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TOSELAND AND RIVAS: CHAPTER 3
Week Two
“Fear of Groups Syndrome” Shulman2006
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There are so many of them and only one of me
So many people judge your work (if one person
doesn’t come back to counseling that’s lack of
motivation on their part. If 10 people don’t return
worker feels like he/she failed)
Negative feedback
Lack of control
Development of Group Dynamics
Inattention to group dynamics can have a negative effect on
group members’ socio-emotional needs and goal attainment
Groups can unleash both harmful and helpful forces
Examples?
Group Dynamics
Four dimensions of group dynamics:
 Communication and interaction patterns Figure 3.1(p.69)
 Cohesion
 Social integration and influence
 Group culture
Group Dynamics Unleashed
Example: Cereal Mascot Slide
Communication
As a Process (Kiesler 1978)
• Understanding Other People
• Finding Out Where They Stand in Relationship to others
• Persuading Others
• Gaining or Maintaining Power
• Defending Themselves
• Provoking a reaction from others
• Relational
• Making an Impression
• Unified Image
Communication: Non Verbal Messages
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Body language, gestures, facial expressions
May not know how to verbally express feelings
Silence
Cultural Competencies
Communication: Patterns of Group
Interaction
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4 patterns of group interaction that could develop in a
group:
Maypole
Round Robin
Hot Seat
Free Floating
Group Cohesion
2nd Dimension
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Member to Member Attraction to Group
Sense of Unity and Community
Sense of Teamwork
GroupThink:
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ah5lBPr_iAY
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRW8vgoHOWg
 Near
death experience
Social Integration & Influence
(3rd dimension of group dynamics)
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Norms
Roles
Status
Think about norms developed in a classroom setting.
Group Culture
4TH Dimension of group dynamics
Group culture is an important force in the
group as a whole:
 Group culture refers to
Values, Beliefs, Customs, Traditions
 3 Levels: Surface, Deeper, Deepest Level
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Stages of Group Development
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Beginning
Middle
Ending
Principles for Practice
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Closed membership
Open membership
Exploration of purpose
Norm development, role testing and status awareness
Structure
Tension or conflict
Increased group cohesion
Review and evaluate
Strong feeling-recognition and plan