Introduction to

Group Dynamics

What is a Group?
Definition of a group:
Two or more
individuals who are
connected to one
another by social
relationships.

Two or more individuals

who are connected to one
another by social relationships.

Size: dyads and triads to large

collectives.

who are
connected to one
another by social

Two or more individuals

relationships.

Connected: members are

linked, networked

Two or more individuals who

are connected to one another
by social relationships.
Social, interpersonal connection: not
categorical only

The Nature of Groups

Group
Is often used for almost any occasion
when two or more people come together.
In sociology, however, we use several
terms for various collections of people,
not all of which are considered groups.

Social group
Consists of a number of people who have
a common identity, some feeling of unity,
and certain common goals and shared
norms

Why do you feel social groups are

important?

Functions of Groups
To function properly, all groupsboth primary
and secondarymust
Defining Boundaries
Choosing Leaders
Making Decisions
Setting Goals
Assigning Tasks
Controlling Members Behavior
Reference Groups

Team
Team
A group whose members work intensely with
each other to achieve a specific, common goal or
objective.
All teams are groups but not all groups are
teams.
Teams often are difficult to form.
It takes time for members to learn how to work
together.

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Types of Groups

Dyad
Triad
Primary group
Secondary group

Reference group
In-group
Out-group

Dyads and Triads

Dyad
Group consisting of two people
Triad
Group consisting of three people.
.

Primary Groups
Groups consisting of intimate, face-to-face
interaction and relatively long-lasting
relationships.
Examples:
Families, close friends, peer groups, gangs,
elite military squads

Secondary group
Secondary groups are people who share only
part of their lives while focusing on a goal or
task.
Secondary relationships are impersonal
interactions involving limited parts of
personalities.
Examples:
work groups, unions and professional
associations

Reference groups
Reference groups are a group use for selfevaluation and the formation of
attitudes, values, beliefs, and norms.
A reference group is a group to which we
compare ourselves.

Reference groups
For example, if a man buys a more
expensive car than he normally would
because his neighbors drive that particular
model, his buying behavior is seen to be
influenced by his reference group.

In-groups
In-groups are exclusive groups
demanding intense loyalty.

Out-groups
Out-groups are groups targets by an ingroup for opposition, antagonism or
competition.

Social networks
Social networks are a web of social
relationships that join a person to other
people and groups.

Five Types of Social

Interaction
Robert Nisbet (1988) describes 5 types
of social interaction basic to group life:
1.Cooperation
2.Conflict
3.Social Exchange
4.Coercion
5.Conformity

 Cooperation is interaction in which

individuals or groups combine their
efforts to reach a goal.

 Conflict is interaction aimed at defeating

an opponent.
Social exchange is a voluntary action
performed in the exception of getting a
reward in return.

Coercion: is an interaction in which

individuals or groups are forced to
behave in a particular way.
Conformity: is the behavior that matches
group expectations.

What is a Team?
The word 'team' derives from the use of oxen or
bullocks shackled together to create a focused,
shared force for transporting heavy materials.

You are here as part of a team

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Team
A small number of people with complementary
skills who are committed to a common purpose, set
of performance goals, and approach for which
they hold themselves
mutually accountable.

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Stages of Team
Development
Performing
Norming

Storming
Forming

Existing teams
might regress
back to an
earlier stage of
development

Adjourning

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Forming
Team members are
introduced and begin
getting to know each
other
Goals and tasks are
established
Generally polite
behavior among
members
Norms are not
understood

Storming
Members are sizing each
other up and may feel
more comfortable and
voice their views
Members may compete for
team roles
May argue about goals or
how they should be
accomplished
May choose sides against
other members

Norming
Once issues are resolved,
agreement occurs around
team norms and
expectations
Trust and common
interests are developing
Roles and objectives are
clarified and understood

Performing
Members make
contributions and are
motivated by results
Leadership is shared
according to members
knowledge and skills
Norms and culture are
well understood
Tasks get accomplished
effectively and efficiently

Group Development
Process
Stage 5: Adjourning
Work is done
Time to move on to other things

Group Leadership

Leaders exert influence over members

In formal groups, leaders can reward or punish
members who do not conform to orders or rules

A formal group may have no formal leader

Autonomous work groups
Self-managed teams

3 Cs of Team Players

Every Team Member Can

Help!

Teamwork

Create A Story