Group Dynamics

Throughout my research, I will write on group dynamics, in which first I will define group, group dynamic and the types of group.

A group is composed of two or more people in a social relationship connection. The connection can be based on relation such family members or friendship. Existence of a group depends on connection. We have got different kind of groups, sociologist Charles Horton Cooley provides for two different kinds of groups, primary groups and secondary groups. Primary groups are long term and characterized by face to face interaction of individuals, have some cohesiveness and solidarity amongst its members as members look after each other. Secondary groups are more complex than primary groups and have no emotional connection. A group is classified into planned and emergent groups. Emergent groups are spontaneous and not deliberately formed. Planned groups are formed through deliberation by their members or an external authority. Brian Lickel and his colleagues categorize groups based on how individuals or ordinary people would classify and include intimacy groups, task groups, weak associations and social categories.

Group dynamics, according to Kart Lewin (1951), is the manner in which individual and groups act and react to changing circumstances. Lewin also describe group dynamics as the branch of inquiry towards advancing knowledge about the nature of groups, the laws that governs their formation and continuance, how they relate with individuals and other groups. Group dynamics are understood to change members and society. They change members by prompting their attitude, shaping their actions, thoughts and behaviors. However, they change society by maintaining political, economic and educational system in a society. Some of the phases groups go through according to Tuckman, 1965, are forming phase where the members of the group get know each other, storming phase associated with conflict as leaders of the group are elected and goal of the group formulated, norming phase, the performing phase and lastly the adjourning phase. Group dynamics are influenced by certain factors that include micro level factors group dynamic is influenced by individuals qualities, character and actions, meso-level character it is influenced by groups structure and finally macro-level structures where the group dynamic is influenced by the environment for example the community.

In conclusion groups are real and they are alive. It is believed that to understand individuals you need to understand the groups they belong. Groups are the cornerstone of the society.