1
Introduction to Group
Dynamics
Group dynamics are the influential
actions, processes, and changes that
occur within and between groups.
Groups come in all shapes and sizes and
their functions are many and varied, but
their influence is universal. The
tendency to join with others in groups is
perhaps the single most important
characteristic of humans, and the
processes that unfold within these
groups leave an indelible imprint on
their members and on society. To
understand people, one must
understand groups and their dynamics.
 What is a group?
 What are some common
characteristics of groups?
 Are there different types of groups,
and do people distinguish between
these groups?
 What assumptions guide researchers
in their studies of groups and their
dynamics?
 Why study groups and their
dynamics?
 What topics are included in the
scientific study of group dynamics?
Introduction to Group
Dynamics
Preview
The Nature of
Groups
The Nature of Group
Dynamics
Defining Groups
The Scientific Study of Groups
Describing Groups
A Multilevel Approach to the Study
of Groups
Classifying Groups
The Significance of Groups
Perceiving Groups
Topics in Contemporary Group
Dynamics
Group Dynamics is Dynamic
The Nature of Groups
Defining Groups
Two or more individuals
who are connected by
and within social
But note: As social identity
Out
theory explains, in many cases
broad social categories can become
psychologically meaningful
In to
members, and in those cases social
categories function very much like
dynamic, socially based groups
relationships.
 Members
are
connected—linked—together;
 Groups
 Unlike
Unlike
vary in
networks,
categories,
size
from groups
dyads
members
and
usually
triads
are have
socially
to
these
relationships
memberships
very
large
boundaries
connected,
aggregations,
that
not are
just
define
such
in as
the
who
mobs
same
is inand
grouping
the group
audiences.
and
or collection
who is not(e.g., all men, bricklayers…)
The Nature of Groups
Defining Groups
Groups range widely
in size, but the larger
the group the more
relationships required
to sustain it.
 Interaction
 Goals
Describing Groups
 Interdependence
 Structure
 Unity
Interaction: What people do in groups
Relationship
interaction
(sustaining
relationships,
encouraging others,
complaining, etc.).
Task
interaction
(problem solving,
providing guidance,
coordination, etc.).
 Interaction
 Goals
Describing Groups
 Interdependence
 Structure
 Unity
 Interaction
 Goals
Describing Groups
 Interdependence
 Structure
 Unity
Interdependence: The
state of being
dependent to some
degree on other people
 Interaction
 Goals
Describing Groups
 Interdependence
 Structure
 Unity
Structure: The
underlying pattern
of roles, norms, and
relations among
members that
organizes groups
Classifying
Groups
Primary groups
Social groups
Collectives
Categories
 Interaction
 Goals
Describing Groups
 Interdependence
 Structure
 Unity
Social Cohesion
Task Cohesion
Collective Cohesion
Emotional Cohesion
Structural Cohesion
Perceiving
Groups
Entitativity: The apparent
cohesiveness or unity of
an assemblage of
individuals.
TYPES OF GROUPS
Perceiving groups: people intuitively draw
distinctions between groups—some look
groupier than others
Primary groups
Social groups
Collectives
Categories
1 (not at all a group) to
9 (very much a group)
Introduction to Group Dynamics
The Nature of
Groups
Defining Groups
The Nature… of
Group
a "field of inquiry
Dynamics
dedicated to
advancing
knowledge about
nature
of
The Scientificthe
Study
of Groups
groups"
(Cartwright & Zander, 1968, p.
Describing Groups
7).
A Multilevel Approach
to the Study
of Groups
Classifying Groups
The Significance of Groups
Perceiving Groups
Topics in Contemporary Group
Dynamics
Group Dynamics is Dynamic
The Nature of Group Dynamics
The
Scientific
Study of
Groups
B = ƒ(P,E) The interactionism
formula proposed by Kurt Lewin
that assumes each person’s behavior
(B) is a function of his or her
personal qualities (P), the social
environment (E), and the
interaction of these personal
qualities with factors present in the
social setting.
Gustave le Bon,
Psychologie des Foules
Wilhelm Wundt,
Volkerpsychologie
Emile Durkheim, collective
consciousness
Floyd Allport, group fallacy
Kurt Lewin, interactionism
B = f (P, E)
Orientation (forming)
Exchange of background personal
information, uncertainty, tentative communication
Tuckman’s
theory of group
development
Conflict (storming)
Dissatisfaction, disagreement, challenges
to leader and procedures, cliques form
Structure (norming)
Cohesiveness, agreement on procedures , standards,
and roles, improved communication
Performance (performing)
Focus on the work of the group, task
completion, decision making, cooperation
Dissolution (adjourning)
Departures, withdrawal,
decreased dependence, regret
A Multilevel Approach to the
Study of Groups
Micro level: focus on the
individual (psychological)
Meso (group) level:
focus on the group and social
context (sociological)
Macro level: focus on
organizational/ community level
Multi level: adopts multiple
perspectives on groups
The Significance of Groups
Groups influence
their members
Groups influence
society
The usefulness of
groups
The “dark side” of
groups
Larger view 
Topics in Contemporary Group
Dynamics
Foundations
Formation and
Development
Influence and
Interaction
Working in Groups
Conflict
Contexts and
Applications
Foundations
Formation and
Development
Influence and
Interaction
Working in Groups
Conflict
Welcome to the Study of Groups!
The Nature of
Groups
The Nature of Group
Dynamics
Defining Groups
The Scientific Study of Groups
Describing Groups
A Multilevel Approach to the Study
of Groups
Classifying Groups
The Significance of Groups
Perceiving Groups
Topics in Contemporary Group
Dynamics
Group Dynamics is Dynamic