How To Study Group Dynamics

Behavior in Groups is a course designed to study group dynamics. Group dynamics refer to behaviors and processes occurring within and between groups. It helps us understand how groups develop over time; the stages of group development, the different types of group, the cultural differences, and the importance of groups for human existence.

Human beings are social animals. McLeod (2007), cited Maslow’s hierarchy of need, and according to that one of the most important needs after basic physiological needs is the need for love and belonging.

To get a better understanding of group dynamics our class was divided into several groups. We were given different group activities at the end of every class to experience the ideas of group dynamics ourselves.

It has been mentioned by some researchers that there are two approaches to group formation; a social cohesion approach and a social identity approach. Social cohesion approach is more relationship oriented and relates to interpersonal relations, whereas the social identity approach is more cognitive. The research carried out on these two approaches revealed ‘group formation to be a function of categorization not attraction.’

Nirvana had no strong interpersonal relation in fact it was so task oriented that people would even avoid responding each other on the social application. I remember messaging everyone on the group and sending emoticons with no replies because it was like an unsaid belief that such acts of kindness were not necessary for the group and thus the group was solely focused on getting the task done to get the bonus marks.

Group Formation also has several different stages to it from the birth of the group to getting to know the group members, getting the task done and then eventually dissolution. Researchers have divided group formation into five different stages which includes; forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning. In my observation Nirvana mainly followed the stages of forming, performing, and adjourning. The norming stage was mostly undetectable except for when the group agreed on the communication method and to ignore the absence of group members and add their name,

A recent study noted a strong correlation between group development and productivity (Wheelan et al., 1998). There was no intergroup rivalry or great liking towards in-group.

Conflicts in any group are unavoidable. Conflicts can take different forms and can occur at different stages of a group development. It could be due to lack of genuine feedback, ambiguity about roles and tasks, diffusion of responsibility, lack of focus, blame culture, and dislike towards group members and the leader.

However ‘Nirvana’ faced no such problem. It was a small group made just for the sake of that course and dispersed right after class with no intention of any further communication with any group member. Nirvana was also an individualistic group