FUNDAMENTALS OF GROUP

DYNAMICS
GROUP
Group is defined as two or more persons
engaged in a social interaction. This
implies that each member of a group is
aware of the other members and their
influence. Some psychologist 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.
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 dynamics then refers to
the study of the forces operating
within a group.
 Concept of social group
San Juan and Centeno (2011) present that
“psychologically, man is said to be a rational being;
politically, he is a political and power-seeking being;
theologically, he is religious. God-seeking being; and
sociologically, man is a gregarious social being seeking
the company of the 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 on 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 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 as
composition of two people. It is their
relationship that make it three.
The types of group are classified
as formal or informal in nature.
Formal work groups are
established by an organization
to achieve its goals.
 Types of groups
1. Primary Groups
2.Secondary Groups
Primary groups
Is characterized by intimate face to
face association and cooperation
among its member. It fundamentally
forms the social nature and ideals of
an individual. It involves sympathy
and mutual identification which is a
form of natural expression.
Secondary group
Consist of members who are aware and
cognizant of personal relationship, 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 of by a lack of personal
physical contact. Nevertheless, they can
share their interest through
correspondence, press radio, telephone or
other means.
 Characteristics of a group
There are 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
member in a given position.
b. Norms are the rules that identify and describe
appropriate behavior.
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 as one
(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
GROUP
1. Command Groups
2.Task Groups
3.Functional Group
COMMAND GROUPS
Are specified by the organizational chart
and often composed of a leader and the
members who directly report to
him/her.

Ex. An academic department consisting

of a chair and faculty members
TASK GROUPS
Consist of people who work together to
achieve a common task. Members are
brought together ro accomplish a narrow
range of goals within a specified time.

Ex. Committees, project groups, standing

committees
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.

Ex. A sales and marketing department.

KINDS OF INFORMAL GROUPS
1. Interest Groups
2.Friendship Groups
3.Reference Groups
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.

Ex. Students who come together to form a

study group of a specific class.
FRIENSHIP GROUPS
Are formed by individuals who enjoy
similar social activities, political beliefs,
religious values, or other common
bonds. Members enjoy each others
company.

Ex. Students who have an exercise group

or who meet for a so-called jamming
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 purpose other than the
accomplishments 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
purpose. 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.
 CONCLUSION
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
organization 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.