Definition of Relevant Concepts

in Group Processes
Masters in Guidance and Counseling
MAGC 212: Group Processes and Program Development
Bicol University Graduate School
• Refers to how an organization’s members
work together and get things done
• the understanding of the behavior of people in
groups and the processes they use to solve a
problem or make a decision
• Looking at group process means focusing on
what is going on in the group and trying to
understand it in terms of other things that
have happened in the group

Group Processes
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Group Processes
 “…field of inquiry dedicated to advancing
knowledge about the nature of groups, the laws
of their development, and their interrelations
with individuals, other groups, and larger
institutions.” (Cartwright & Zander, 1968)

Group Dynamics
What it is NOT:
1. It is not a therapeutic perspective ---
participation in small groups guided by a skilled
leader or therapist does not guarantee
psychological well-being
2. It is not a rulebook for social interactions and
smooth & satisfying relationships
3. It is not a collection of maxims on how groups
should be organized

Group Dynamics
• It is an attempt to subject the many aspects of
groups to scientific analysis through the
construction of theories concerning groups
and the rigorous testing of the adequacy of
these theories through empirical research
• It is more of an “approach” with many
different branches of the social sciences rather
than a unified discipline

Group Dynamics
Topics in group dynamics studied in various disciplines
Discipline Some relevant topics
Psychology Social facilitation, problem solving, attitude change,
social comparison
Political science Leadership, intergroup relations, political influence,
power
Business Motivation, productivity, improving org effectiveness,
structuring goals
Social work Improving adjustment through group participation,
family counseling
Education Classroom groups, team teaching, class composition
Clinical / Therapeutic change through group counseling,
counseling sensitivity training, encounter
psychology
Criminal justice Organization of law enforcement agencies, gangs, patrol
team effectiveness
Sports and Team performance, effects of victory and failure,
recreation cohesion and performance
• Group dynamics is also a general term for
group processes
• In group dynamics, the phrase “group
process” refers to the understanding of
people’s behavior in groups, such as task
groups, that are trying to solve a problem or
make a decision

Group Dynamics
• A group of people who meet for the purpose
of increasing self-awareness and social
sensitivity, and changing behavior through
interpersonal confrontation, self-disclosure,
and strong emotional expression
• Encounter groups are formed to provide an
environment for intensive interaction

Encounter Group
• The role of the leader is primarily to develop
and maintain an atmosphere of psychological
safety conducive to the free and honest
expression of the ideas of group members
• Encounter group members are encouraged to
fully examine and explore their reactions and
feelings about statements made and issues
raised in the group

Encounter Group
• A group of individuals brought together to
accomplish a specific action or achieve a
definable outcome
• Has a well-defined purpose, usually with one
leader who delegates tasks and keeps
everybody moving towards the goal

Task Oriented Group