Roles in Group Work

Basic tasks of a Group leader :

Social Workers who are group members are qualified to carry out 3 tasks that can be very useful for the group in its functioning:

1. Consultation : to ask for and offer information and suggestions. it does not demand that the suggestion be accepted. it provides an expectation that all group members will examine the information and suggestion in the light of the social workers contribution.  this encourages the group to engage in style of joint assessment of clients in situations and for considering alternatives for developing solutions to problems and plan of action. 
2. Facilitation - it is a task that enables others to function. facilitation of the group process is one form of this task. SWrks can carry this in a number of ways. they can support the helpful behaviors of other group members, model useful behaviors, ask appropriate questions, or provide appropriate observations about the observations and feelings about the group. they can teach other group members about group processes and functioning. other means of facilitation are helping members stay on the topic, summarizing what has been said or decided and letting other members know their feelings are OK.some behaviors to avoid are criticizing others or their values, forcing ideas on group, making decisions that belong to the group, talking too much. the social worker studies the group and its functioning and decided what will most help the group at any point in a given time.
3. Coordination - this task calls for monitoring to learn if all members are carrying out their assigned tasks and that, in carrying out of the tasks, the work of each group member is done in a way that complements those of other members. . it is a task of insuring that the work of other members do not conflict but complements other members. much of this task is done b y building relationships. the social worker attempts to understand the position of every other group member and to gain an appreciation of the needs of each member in relation to the group task.

The worker group interaction happens in a number of ways including : 

1. through acceptance
2. through relationships
3. through enabling and supporting
4. through limiting behavior
5. through guiding
6. through alleviation
7. through interpreting
8. through observation and evaluation
9. through planning and preparation

the role of the social worker with the group is to help the members reach out to one another in such a way that they can help one another in meeting the needs of individual group members and in some way influence the environment so that group and individual needs are better met. The social workers role is influenced by the stage of group development and the stage of individual member development in the process. 

Group member/client roles in group work 

All groups whether therapeutic or problem solving whatever the objective might be require that both task roles and group building roles are performed satisfactorily. And these roles rely on members performing various roles in a group. this helps to strengthen the social, emotional aspects of group life. Johnson and Johnson summarized these roles as follows :

1. Information and opinion giver
2. information and opinion seeker
3. starter
4. direction giver
5. summarizer
6. coordinator
7. diagonizer
8. energizer
9. reality tester
10. evaluator

Group maintenance roles such as :

1. encourager of participation
2. harmonizer and compromiser
3. tension reliever
4. communication helper
5. evaluator of emotional climate
6. process observer
7. standard setter
8. active listener
9. trust builder
10. interpersonal problem solver

Reference :

Social Work Practice a generalist approach by Loiuse C Johnson, pg: 205

The practice of social work by charles zastrow, pg:146

Group Development

Factors that encourage group development include :

1. strength of members commitment to the groups functions, tasks and goals
2. the satisfaction of the mutual needs of the members
3. the liking or caring the members feel for one another
4. reciprocation rather than competition for goals
5. respect for diversity among group members
6. the amount of time the group spends together
7. interaction that encourages individual growth
8. 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 :

1. 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
2. Storming- conflicts begin to arise as members resist the influence of the group and rebel against accomplishing the task
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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

http://www.monroecollege.edu/academicresources/ebooks/0840033931_lores_p01_ch02.pdf

Social Work Practice a generalist approach by loiuse C johnson, pg: 196

How to start, lead and terminate groups

I. Home work

• preparation ensure the level of success of group encounter
• prepare based on what are the purpose/goals of group
• what possible ways can the general goals be achieved
• what are the characteristics of members
• what resources are needed
• what should the agenda be for first meeting
• when the group first meets, should an ice breaker exercise be used?
• how should chairs be arranged? refreshments provided? what do members expect you to do
• check the group members and their characteristics ie sex, age, ethnic background, education etc
• understanding self and members in general
• how well I, a leader can make the group feel comfortable and accepted as leader 

After the first meeting has occurred, its good to review how things went compared to the plan laid.  some questions which would help to review this include :

• have the goals been clarified to members 
• are we making adequate progress in accomplishing goals
•  if not what obstacles are slowing down the group in meeting the goals
• have we selected adequate courses of action to reach the goal
• what items should be in agenda for next meeting?
• will successful completion of activities help us accomplish in achieving the goals
• is each member interested and motivated in achieving or working towards accomplishing the goal
• if they are disinterested, whats the reason and what could stimulate their interests

II. Session planning

planning a session is very essential to keep in pace with moving towards group goals. it is essential to identify specific goals for each session which should be in line with helping to achieve the overall goal og the group. some suggestions include :

• select relevant content
• use examples to support points or opinion, like statistics, reports, news etc
• present materials in a logical order
• plan the time
• be flexible with the agenda
• be creative in handling : use different pace in presenting, use different medium to present whi ch will involve, engage or interests the group, give breaks, include discussion, invite guest speaker, conduct games etc

III. Relaxing before a meeting

effective group leaders reduce anxiety before leading a group using relaxation techniques.  practice in leading groups will gain confidence as well.

IV. cues on entering the meeting room

• be punctual - as a leader you set an example to the group
• make sure things are arranged before members arrive
• seated before everyone comes helps leader with some time to observe members and their mood and reaction, interest, knowing more about the population involved
• notice cues to join with the group by observing or capturing their interests and other cues they give verbally and non verbally, directly or indirectly 

V. Seating arrangements

• seating arrangement is very important and influences a lot of aspects in the group process like group cohesion, morale etc
• seating arrangement should be in such a way where the leader can have eye contact with every member in the group, also between each other group members. 
• a circle is ideal for various aspects such as openness and cohesion
• tables act as a a subtle barrier to communication. therapy groups seldom use tables. 
• the shape of the table influences the communication between group members too
• encourage members to get to know each other since each gets comfortable with a particular person and may form friends and may not want to sit with someone else from next session on. 

VI. Introductions

• both leader and members introduction is very important and sometimes this process itself acts as an ice breaker
• the leader must express oneself along with his credentials in a non arrogant manner, so the group does not experience superiority rather expertise
• deliver the message in an appropriate way either fun or serious, formal or informal
• learn members name as quickly as possible
• name tags help, but to know each and every member helps leader to better know and communicate
• members appreciate being called by name and the feeling that the leader is giving attention to them helps in cohesion
• ice breaker for members introduction should be helpful
• members can state their expectations of group in this stage so its easy for the leader to do the necessary clarifications

VII. Role clarification

• the roles that leaders assume in a group varies from situation to situation
• clarify roles of leaders and members
• discuss on role expectation and get members opinions
• members tend to participate more when they are allowed to contribute more and feel as a part of the group psychologically
• jot down each members responsibility and the leaders as well and how this helps in achieving the common group goal
• the leader should explain clearly when the expectations cannot be met, being humle about skills and credentials helps in groups acceptance of leader's opinions
• be prepared to explain reasoning behind things you do as a leader

VIII. Agenda

all group members should have opportunity to suggest agendas. if possible sommunicate the agendas several days before the meeting so the members will have chance to go through and discuss when they come for the meeting. so during the meeting the members have chance to discuss deletions, additions, corrections appropriate and vote and decide on the agenda

IX. Additional guidelines for leading a group

• leadership is a shared responsibility, every member of the group should get a chance to lead the group however not in a controlling manner
• use decision making process that are best suited for the issues facing the group
• create a cooperative group atmosphere rather a competitive group atmosphere
• view controversy and conflict as natural and desirable for resolving issues and furthering discussion
• use a problem solving approach rather a win lose approach
• give attention to how you end the session. a few minutes before the meeting is scheduled to end, or when it seems that the group is exhausted  conclude with a brief summary the key points made in the meeting. this leaves them with a sense of achievement  

X. Terminating a group

This is a process of separating from the group and from the members. Separation typically involves mixed feelings that vary in intensity according to number of factors. the greater the members emotional cloness and investment in the group the greater the feeling of loss. there are several types of termination:

• Termination of a successful group- this refers to the group which has accomplished its goals. this generates a sweetness sorrow feeling among members. they are delighted with their accomplishment which increase their self confidence and self esteem. in such groups formal terminations may begin one or more meetings before the final one. and the date of the last meeting should be discussed and agreed well in advance. before termination could occur the group should evaluate the progress, plan for continued work, emotional reactions to termination can be handled, members can plan on special events or social gathering. the worker must be efficient in handling "good bye" issues which should not over take the positive aspects of the group. the worker should recognize and emphasize on the member achievement and group goal achievement and skills they have learned and accomplished.
• termination of an unsuccessful group - this is the group in which goals are largely unmet. this involves feelings of anger, frustration, scapegoating, blaming and apathy. terminating unsuccessful group is as important as terminating successful group. this gives more input about where the problem is if given proper evaluation and scrutiny. the worker must be prepared to handle chaos and criticisms and respond in a positive way also realistic way. 
• dropping out - this is a single member termination where the group still goes on. there could be variety of reasons behind drop out. the leader should learn the reason that will not only help the member but also the group or another member in the group. this issue has to be handled in a way where it should not affect other members or discourage them in investing in group. the leader should work on this issue and try to help the member to resolve issues and get back in. whenever a member drops out the leader should discuss or inform the positive contributions made by the member to the group. thank for positive contribution. also inform the group of  the reason for leaving so there is less chance of rumor and gossip and misunderstanding. 
• transfer of a member - this involves a planned arrangement between group leader and the member for a variety of reasons. the member being transformed should clearly understand the reasons for transfer and its more helpful if they volunteer to explain themselves to the group. this gives chance for the group members to wish the person well and to gain a sense of closure.
• Departure of the leader - this termination is most difficult from worker point of view and the groups point of view. emotional reactions can be intense and adequate time to work through them may not be available. members who feel vulnerable and depend on you may feel devastated. some may feel anger, some feel its because of what they did or said, some personalize. also the worker has to work through guilt. its better to help the members or encourage them to express feelings. the new leader should be introduced and the transition should be as smooth as possible

Reference :

http://www.monroecollege.edu/academicresources/ebooks/0840033931_lores_p01_ch02.pdf (important link)
http://www.slideshare.net/BimalAntony/group-work-process-23990034

The practice of Social work by Charles Zastrow pg 132

http://www.sagepub.com/crispandturner2/downloads/How%20to%20Succeed%20in%20Group%20Work.pdf

http://learningcommons.ubc.ca/student-toolkits-2/working-in-groups/group-process/

Social Work with groups

What is Group work and Group therapy ?

The intellectual, emotional and social development of individuals may be furthered through group activities. In contrast to Case work or Group therapy, Group work is not primarily therapeutic except in broader sense. Different groups have different objectives such as, socialization, information exchange, curbing, delinquency, recreation, changing socially unacceptable values and helping achieve better relations between cultural and racial groups.
Activities and focuses of group vary: arts and crafts, vocational. first aid or training oriented, educational etc

Social Group Work is a method of social work which helps individuals to enhance their social functioning through purposeful group experiences and to cope more effectively with their personal, group or community problems (Konapka -1963)

Group therapy is aimed at facilitating the social, behavioral and emotional adjustment of individuals through the group process. Participants in group therapy usually have emotional, international or behavioral difficulties. Group therapy has several advantages over one-one counseling, such as the operation of the helper therapy principle which maintains it is therapeutic for the helper to feel he/she has been helpful to others. in contrast to one-one counseling, group pressure is often more effective in changing individual's maladaptive behavior, and group therapy is a time saver as it enables the therapist to treat several people simultaneously. eg: group therapy might be focused on individuals who are severely depressed, having drinking problems or psychologically addicted to drugs, those having an eating disorder etc.

Types of Groups

1. Recreation Groups - objective is to provide activities for enjoyment and exercise- groups are leaderless- eg,YMCA,YWCA,spontaneous playground activities.
2. Recreation skill groups - objective is to improve a set of skills while providing enjoyment - this group has an adviser, coach or instructor- more of task oriented eg golf, arts and crafts club, swimming etc. groups are led by professionals with recreational training rather social work training.
3. Educational groups - focus is to help members acquire knowledge and learn more complex skills. the leader is generally a professional person with considerable training and expertise in subject area eg, child rearing practices,assertiveness training, effective parenting, training volunteers. these groups may resemble a class with considerable group interaction and discussion being encouraged
4. Task groups - formed to achieve specific set of task or objectives- a group established for specific purpose like a committee in an agency. this group is disbanded after the group has completed the task.
5. Problem solving/decision making groups - service providers and consumers use these kind of group. three issues are important in this type of groups: group vs individual decision making, group think, decision by consensus vs majority vote.
6.  focus groups - closely related to task and prblem solving groups. these groups are formed for a variety of purposes. like representative group. the members have been selected specifically to represent different perspectives or point of view of community. someone who can bring diverse views to the table.
7. self help groups - these are voluntary small group structures for mutual aid, and accomplishment of a specific purpose. there are 5 kinds of self help groups: acc to katz and bender groups that focus on self fulfillment or personal growth like AA groups and weight watchers and grops that focus on social advocacy like Welfare rights organizations, groups that focus on creating alternative patterns of living like gay liberation, outcast haven or rock bottom groups like ex drug addict organizations where people seek refuge to maintain their health without getting into relase due to societal or other life pressures and have a safe living arrangement. groups of mixed types

 

8. socialization groups - focus is to develop or change attitudes and behaviors of group members to become more socially acceptable. developing social skills, increasing self confidence, or any other focus. 

9. therapy groups- composed of members with severe emotional or personal problems. leadership in this group requires skill, perceptiveness, knowledge of human behavior and group dynamics, group counseling capacities to use the group to bring about behavioral or other therapeutic changes. similar to individual therapy the goal of the therapy  in groups in generally to have members explore their problems in depth and develop one or more strategies for resolving them. the therapist uses one or more therapy approaches such as psychoanalysis, reality therapy, learning theory, TA, rational therapy, client centered therapy and psychodramam to help promoting change in attitudes and behaviors. 

10. encounter groups - EG or sensitivity training groups refer to a group experience in which people relate to each other in a close interpersonal manner and self disclosure is required. the goal is to improve interpersonal awareness.  Acc to Baker a sensitivity group is a training and consciousness raising group rather than one that meets to resolve psychological or mental disorders. the process in encounter groups are 3 stages. Unfreezing, change and refreezing. 

Types of Therapeutic Groups

Categorized by Corey and Corey

1. T groups /Therapeutic groups include encounter, awareness, self help, consciousness raising, sensitivity training and personal growth groups.

Gazda recognizes 3 types of groups

1. Guidance - primarily for prevention of problems facing high risk population, this group focus on improvement of life skills and overall direction of members
2. Counseling- for secondary prevention or correction, these groups include encounter, sensitivity and organizational developmental groups 
3. Psychotherapy- tertiary prevention groups with the purpose of reeducating, rehabilitating and generally bringing members to healthy function.

Concepts related to Problem solving and decision making groups

Leadership and Communication

Groups think

Group decision making
Task/ role of group leader

Group stages

Stages of group development according to Bruce tuckman in 1965 - Forming, norming, storming, performing

 

Some Group therapy videos :

these videos should make clear the text content covered above from practical point of view.

  

Group therapy with Substance abuse groups



Selecting group members





Reference :
http://www.pearsonhighered.com/samplechapter/0205376061.pdf

The Practice of Social Work by Charles zastrow, pg 22, 116

Social Work Practice a generalist approach by Louise C Johnson , pg : 190

Theory and Practice of group psychotherapy : https://archive.org/stream/theorypracticeof00yalo#page/6/mode/1up

Definition and types of Groups - http://www.sagepub.com/vip/cpiseries/conyne/materials/chapter1_GroupWorkLdrshp.pdf