Chapter 5: Fundamentals of

Group Dynamics

Learning Objectives:

The learners are expected to:

1.State the fundamentals of group and group dynamics;

2.Explain the concepts, characteristics, and types of groups; and
3.Classify groups as formal or informal.
GROUP

Two or more persons engaged in a social interaction.

collection of individuals who find their association with one another

rewarding. Others insist that the individuals must have a common goal in
order for them to be considered as a group.

the existence of any group is assumed to depend on the paticipation

and satisfaction of the individuals comprising it.
Group Dynamics:

the social process by which people interact in a small group and in a

face-to-face manner is called group dynamics. Dynamics comes from the
Greek word dunamis which means force. Group dynamics then refers to the
study of forces operating within the group.
Types of Groups

1.Primary Group – is characterized by intimate face-to-face association and

cooperation among its members. It fundamentally forms the social nature and
ideals of an individual. It involves sympathy and mutual identification which is a
form of natural expression. (San Juan and Centeno, 2011).

2.Secondary Group – consists of members who are aware and cognizant of

personal relationships, but they do not feel that their lives are bound with one
another except in time of social crisis. The members may be separated from
one another by distance or by a lack of personal physical contact. Nevertheless,
they can share their interests through correspondence, press, radio, telephone,
or other means. (San Juan & Centeno, 2011)
Characteristics of a Group:

1.Interaction is the pattern of mutual influence (physical, verbal, non-verbal,

emotional, etc.).

2.Structure is a stable pattern of relationships.

a. Roles deal with the behavior expected members in a given position.
b. Norms are the rules that identify and describe appropriate behavior.
c. Inter-member relations are influenced by authority and
communication.

3. Goals are the reason for existence.

1.Perceived groupness is the extent in which members see themselves as one

(common fate, similarity, proximity).

2.Dynamic interdependency occurs when the members are active, energized,

vibrant and changing.

3.Motivation focuses on personal needs which – when attained – lead to

satisfaction.
Kinds of Formal Groups

These are divided into the following:

1.Command Groups – are specified by the organizational chart and often

composed of a leader and the members who directly report to him. Example: an
academic department consisting of a chair and faculty members.

2.Task Groups – consist of people who work together to achieve a common

task. Members are brought together to accomplish a narrow range of goals
within the specified time. Examples: Ad hoc committees, project groups,
standing committees

3.Functional Groups - are created by an organization to accomplish specific

goals within an unspecified time frame. They continue to function even after their
goals have been achieved. Example: A sales and marketing department.
Kinds of Informal Groups:

1. Interest Groups – usually continue over time and may last longer than general
informal groups. The goals and objectives of interest groups are specific to each
group and may not be related to organizational goals and objectives. Example:
student who come together to form a study group for a specific class.

2.Friendship Groups – are formed by individuals who enjoy similar social

activities, political beliefs, religious values, or other common bonds. Members
enjoy each other’s company. Examples: students who have an exercise group or
who meet for a so-called jamming.

3.Reference groups – are composed of people who are evaluated for social
validation and social comparison. Social validation allows individuals to justify
their attitudes and value while social comparison helps individuals evaluate their
own actions by comparing themselves with others.