Group WorkAddresses Group Needs Other than Individual Ones - Report Example

Running Head: GROUP WORK Group work addresses group needs other than individual ones Name Course Tutor Date Introduction In our day today to day lives as human beings, we encounter situations and endeavours that require collective efforts and action to achieve indeed goals. In this view, groups are formed every now and then to counter different problems. Basically, a group can be defined as a collection of two or more people who come together with similar interest and characteristics. A group can be said to be a collection of individuals with one or several social connections (Alderfer, 1983). The group is formed to tackle issues that are similar to the members. The main reason for forming groups is to form synergy and bring in collective efforts which are greater than individual ones. It is very difficult for individuals to handle every day life without the assistance of others. Interaction with others in a social perspective is part of life and it makes it bearable. In this view, humans have formed groups which they associate with in different social, professional, economic among other factors. It is often argued that group dynamics and efforts are much better than individual ones (Douglas, 2003, p. 13). In groups, different people are able to generate diverse ideas and view which are put into consideration when decisions revolving matters of interest are to be made. Group dynamics are a complex matter. Every individual group, from large to small has its own operating dynamics and regulations which members who attest to it adhere to. The issue of groups is so complex because in some instances, even illegal activities have their own groups and members Groups may range from families, friendship groups, social groups, welfare groups, clans, ethnic groups, etc. What ever the type of group, they form an important part of our lives and are hugely significant. As a result, groups have been extensively under research and studies to establish the core matters that relate to their formation, dynamics, identities, roles and memberships (Corsini, Rosenberg, 1955, p. 406). Their categorisation and dimensions have also been a source of interest for many researches and studies. This essay will comprehensively look at the operations of groups focusing on collective benefits and effects as compared to individual ones. It will also look at the various theories that have been put forward to explain the operations of groups and the effect it has on the group members as a whole Group dynamics The formation and existence of groups can be dated back to many centuries. The formation of groups is highly dependent on individual aspects and characteristics. There has to be a commonality in the individuals for them to form a group. These commonalities depend on the sort of group under formation and the underlying factors that bring individuals together. In the last few years, the formation of groups for social purposes has gained a lot of momentum. For instance, formation of lobby groups to fight for oppressed groups in society or environmental groups to push for environmental protection and reduction of degradation (Thelen, 1954, p 82). In these groups, a majority of them fight or are concerned with collective matters other than individual ones. Sometimes groups help one of their own when in need. In this case, individual welfare is seen as an important aspect for the group to remain relevant and cohesive. However, it is the welfare of the group as a whole that is of utmost important. People in society identify the group as a unit but not worth its individual members. Often, individuals join groups to give them a sense of identity and belonging to society (Duffy, Nesdale, 2009, p. 121). It is a form of self actualisation or fulfilment of self worth through associating with others who have similar characteristics. The reason why groups address group issues more other than individual lies in the power of numbers. They are ale to lobby for support from stakeholders and other members of society more easily when they are in a group other than individual. For example, when activists take to the streets to protest government policies or any other pressing issues that affect society, the likelihood of being heard and addressed is very high. The success rate of groups is much higher than that of individuals (French & Vince, 1999, p. 12). Group structure and activities In understanding the dynamics of groups, researchers have tried to look at the psychology behind groups and their activities. One aspect that has emerged from a majority of studies is that groups are based on interdependence between members. Group interdependence maintains cohesiveness and purpose for existence of the group (Harrison, Price, Bell, 1998, p. 98) It is through cooperation with others that many things can be done compared to the contrary. Each group possess it own unique aspects that define and identify it. These unique aspects are the connectors of members with the group. In this case, group dynamics are dependent on individuals, their relationship and the connection within the group. There are small groups with as little as two people. There are also others with thousands or even millions of members. Looking at groups from this perspective, there are many differences in aspects of behaviour, goals and, operations, among other issues. However, significant similarities that exist in all forms of groups still remain (Trevithick, 2005, p. 89). From the various definitions of a group, it is apparent that it is unit formed with individuals who have something in commons. It as been argued that group work addresses the needs of the group other than individuals. Once a group is formed and is functional, society and the rest of the world will recognise it as a group but not its individual members. Even when action is taken, it is the group that takes responsibility and not individuals. When individual act on the capacity of the group or represent it in any proceedings, the represent the views and deliberations of all others in the group. It is therefore very critical that individual members of groups, whether formal or informal, associate themselves with the group when carrying out group related activities. When performing groups come together, it is for the appraisal of individual welfare as well as a group. If a group is seeking growth or achievement of specific results, it has to be reflected on individual members. When the needs of the group are being addressed, it is actually those of individuals that are being met across the board. Therefore, when a group is addressing it group needs, it is also attending to those of individuals. A group cannot experience success without individual members experiencing the same or having the same feeling. Types of groups Groups can be classified using several criteria. They can be classified using structure, purpose, composition, affiliation and beliefs among other issues. In this view, groups can be broadly divided into primary and secondary or emerging and planned groups. In this case, primary groups form the basic group existence where people with close ties such as families and close clan communities. Individuals in a primary group interact on a regular basis and affect the overall status of the group. For secondary groups, they often have huge membership bases and it rare for them to all meet at once. A good example in this case is trade unions or activist groups. Such groups have leadership which may be self elected or by individual members. Leaders in these groups push for activities that are meant to benefit all members. Due to the large aspect in membership, leaders in such kinds of groups represent the interest of all other in forms and meetings. Educative, reciprocal and therapeutic groups Whether primary or secondary, groups further subdivide into educative, therapeutic and reciprocal groups. Educative groups are formed with the aim of disseminating knowledge to member, which they can use for general or specific activities. In this view, individual members may have the task of sharing matters on educative topics to other members. Discussions in educative groups may be on issues such as health, social aspects, environmental, financial among others. Their aim is to verse members with information that meets the objectives of joining the group in the first place. The intention of such groups is to help individual member gain knowledge and use it for the benefits of the group as well as individuals. Therapeutic groups in a social perspective are formed to help individuals solve individual social problems. Some of these groups are focus groups that deal with counselling in matters such as drug abuse, stress relivement, marriage counselling, and anger management among others. Such groups attempt to help members return to normal status after undergoing social constraints (Duffy, Nesdale, 2009, p. 122) Therapeutic groups focus on social rehabilitation and restoration of psychological normalcy. Reciprocal groups focus on member or students becoming the teachers in a group. Different people have different levels of understanding and comprehension. People also tend to get information much faster when it is disseminated by peers. They use clarification, question asking, and summaries of what they have learned as strategies. Member in reciprocal groups learn by actively participating in the teaching process. These kinds of groups are common in schools and learning institutions (Glomb, & Liao, 2003, p. 486) Advantages of groups and group work There are benefits and gains that people may encounter from engaging in group activities. Groups offer people the opportunity to work together and pool their expertise together for the better goods. This way, groups help society to become a more cohesive unit and foster social development for group members. Groups also create synergy where collective activities much larger than combination of individual activities. Groups also offer individuals a platform for learning and affect meaningful impact on the group as well. It is the focus of individuals that helps the group to address issues as a unit other than on an individual basis. Apart from a group identifying itself with its achievement or intentions, it also helps individuals to have a sense of identity and acceptability among colleagues and society. The success of a group is the success of individual members (Forsyth, 2009) When addressing the issues that relate to a particular group, there are several issues that come into consideration. These include group structure, cohesion and goals. Interaction relates to tasks that the group undertake and also interaction between members of the group and these outside the group as well. Cohesion is concerned with the bonds that keep the group running and enables it to achieve set goals. In group dynamics, there are several aspects that enable a group to address its matters effectively (Campion, Medsker, Higgs, 1993, p 823). These aspects come into play as soon as the group is formed. The formation stage brings individuals together who want to achieve something common. After formation, storming follows as members get used to each other and the group ideology as well. At the ‘norming’ stage member are now more interactive and have set roadmaps towards addressing particular group issues. After this the performance process takes off as planned in the previous stages. Groups may disband if intended goals are reached and continue of their efforts are long term (Fryxell, Mosser, Sinclair, Packer, 2007, p.1042) Conclusion Groups are an important part of society and are being formed every now and them. Some groups, for instance families, emerge without prior planning or deliberation. Others are formed with specific goals in mind and relevant mechanisms are put in place to achieve them. What ever the case, group dynamics have a lot in common. The welfare of the group comes first before that of individual members. Achievement of group goals is highly significant and important to the group. When a group is able to meet its collective goals, individuals are satisfied and can associate with the achievement as well. As individual members of society, we cannot live or survive without others. Groups are significant in giving people an identity and also achieving self satisfaction. They also provide an easier way to achieve goals through collective bargaining. References Alderfer, C, 1983, An Intergroup Perspective on Group Dynamics (No. SOM-WP-57). Yale Univ New Haven Ct School Of Organization And Management. Andersena, D, Richardsona, G, 1997, ‘Scripts for group model building’,System Dynamics Review, vol 13, no. 2, pp. 107-129. . Campion, M, Medsker, G, & Higgs, A, 1993, ‘Relations between work group characteristics and effectiveness: Implications for designing effective work groups’ Personnel psychology, vol 46, no. 4, pp. 823-847. Corsini, R, & Rosenberg, B, 1955, ‘Mechanisms of group psychotherapy: Processes and dynamics’,The Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, vol 51, no.3, pp.406. Thelen, H, 1954, Dynamics of groups at work, pp. 32-68University of Chicago Press, Chicago. 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