Group Dynamics (Approach To Group Dynamics)

This book serves as an introduction to theories studies and empirical findings related to groups. Group Dynamics is a basic rather than a comprehensive handbook merely sampling the results of scientific investigation into the nature of groups but attempting whenever possible to integrate theory and research basic science and applications classic and contemporary work and psychological and sociological analyses. groups. But why study groups? Why learn about the processes that take place in interacting dynamic groups? Why study theories that explain these processes? Why expand these theories with more and more explanations about groups? Because groups matter. On a practical level much of the world’s work is done by groups so by understanding groups we move towards making them more effective. If we want to improve productivity in the factory problem solving in the boardroom or learning in the classroom we need to understand groups. Groups also hold the key to solving such societal problems as racism sexism and international conflict. Any attempt to change a company will only succeed if the groups in that company change. But groups are also key to understanding people—why they think feel and act the way they do. Human behavior is so often group behavior that people cannot be studied in isolation away from their families friendship cliques work groupsand so on. All kinds of societies—hunter/gathererhorticultural pastoral industrial and post-industrial—are defined by the characteristics of the small groups that make them up. Social forces such as traditions values and norms do not extend directly to individuals but operate through the groups to which each individual belongs. Groups are also important for personal reasons. You will spend your entire life in groups leaving groupsleading groups and changing groups. Through your membership in groups you define and affirm your values and beliefs and accept or refine your social identity. When you face uncertain situations in groups you get reassuring information about your problems and safety in society. In groups you learn about relationships with others the types of impressions you make on others and ways to communicate more effectively with others. Groups affect you in consequential ways so ignore their influence at your peril.