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Group Dynamics: Meaning and Definitions

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We can explain the term group dynamics as a useful problem-solving tool that gives productive results in several organizations. Group dynamics but makes motivation and collaboration between the groups or teams which helps to work together for innovative products. As group dynamics is one of the essential Mootools managerial tasks, let us discuss group dynamics meaning, the importance of group dynamism, and phases of group dynamics in detail.


Define Group Dynamics 

According to Cartwright and Zander, group dynamics is a set of psychological, behavioural tools or procedures which help to change the nature of groups, teams available in the organization to collaborate and work together for attaining the objective of the organization.


Group Dynamics' meaning can be explained simply as it is a social process with which the people can form into groups or teams to attain a set of common goals. It is a continuous process where the groups can be formed as the goals keep on changing until to achieve the final goal of the organization.


5 Stages of Group Dynamics 

These are also known as phases of group dynamics. Since group dynamics is a continuous process, it has five different stages for forming a group every time. All the group formation stages are sequential and significant. So let us understand all 5 stages of group development elaborately.


Forming:

It is the first stage in the cycle of group development. Different members can be formed into a group by setting common goals. So far, each individual has different tasks And goals to reach their workplace. The main criteria for forming a group are their abilities, work culture, designation, affiliation, etc. It is the most important stage in the phases of group dynamics.


Storming:  

It is critical and crucial among the group formation stages. Usually, dyads and triads can appear here. This is a stage where people can segregate themselves according to their similarities and special interests. This led to the conflicts between the group members, and one should try to settle down the conflict and help to coordinate with each other.


Norming: 

It is the third level in stages of group dynamics. Here allocation of tasks can be formulated. It can be done by the diet or triad of groups or entirely by the management. After structuring these norms to every group, the hierarchy and designations were also allocated in that particular group, who need to report and whom to be reported. The group members can take higher dogs and responsibilities to maintain their group identity.


Performing: 

It is the actual working stage among the phases of group dynamics. After taking the work, every group member has started performing their tasks by putting all their efforts. The head of the group can supervise and correlate all the work done by his group members, and he needs to report to his supervisor. Every group member has to follow the norms and should exhibit all their efforts collectively to increase the effectiveness of the entire group.


Adjourning:  

It is the final stage of all 5 stages of group development. Here, after performing their tasks, the group members May reallocate into other groups. Here some people may be happy with the output and some other way unhappy with the output. It is a morning process that can be decided by the management or the team lead.


These are the 5 Stages of Group Dynamics in general. It is also important to note that the stages of group dynamics may vary from organization to organization or by the task also.

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Importance of Group Dynamism 

Group dynamism is an effective process that helps to solve various problems with the organization and again avoid conflicts between the people by improving collaboration and coordination some of the benefits which explain the importance of group dynamism are as follows- 

  • Group dynamics help to influence and motivate other group members to increase their effectiveness in the performance. It is always good to have a good group leader for the success of the group.

  • If the group is full of optimists, it always helps to improve the efficiency of the whole group.

  • Group dynamics also help to inculcate job satisfaction, knowledge sharing, team spirit, competitive spirit, motivation, etc.

  • It also helps to reduce the labor turnover as the people were attached to their groups, and they can feel comfortable like their family members.

Questions on Group Dynamics

1. What are Different Kinds of Formal Groups?

A. The groups can be categorized as formal groups and informal groups. in organizations, we can see mostly formal groups. The formal groups are again classified into three different types. They are,


Command Groups:- These groups are formed based on the hierarchy and designations of the employees. Usually has a superior to whom all the subordinates need to be reported after finishing their job.


Task Groups:- These groups are used to split the task and share the work among the group members. Usually, all the group members are on the same level and can work for the same goal. These are small in size, temporary, and also work for narrow goals.


Functional Groups:- These are the groups formed to achieve a specific function in a specific period these are not permanent.


2. What are the Influencing Factors of Groups?

A. The influencing factors of groups are-

  • The structure of the group.

  • The size of the group.

  • The resources are available in the group.

  • The norms sit by the group or to the group.

  • Group cohesiveness.

  • Processes involved in the group.

  • Roles and responsibilities of the group.

3. What are the Prerequisites to Form an Effective Group? 

A. We have several prerequisites to follow which helps to form an effective group. They are,

  • The expectations and goals can be explained clearly to all the group members.

  • Every group member should have a great commitment and dedication to work.

  • All the groups and within the groups should maintain a healthy competition to increase their effectiveness.

  • Controlling is also a major element for the effective group.

  • An effective group should have proper collaboration and coordination with the other group members.

  • The team leader should try to extract the creativity among his group members.

  • Proper appraisal and recognition are beneficial for the group members to increase their interest and efficiency of work.