GROUP DYNAMICS:Slide 2: Group dynamics is the study of groups, and group processes.

It is the study of personal interrelationships among members of a group. Definitions It is the study of underlying features of group behaviour such as group motives and attitudes. It is concerned with the constantly changing characteristics of groups. Slide 7: Focus areas of Group Dynamics *Group Communication *Group Conflict *Group Decision Making *Group Leadership*Group Morale *Group Norms & Values *Group Problem Solving *Group Process Targeting these areas to develop positive groups. ..................................................................................................................................................................... ................................. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia Group dynamics refers to a system of behaviors and psychological processes occurring within a social group (interagroup dynamics), or between social groups (intergroup dynamics). The study of group dynamics can be useful in understanding decision-making behavior, tracking the spread of diseases in society, creating effective therapy techniques, and following the emergence and popularity of new ideas and technologies.[1] Group dynamics are at the core of understanding racism, sexism, and other forms of social prejudice and discrimination. These applications of the field are studied in psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science, epidemiology, education, social work, business, and communication studies. The history of group dynamics (or group processes
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) has a consistent, underlying premise: 'the whole is

greater than the sum of its parts.' A social group is an entity, which has qualities that cannot be understood just by studying the individuals that make up the group. In 1924, Gestalt psychologist, Max Wertheimer identified this fact, stating There are entities where the behaviour of the whole cannot be derived from its individual elements nor from the way these elements fit together; rather the opposite is true: the properties of any of the parts are determined by the intrinsic structural laws of the whole (Wertheimer 1924, p. 7.[3]) As a field of study, group dynamics has roots in both psychology and sociology. Wilhelm Wundt (18321920), credited as the founder of experimental psychology, had a particular interest in the psychology of communities, which he believed possessed phenomena (human language, customs, and religion) that could not be described through a study of the individual.[2] On the sociological side, mile (18581917), which was influenced by Wundt, also recognized collective phenomena, such as public knowledge. Other key theorists include Gustave Le Bon (18411931) who believed that crowds possessed a 'racial unconscious' with primitive, aggressive, and antisocial instincts, and William McDougall (psychologist), who believed in a 'group mind,' which had a distinct existence born from the interaction of individuals.[2] Ultimately, it was social psychologist Kurt Lewin (18901947) who coined the term group dynamics to describe the positive and negative forces within groups of people.[4] In 1945, he established The Group Dynamics

Research Center at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the first institute devoted explicitly to the study of
group dynamics.[5] Throughout his career, Lewin was focused on how the study of group dynamics could be applied to real-world, social issues.

Intragroup dynamics (also referred to as ingroup-, within-group, or commonly just group

dynamics) are the underlying processes that give rise to a set of norms, roles, relations, and common

goals that characterize a particular social group. Examples of groups include religious, political, military, and environmental groups, sports teams, work groups, and therapy groups. Amongst the members of a group, there is a state of interdependence, through which the behaviors, attitudes, opinions, and experiences of each member are collectively influenced by the other group members.
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In many fields of research, there is an interest in understanding how group dynamics

influence individual behavior, attitudes, and opinions. The dynamics of a particular group depend on how one defines the boundaries of the group. Often, there are distinct subgroupswithin a more broadly defined group. For example, one could define U.S. residents (Americans) as a group, but could also define a more specific set of U.S. residents (for example, 'Americans in the South'). For each of these groups, there are distinct dynamics that can be discussed. Notably, on this very broad level, the study of group dynamics is similar to the study of culture. For example, there are group dynamics in the U.S. South that sustain a culture of honor, which is associated with norms of toughness, honor-related violence, and self-defense.

Intergroup dynamics refers to the behavioral and psychological relationship between two or
more groups. This includes perceptions, attitudes, opinions, and behaviors towards ones own group, as well as those towards another group. In some cases, intergroup dynamics is prosocial, positive, and beneficial (for example, when multiple research teams work together to accomplish a task or goal). In other cases, intergroup dynamics can create conflict. For example, underlying the Columbine High School shooting in Littleton, Colorado, United States (1999), intergroup dynamics played a significant role in Eric Harris and Dylan Klebolds decision to kill a teacher and 14 students (including themselves). .................................................................................................................................................................
What is a Group? A group is: two or more people who share a common definition and evaluation of themselves and behave in accordance with such a definition (Vaughan & Hogg, 2002, p. 200) a collection of people who interact with one another, accept rights and obligations as members and who share a common identity. Criteria for a group include: formal social structure face-to-face interaction 2 or more persons common fate common goals interdependence self-definition as group members recognition by others Societies can be seen as large groups consisting of a myriad of sub-groups. For more, see: Google Definitions: What is a group? Group (sociology): Wikipedia Introduction to Group Dynamics Human beings exhibit some characteristic behavior patterns in groups. People involved in managing groups and group members themselves can benefit from studying theories and doing practical exercises which help them to better understand people's behaviour in groups and group dynamics.

When group patterns are combined with study of individual development, then group dynamics can also be applied to education and therapy (as is often the case in experiential, outdoor and adventure education). People may may underestimate the importance of society and group memberships on their lives. Whilst people sometimes undertake solo journeys ut by and large much of our experiences of life involve being engaged with others and groups. The nature of these groups can be quite varied, from a family going for a walk, to the crowd at a football game, to an internet discussion group, to a group of fellow workers. Given the diverse, yet common occurrence of groups, what is the nature and pattern of such group experiences? The social dynamics which occur within groups over time vary from group to group, but also illustrate some commonalities. A classic example is the issue of what happens to groups over time? For example, Tuckman's (1965) forming, storming, norming, performing model of group development is commonly used to describe the evolving experience and organization of adventure-based groups. Group therapy program FAQs Encounter groups