Group Dynamics: Formation, Types, and Cohesion Principles
Defining a Group
A group consists of a plurality of interrelated individuals, each performing a particular role, working towards common goals, and interacting to varying degrees according to a set of established guidelines.
Classifications of Groups
Groups can be classified according to various criteria:
Group Types by General Criteria
- The Crowd: Typically more than 50 individuals with little connection between them, and often with unclear objectives.
- The Band: Composed of a few individuals where similarity forms the basis of their relationship. Adaptation effort is minimal, and relationships tend to be superficial.
- Grouping: A variable number of members (tens to hundreds) sharing common goals and frequent meetings, though relationships may remain shallow.
- Primary Groups: Small groups characterized by strong emotional ties and a high degree of cohesion.
- Secondary Groups: Larger social systems, often more formal and less personal than primary groups.
Groups Based on Individual Relationship
- Belonging Groups: Groups to which an individual belongs, often without personal choice.
- Reference Groups: Groups with which an individual identifies, adopting their values and behaviors, even if they are not a formal member.
Groups Based on Purpose
- Formal Groups: Deliberately formed, often as part of an organization. Organizational goals typically prevail over individual rights, and members meet to achieve a common objective.
- Informal Groups: Formed spontaneously based on sympathy or mutual attraction (e.g., friends).
- Externally Designated Groups: Groups formed by classifications or labels applied by others (e.g., “the homeless”).
Groups from an Anthropological Perspective
- Mass Group: Characterized by sentimental and emotional drivers. Often reckless, irresponsible, highly suggestive, and manageable.
- Organizational Group: Focuses on the role an individual plays within a structure. While potentially helpful for achieving tasks, it may not prioritize individual growth and can sometimes be discriminatory.
- Community Group: Values the individual as a whole person, respecting both their weaknesses and strengths. This type of group fosters trust, respect, and affection.
Stages of Group Formation
Groups typically progress through several stages:
- Forming Stage: Characterized by expectation and anxiety. Members are unsure how to act and often seek security from a facilitator or leader.
- Storming Stage (Conflict): Marked by opposition, competition, and the formation of alliances. This stage is crucial for group maturation.
- Norming Stage (Organization): A sociological leader often emerges, and the group begins to identify as a collective, using terms like “us.”
- Performing Stage (Interaction): The group achieves high cohesion, affection, and productivity. Leadership is often shared among members.
Indicators of Group Maturity
A mature group typically demonstrates the following:
- Successful progression through all previous formation stages.
- Effective resolution and overcoming of the conflict (storming) phase.
Group Cohesion
Group cohesion refers to the extent to which a group feels united and self-satisfied. Cohesion has a positive effect on groups, increasing their productivity, fostering cooperation, and strengthening the feeling of solidarity among members.
Factors Influencing Group Cohesion
Group cohesion is determined by a combination of intrinsic and external factors:
- Intrinsic Factors:
- Sympathy and affinity among members.
- Shared experiences of success and failure.
- Strong group culture.
- Satisfaction of individual and collective needs within the group.
- External Factors:
- The leadership style of the formal group leader.
- Support or influence from an external entity or unit.
Strategies for Fostering Cohesion
Formal leaders must empower and implement strategies to support group cohesion, including:
- Cultivating a positive emotional climate that encourages consensus and compliance with group norms.
- Providing a physical or virtual space that creates a warm and welcoming environment.
- Establishing clear objectives for the group.
- Ensuring the group’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances, as rigidity can hinder cohesion.