Small Groups – theory

Variables affecting group behaviour

• Group structure
• Roles
  • • group task roles
    • group maintenance roles
    • self
    • centred roles
    • role conflict
    • role influence
• Group cohesiveness
• Group size

Problem solving

• Define the problem
• Limit it
• Analyse it
• Establish criteria
• Suggest possible solutions
• Check solutions against criteria
• Implement the solutions
• Evaluate success of solution

Leadership needs

• Task needs
  • Diagnosing the situation and proposing action
  • Seeking information
  • Stimulating action
  • Avoiding crisis
• Maintenance needs
  • • • Climate-making
      • Regulating discussion
      • Stimulating individual involvement
      • Resolving conflict
        • • • Task conflict
            • Interpersonal conflict
            • Procedural conflict
• Guidance needs

Role_play

• Find the problem
• Work out plot and characters
• Assign members to roles

Listening

• Hearing
• Understanding
• Remembering

Group stages

Forming > storming > norming > performing ——> trust and risk——->

FRAGMENTATION | | flight | PARALYSIS | | fear | REGRESSION | | frustration (conflict) | SOCIAL INTERACTION | | inclusion | SAFETY | | control, leadership and authority challenges | EXPLORATION | | affection, trust | MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING