SOCIAL DYNAMICS
INTRODUCTION:
Social dynamics can refer to the behaviour of
groups that results from the interactions of
individual group members as well to the study of the
relationship between individual interactions and
group level behaviours.
Here, individual choices and interactions are
typically viewed as the source of aggregate level of
behaviour.
The fundamental assumption of the field is that
individuals are influenced by one another's behavior.
DEFINITION OF SOCIAL DYNAMICS:
“ Social dynamics is the ability to react to
inner and outer changes and deal with its
regulation mechanisms.”
- Web Dictionary
“ Social dynamics refers to attitudinal and
behavioural characteristics of societal group which
concern how that group forms, evolves and
functions, increases morale among its members.”
- Prem Sharma
DEVELOPMENTAL PROCESS
OR
PHASES/ STAGES OF SOCIAL DYNAMICS
Group provides with wonderful opportunities to
facilitate therapeutic growth in patients.
Group like individual, have the capacity for growth
and development.
They have the abilities to regress and resist working
effectively.
Group development involve four phases:
CONT’D…
1) • PREGROUP PHASE
.
2) • INITIAL PHASE
.
3)
• WORKING PHSE
4)
• TERMINATION PHASE
1) PRE GROUP PHASE:
1) Selection of group leader.
2) Deciding the goal.
3) Getting administrative permission. (to avoid possible problems, the
leader should explain any administrative limitation.
4) Selection of the members (Membership).
5) Deciding criteria for membership selection like problem areas,
motivation, age, sex, cultural factors etc.
6) Decide whether membership of group will be closed or open before
screening.
7) Conduction of screening interview.
2) INITIAL PHASE:
The initial phase includes meetings in which the group
members begins to settle down to work.
This phase is characterized by anxiety about being
accepted by group, setting of norms and about various
roles.
It is sub divided into 3 phases/ stages by Yalam (1995):
a) The orientation stage
b) The conflict stage
c) The cohesive stage
CONT’D…
a) The orientation stage:
The leader orients the group to its primary task helps
the group
to arrive at group contract which includes goals,
confidentiality, meeting time, honesty,
communication rules etc.
to foster a sense of belonging among the members.
During this stage, the members are evaluating each
other, the group and the group leader.
CONT’D…
b) The conflict stage:
Issues related to control, power and authority become
primary.
Members are concerned about who is top or bottom in
control and decision making.
Sub-groups usually form within group and hostility may
expressed.
The leader task is to allow expression of both negative
and positive feelings, helps the group to understand the
underlying conflict and prevent non-productive behavior.
Members may realize that conflicts need not to be
avoided, instead, through discussion, open conflicts may
increase group’s maturity and usefulness.
CONT’D…
c) Cohesive stage:
Group members after resolving the 2nd stage, feel strong
attraction towards one another.
Members feel free to give self disclosing information and share
more intimate concerns.
The leader should encourage the group to use its problem solving
ability.
At the end, the group begins to see task achievements as a reality.
The members gain a realistic and honesty view of their ability to
work together and to accomplish their primary and secondary
task.
3) WORKING PHASE:
The group becomes a team. It directs its energy mainly
towards completing its task.
Group becomes more responsible and stable.
The leader activities reduces. He just helps to keep the
group goal directed and tries to decrease the impact of
anything that may regress or retard the group.
By the end of this phase, members have made significant
progress towards goal achievement. They have a sense of
their own productivity and accomplishment.
4) TERMINATION PHASE:
There are 2 types of termination
1. termination of an individual member
2. termination of a group.
Termination is the highly individual process.
If the group has been successful, termination will be painful
but with the feeling of accomplishment.
Leadership behavior includes encouraging an evaluation of the
group & its terminating members, recall about important
events that occurred in the group and encouraging members to
give feedback.
THANK YOU
