FUNDAMENTA

LS OF
GROUP
DYNAMICS
GROUP 3
 LEARNERS OBJECTIVES
At the end of this, the learners are expected to:
01 02 03
State the fundamentals of Explain the concepts, Classify groups as formal or
group and group dynamics characteristics, and types of informal
groups and

OVERVIEW:
This chapter dwells on the fundamentals of group dynamics, which include the forces found in small
groups, concepts of social groups, special properties of groups, types of groups, characteristics of a
group, and kinds of formal and informal groups.
GROU
P Group is defined as two or more persons engaged in a social action. This implies that
each member of a group is aware of the other members and their influence. Some
psychologists consider this definition too general and prefer to limit the use of the term group
to a collection of individuals who find their association with one another rewarding. Others
say that a group exists only when the individual members have developed status and role
relationships with respect to one another. Still other insists that the individual must have a
common goal in order for them to be considered as a group.
The existence of any group is assumed to depend on the participation and satisfaction of
the individuals comprising it.

GROUP
DYNAMICS
The social process by which people interact in a small group and in a face-to-face manner is called
group dynamics. Dynamics comes from the Greek word dunamis which means “force” Group
dynamic then refers to the study of the forces operating with a group
FORCES FOUND IN SMALL
GROUPS
There two important historical landmarks in understanding small groups. These are the
research of Elton Mayo and his associates in the 1920s and 1930s, and the experiments
conducted in the 1930s by Kurt Lewin, considered as the founder of the group dynamics
moment. According to Mayo, workers tend to establish formal groups that affect job
satisfaction and effectiveness. Lewin shows that different kinds of leadership attitudes
produce different responses in groups.

A group is composed of individuals who have come together to accomplish a particular

task or goal. Group dynamics refers to the attitudinal and behavioral characteristics of a
group. In a group, the members share consciousness of membership and interaction. A
group is not a mere collection of individuals but an aggregate of personalities acting and
interacting with one another in the process of living. To be a member of a group, one must
participate in its common life and activities. Group dynamics from the structure of a group
and how its members function.
 CONCEPTS OF SOCIAL GROUP

San Juan and Centeno (2011) present that psychologically, man is said to be a rational being in
politically, he is a political and power seeking being theologically, he is a religious, God-seeking
beings and sociologically, man is a gregarious social being seeking the company of other social
beings. “The saying "No man is an island” explains that a person cannot live satisfactorily by
himself/herself alone. His/Her very existence and the satisfaction of his/her needs and wants, as
well as his/her happiness, depends to a large degree upon his/her association with other people

SPECIAL PROPERTIES OF GROUPS

The special properties of groups are illustrated by a simple lesson in mathematics, as in one
plus one equals three. This is a logical error in the world of mathematics. In the world of group
dynamics, however, this is rational. In a group, there is no such thing as merely a composition of
two people. It is their relationship that makes it three. For instance, salt (sodium chloride) has
different properties from the sodium and the chlorine elements that form a group to make it San
Juan & Centeno, 2011)
Group types are classified as formal or informal in nature. Formal work groups are established
by an organization to achieve its goals.
TYPES OF GROUPS
Groups are generally classified as follows:
1. Primary group is characterized by intimate face to face associate and
cooperation among its members. It fundamentally for the social nature
and ideas of an individual les sympathy and mutual identification which
is a form of natural expression (San Juan & Centeno, 2011).

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. The members may be
separated from one another by distance or by a lack of personal physical
contact Nevertheless, they can share their interests through
correspondence press radio, telephone, or other means (San Juan &
Centeno, 2011).
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE GROUP
Here are the important characteristics of a group:
1 Interaction is the pattern of mutual influence (physical, verbal, non-verbal, emotional,
etc.).
2. Structure is a stable pattern of relationships
a. Roles deal with the behavior expected of members in a given position.
b. b. Norms are the rules that identify and describe appropriate behavior.
c. c. Inter-member relations are influenced by authority and communication
3. Goals are the reason for existence
4. Perceived groupness is the extent in which members see themselves (common fate,
similarity, proximity).
5. Dynamic interdependency occurs when the members are active, energized vibrant, and
changing
6. Motivation focuses on personal needs which when attained-lead to satisfaction.
KINDS OF FORMAL GROUPS
Formal groups are divided into the following:

1. Command groups are specified by the organizational chart and often composed of a leader
and the members who directly report to him/her
Example: An academic department consisting of a chair and faculty members

2. Task groups consist of people who work together to achieve a common task. Members are
brought together to accomplish a narrow range of goals within a specified time.
Examples: Ad hoc committees, project groups, standing committees

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.
Example: A sales and marketing department
KINDS OF INFORMAL GROUPS
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
Example: Students who come together to form a study group for a specific class.

2. Friendship groups are formed by individuals who enjoy similar social activities political
beliefs, religious values, or other common bonds. Members enjoy each other's company.
Examples Students who have an exercise group or who meet for a so-called jamming

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 value while social
comparison helps individuals evaluate their own actions by comparing themselves with others
 Informal groups are formed naturally in response to the common interests and shared values
of individuals. They are created for purposes other than the accomplishment of organizational goals
and do not have a specified time frame. Informal groups are not designated by an organization and
members can invite others to join from time to time.
Meeting is convened for different purposes. Some are for information, advice, decision-
making, negotiation, coordination, and creative thinking. A committee holds A specific type of
meeting in which members have been delegated authority with regard to the problem at hand.
A meeting of five people seems to be preferred for typical situations (Davis 1982) A smaller
group sometimes has difficulty functioning because conflicts of power develop If membership rises
above seven, communication tends to become centralized because members do not have adequate
opportunity to communicate with one another (Evangelista 1992).
 CONCLUSIO
N
A person cannot live alone, he/she needs the company of others. By nature a social
being who needs to form a group, a person has his/her own community. Aside from
permanent groupings, there are also temporary ones such as the various organizations in
society, which may be religious, economic, or political in nature.
Forming a group is important to every human being because he/she needs a companion
for the rest of his/her life. However, regulation must be imposed and followed for the
smooth existence of any group