Definition of Group: It is the set of two or more people who interact in a given space and time, with awareness of "us" and who establish norms and principles of action that they accept, to achieve common goals or purposes.
Some features
- Homogeneity: In addition to the common interest that leads them to form a group, there is a certain homogeneity in terms of age, intellectual and social level. Optional: Membership in the group must be voluntary, this ensures a margin of participation and responsibility. Reduced: The number of members of the group is important so that the members are allowed to act, favoring group dynamics. Informal: Aims to allow members to express themselves spontaneously. Primary: Between the members there must be a friendly relationship that unites them, without pressures or relationships of any other kind. Flexible: It must allow the possibilities of change. Frequency: There must be a frequency in the meetings so that the members become aware of belonging and the group process is favored.
Principles for Group Action
- Enabling environment in meetings: Reference is made to the physical space which must be adapted to the number of members and the way they work. They must feel comfortable, contained Bullying reduction: It should tend to achieve good interpersonal relationships, reduce tensions Distributed leadership: Encourage all members to put their skills and abilities into play to facilitate the group process and the achievement of the objective. of objective appropriate to the interests of the group: The objective must be chosen by common agreement among all the members, it must never be imposed. It must be adapted to the age, potential and possibilities of the members in order to avoid the frustration of the members due to failure in the face of inappropriate objectives.Flexibility: The group must not be rigid,It must adapt to changes in both external and internal circumstances. Consensus in decision-making: All resolutions made by the group must start from this and never be imposed. The norm is full participation in a democratic environment Understanding the process in order to guide or modify the objectives: Participants must be aware of how interaction, communication and productivity occurs, in order to structure and restructure situations that favor the group process. Continuous evaluation: The group must analyze its process and how the proposed ends are being achieved, through permanent evaluation.The norm is full participation in a democratic environment Understanding the process in order to guide or modify the objectives: Participants must be aware of how interaction, communication and productivity occurs, in order to structure and restructure situations that favor the group process. Continuous evaluation: The group must analyze its process and how the proposed ends are being achieved, through permanent evaluation.The norm is full participation in a democratic environment Understanding the process in order to guide or modify the objectives: Participants must be aware of how interaction, communication and productivity occurs, in order to structure and restructure situations that favor the group process. Continuous evaluation: The group must analyze its process and how the proposed ends are being achieved, through permanent evaluation.The group must analyze its process and how the proposed ends are being achieved, through permanent evaluation.The group must analyze its process and how the proposed ends are being achieved, through permanent evaluation.
The group process
There are three perfectly identifiable stages in the life of a group, the duration of which varies according to the particular characteristics of each one.
- Apparent group period
Each member begins their performance in a group trying to translate their interests. It is the learning stage and its duration depends on the abilities that the formal or natural leader possesses in leading the group towards stabilization. The degree of high interpersonal relationship can lead to confusion and believe that the group is in a position to produce. This is because in a first stage the members have not transmitted to the group the strongest aspects of their personality.
- Organization period
The group recognizes values and norms, appearing the figure of the leader, who allows them to develop and the group internalize them. Work teams and interaction appear on positive levels of action with the perception and acceptance of the role they play. The group begins to have strength.
- Integration period or maturity
Group cohesion is achieved, manifested in the tendency to cooperate and spontaneously combine efforts for common benefit. It is no longer the sum of individuals but the plurality united in such a way that it integrates a structure or block. The marginal members and hierarchies disappear. All members are participants. There is ability to analyze the process and maintain stability.
Group productivity has been achieved.
Some group stereotypes:
Leader
He is the head of the group. Possesses skill, power of conviction and generally provokes action by being followed. Sometimes intimidating
The ritualist
He always wants to do or play the same thing. It is difficult for him to take on new activities. Is negative to the suggestions of others.
The introvert
He isolates himself and distances himself from his peers. Manifests relationship difficulties. Apathetic withdrawn sensitive.
The specialist
Avoid associating with those you dislike. It is selective. Performs in small subgroups. Is active.
The funny
He focuses his need for group attention on a special humorous skill. He is seductive, attractive, witty, witty.
The complainant
He never agrees. Negative. Devaluing collaborates intermittently, without committing too much to avoid criticism and responsibility. They tend to be people in whom no one truly believed and is locked in overprotection or emotional abandonment.
The demanding
He is the one who is always asking for more. Usually very active and intelligent. He has resistance to authority but is easily orientated with affection and recognition. You can be a natural but demanding leader.
The destructive
Negative aggressive. He constantly makes use and abuse of groping. A provocative fighter, sometimes even in bad taste with his peers, has as a positive that he is sometimes persistent, tenacious. He is often a frustrated leader.
