group dynamics

Kevin James Merrill

Eaton Hall Director

September 20, 2008

Kurt Levin was a smart dude

B = f(P,E)Behavior is a function of personal

qualities and social environment

Stages of Group Development

Orientation: Forming Conflict: Storming Structure: Norming Work: Performing

Orientation: Forming

Members become familiar with each other and the group; dependency and inclusion issues; acceptance of leader and group consensus

Communications are tentative, polite; concern for ambiguity, group’s goals; leader is active; members are compliant

Major processes Characteristics

Conflict: Storming

Disagreement over procedures; expression of dissatisfaction; tension among members; antagonism toward leader

Criticism of ideas; poor attendance; hostility; polarization and coalition forming

Major processes Characteristics

Structure: Norming

Growth of cohesiveness and unity; establishment of roles, standards, and relationships; increased trust and communication

Agreement on procedures,; reduction in role ambiguity; increased “we-feeling”

Major processes Characteristics

Work: Performing

Goal achievement; high task orientation; emphasis on performance and production

Decision making; problem solving; mutual cooperation

Major processes Characteristics

TASK

Dissolution: Adjourning

Termination of roles; completion of tasks; reduction of dependency

Disintegration and withdrawal; increased independence and emotionality; regret

Major processes Characteristics

Dissolution: Adjourning

TASK

Dissolution: Adjourning

TASK

Lost at sea

Lost at sea

Lost at Sea Rationale According to the experts (US Coastguard), the basic supplies

needed when a person is stranded mid-ocean are articles to attract attention and articles to aid survival until rescue arrives. Articles for navigation are of little importance since even if a small life raft were capable of reaching land, it would be impossible to store enough food and water to survive for the requisite amount of time. Without signaling devices, there is almost no chance of being spotted and ultimately rescued. Furthermore, most rescues occur within the first 36 hours and a person can survive with only a minimum of food and water during that period. So, the following is the order of ranking the items in their importance to your survival:

Lost at sea

Lost at Sea Rationale 1. Shaving Mirror Critical for signaling 2. 2 gallon can of oil/petrol mixture Critical for signaling. The mixture

will float on water and could be ignited with one of the £5 notes and a match. What the experts don’t say is how you get away from this conflagration or what to do if the wind should push the life raft into the flames!

3. 5 gallon can of water Necessary to replenish fluids lost through perspiration

4. One case of army rations Basic food intake 5. 20 square feet of opaque plastic Can be utilized to collect rain water

and provide shelter from the elements 6. 2 boxes of chocolate bars Reserve food supply (what were you

going to do with that much chocolate?) 7. Fishing kit Ranked lower than the chocolate as ‘a bird in the hand is

worth two in the bush’ (I don’t remember birds being on the list?) There is no guarantee you will catch any fish.

Lost at sea

8. 15ft of nylon rope Could be used to lash people or equipment together to prevent it being washed overboard.

9. Floating seat cushion A life preserver if someone fell overboard 10. Shark repellent Enough said 11. One quart of 160 per cent proof rum Contains 80% alcohol, which is enough

to be used as an antiseptic for any injuries, otherwise of little value – would cause dehydration if ingested

12. Small transistor radio Of no use without a transmitter. You would also be out of range of any radio station.

13. Maps of the Pacific Ocean Worthless without navigation equipment. It does not matter where you are but where the rescuers are!

14. Mosquito netting There are NO mosquitoes in the midpacific ocean. As for fishing with it? – stick to the fishing kit.

15. Sextant Useless without the relevant tables and a chronometer.

Interesting Group Phenomena

Brainstorming Social Loafing

Group Polarization Confirmation Bias Groupthink

Brainstorming: Does it work?

Sometimes Brainstorming groups have been shown to

both increase and decrease the number of ideas collected

Why? Groups can energize thought but can also be

inefficient in sharing and compiling ideas

Brainstorming: Does it work?

Ways to make brainstorming better– Set clear rules– Members should be encouraged to write

individually during and AFTER the session– Brainwriting: write and pass– Have silence periods during the session– Have lots of time: no rushing– Stay focused

Social Loafing

The reduction of individual effort when people work in groups compared to when they work alone– Tactics to combat social loafing

More identifiability Set goals Increase involvement/excitement/investment Increase group identity

Group Polarization (Risky Shift)

The tendency to respond in a more extreme way when making a choice or expressing an opinion as part of a group, as opposed to when responding individually

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to seek out information that confirms one’s inferences rather than disconfirms them

Groupthink

A distorted style of thinking that renders group members incapable of making rational decisions.

Members try so hard to agree with one another that they make mistakes and commit errors that could be easily avoided.

Groupthink

Groupthink happens when these conditions are present and active in a group:– Overestimation of the group / illusion of

invulnerability– Closed-mindedness– Pressures towards uniformity / self censorship /

illusion of unanimity

Groupthink

How to avoid groupthink– Require full discussions of pros/cons– Arrange for the group to meet in smaller groups– Designate a devil’s advocate– Make a list of all possible decisions before choosing– Limit desire to agree until all options are explored

How can you use this in your hall?