Topic 4
THE HIGHLIGHTS
Forming
Groups
Forming Groups
•
A group can be defined as interacting and interdependent
individuals who have come together and work together, in
order to achieve particular objectives and/or perform
particular tasks.
•
A team can be defined as a partnership of individuals with
a more focused approach to performing a specific task.
•
A team can be defined as a partnership of individuals with
a more focused approach to performing a specific task.
Examples
TYPES OF GROUP FORMING
Students who form a
group to complete
a group assignment.
Individuals at work who form a
group to complete a specific project
Sportsmen who form a sports team.
Success
A group that functions well together is said to have
good group dynamics. This could, for example, be a
group of individuals who know their roles within the
group and who are focused on achieving the
collective end goal.
Failure
A group that lacks good
group dynamics will be
inefficient and
unproductive and this
can easily cause the
group to disband before
accomplishing its goals.
Stages of group
development
Stages of group development
Forming
Storming
Norming
Forming is the first of five
phases. Without this stage,
none of the others is
possible. During the forming
stage, group members come
together and become
acquainted with one other.
Usually everyone is civil, but
some tension may exist
because of unfamiliarity.
The forming stage also
includes preliminary
discussions about the tasks
that the group needs to
complete.
The second phase of group
development is one of the
more difficult stages to work
through. In the storming
phase, group members start to
understand one another.
Disagreements, personality
clashes and conflict between
group members start to
develop. These problems need
to be resolved so that the
group can focus on its goals. A
group leader needs to take
action to encourage group
members to be tolerant and to
keep the end goals in focus.
Once the storming stage is over,
the group arrives at the norming
phase. Norming entails the
group creating a set of norms
and values – basically rules – to
which group members should
adhere in order to make optimal
group functioning possible. For
example, a rule could be created
that, if there is disagreement on
a topic, all members should be
present so that a democratic
vote can be taken on the
solution. During this phase,
group members become more
tolerant and group cohesion
increases. Constructive criticism
helps to solve future
disagreements.
Stages of group development
Performing
Adjouring
Performing is the stage where
the group is a fully functional
team and performs at its best.
Most of the work relating to the
task can now be done as the
group is a cohesive and often
self-sufficient body. Group
members know their individual
roles, the rules of the group and
how to deal with conflict.
Therefore, the group hardly ever
goes back to the storming phase
The final stage that concludes group
development is adjourning. The
adjourning stage marks the
completion of the task and the
disbandment of the group.
Depending on the success of the
group, this stage could be very
difficult or, on the contrary, a great
relief. Group members may have
formed meaningful relationships
which may continue into the future.
Often the success and finalisation of
group work are celebrated in the
form of a farewell/celebratory event.
Characteristics
of a Group
Apart from the members
and their individual and
collective attributes, there
are other factors that
define a group, namely, its
size, leadership structure,
goals, time frame,
environment, composition,
norms, communication,
etc.
Members
A group is characterised by the individuals who form part of the
group as well as the collective attributes of all its members. Each
individual has some qualities and skills that can be useful to the
group. Each group member also has a specific role to fulfil,
depending on his or her individual capability.
Size
The size of the group determines the dynamics of the group. A smaller group
may be more focused and may have closer interpersonal relationships
among its members. It may be easier to get a consensus on a topic if there
are fewer group members. A larger group, on the other hand, has other
benefits, for example, a larger pool of skills and capabilities and greater
manpower.
Leadership Structure
▪
The presence of a leader in a group is not
a prerequisite. However, a competent
leader can make a great difference when
it comes to the functioning of the group.
▪
It may be difficult to establish who would
be the best leader for the group during
the initial stages of group development.
The initial leadership positions that are
established during the forming and
storming phases may change completely
at a later stage.
Leadership
Structure
▪
Once a clearer picture of
the group's direction
exists, the appropriate
leadership role will come
into being.
Hopefully the person with
the best skills and the
most appropriate traits
will be appointed to fulfil
the leadership position.
Leadership Structure
•
•
The leadership style that is exercised by the group leader
or leaders should be appropriate and to the benefit of the
group.
A supportive and directive leadership style will help to
steer the members in the right direction and give the
necessary support.