towards
satisfying individual’s needs without regard for the needs and
concern of the group. This includes:
o AGGRESSOR = Acts aggressively towards other group members
and their ideas;
o DOMINATOR = dominates group speaking time, o BLOCKER-
REFUSES to collaborate with other’s ideas, o LOAFER – Refrains
from work.
o SPECIAL INTEREST ADVOCATE = presents own viewpoint and
requirements, o SELF-CONFESSOR – talks about the topics that
are important to self and not the group.
…ROLES
• ROLE PERCEPTION = an individual’s view of how he or she is
supposed to act in a given situation.
• ROLE EXPECTATIONS = how others believe a person should act
in a given situation;
• PSYCHOLOGICAL CONTRACT = an unwritten agreement that
sets out what others expects from a group member and vise
versa.
 LONG QUIZ (50 POINTS)
DIRECTION: Identify one group you currently belong whether in
school or in your neighborhood and express in detail the following:

1. Determine and explain whether it is primary or secondary

group and natural or formed group;
2. Describe your roles in that group;
3. Identify the purpose of the group and why it was formed .
THANK YOU!!