Factors that encourage group development include :
- strength of members commitment to the groups functions, tasks and goals
- the satisfaction of the mutual needs of the members
- the liking or caring the members feel for one another
- reciprocation rather than competition for goals
- respect for diversity among group members
- the amount of time the group spends together
- interaction that encourages individual growth
- a degree of homogeneity and heterogeneity
According to Louise C johnson the stages of Group Development may be conceptualized as follows :
- The Orientation Phase : members come together for the first time and seek similarities in interest. there is initial contentment to the group. also an approach avoidance mechanism at work, task roles begin to emerge, patterns of functioning around tasks begin o develop. individuals are making decisions about the desirability of belonging to the group and whether to become dependent on other group members.
- The authority stage - challenge to influence and control the group by individual members. conflict develops. structure and patterns of functioning are revised, norms and values develop
- the negotiation stage - the group confronts, engages and differs in conflict resolution. goals, roles, tasks are designated and accepted. group cohesion is stronger and members are freer in sharing information and opinion.
- The functional stage - high level of group integration is achieved, little conflict about structure and ways of functioning has been established. roles are differentially assigned to members which are accepted by all. the group has the capacity to change and adapt. the goals are reached and the group can evaluate itself.
- the disintegration stage- at any of the first four stages, a group may begin to disintegrate. signs include lessening of bond, reduction in the frequency of group interraction and strength of influence on members.
Groups change over time. few models or frameworks that describe group change are:
Garland Jones and kolodny model 5 stages of development
this model describes problems that commonly arise as groups form and develop. understanding these problems, it is theorized , enables leader ot respond to member more effectively. . this model is particularly applicable to socialization groups (where there is need for change in attitude and behavior), therapy groups and encounter or sensitive groups.
Closeness is the central focus of this model. the question of focus is reflected in the struggle that occurs at the five stages of group growth.
Pre affiliation :
- members are ambivalent about joining the group
- interaction is guarded
- members test through avoidance and approach behavior whether they really want to belong to the group
- new situations are frightening and members protect themselves being hurt or taken advantage of.
- they attempt to maintain a certain amount of distance and get what they can get without taking any risk.
- individuals are aware that group involvement will make demands that may be frustrating or even painful, however they are also attracted to the group because they have also had satisfying experiences with previous groups
- in the first stage the leader should seek to increase the members attraction to the group by allowing and supporting distance, gently inviting trust, facilitating exploration of the physical and psychological mileu, and by providing activities if necessary and by initiating group structure.
- the first stage gradually ends as members start to feel fairly safe and comfortable and view the rewards as worth a tentative emotional commitment.
Power and control :
- emerges as group characteristics begin to develop.
- patterns of communication begin, subgroups appear, members take on certain roles and responsibilities, norms and methods for handling tasks develop, and membership questions arise. such processes occur as the groups begin to conduct its business however these processes lead to struggle as the members establish their places in the group
- each member seeks power partly for self protection and partly to gain greater control over the gratifications and rewards to be received from the group.
- in this struggle the group leader is the major source of gratification. the leader is perceived to have to greater power to influence the groups direction and to give or withhold emotional or material rewards.
- at this point members realize the group is becoming important to them
- in this stage the limits of control and power is questioned. is it leader or the group. drop out rates are highest at this stage.
- during this struggle leaders should help the members understand the nature of power struggle, give emotional support, help the group establish norm to resolve uncertainty.
- it is very important that the leader develops trust in this stage and can maintain a balance of shared power and control, when trust is achieved members take major commitment and become involved in group.
intimacy :
- likes and dislikes are expressed
- group is referred to as family where sibling rivalry arise between members and group leader is often looked upon as parent
- feelings about the group at this stage are more openly discussed or expressed
- the group is now viewed as a place where growth and change takes place. individuals examine and make efforts to change personal attitudes, concerns and problems
- group tasks are worked on and there is a feeling of oneness and cohesiveness
- struggle or turmoil in this stage leads members to explore and make changes in personal lives
differentiation :
- members increasingly experiment with new and alternative behavior patterns
- there is a recognition of individual rights and needs and there is a high level of communication among group members
- the group is able to organize itself more efficiently
- leadership is shared and roles are more functional
- power problems are now minimal and decisions are made with less emotion and on a more objective basis
separation :
- the purposes of the group have been achieved, and members have learned new behavioral patterns that enable them to move on to other social experiences.
- termination is not always easy
- members are sometimes reluctant to move on and may display regressive behavior in an effort to prolong the safety of the group. they may also express anger over ending the group or even psychologically deny the end is near
Tuckman Model
tuckman reviewed more than 50 studies of therapy and sensitivity groups with limited duration and concluded that groups go through the following stages :
- Forming - members become oriented toward each other , work on being accepted and learn more about the group. a period of uncertainty ensues where members try to determine their place in the group
- Storming- conflicts begin to arise as members resist the influence of the group and rebel against accomplishing the task
- Norming- the group establishes cohesiveness and commitment and in the process group members discover new ways to work together. norms are also set for appropriate behavior
- Performing - the group works as a unit to achieve the group's goals. the group develops proficiency in achieving its goals and becomes more flexible in its patterns of working together
- Adjourning- the group disbands. the feelings that members experience are similar to those expressed in separation " stage in previous model.
Bales Model
this is a recurring phase model of group development. he ascertained that groups continue to seek an equilibrium between task oriented work and emotional expressions to build better relationships among members. groups tend to oscillate between these two concerns. between achieving goals and at times focussing on emotional or morale
Reference :
The Practice of Social Work by charles zastrow pg 144
Social Work Practice a generalist approach by loiuse C johnson, pg: 196
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