Group Dynamics
Lesson 6: Structure
• Leadership styles can influence the
distribution of roles, establishment of
Group Structure:
norms, and management of group
• Group structure refers to the dynamics.
underlying framework that shapes the
• Group Dynamics and Structure:
interactions, roles, norms, and
relationships within a group. • Interconnectedness between group
structure and dynamics, with
• Elements of Group Structure:
structure influencing group processes
• Roles: Patterns of behavior expected and vice versa.
of individuals within the group,
• Effective group structure can facilitate
defining their functions and
positive dynamics, such as
responsibilities.
cooperation, communication, and
• Norms: Shared rules or expectations decision making.
that guide behavior and interactions
• Challenges and Adaptation:
within the group, influencing cohesion
and conformity. • Groups may encounter challenges in
maintaining or adapting their
• Status: Relative position or rank of
structure due to internal conflicts,
individuals within the group, often
external pressures, or changes in
determined by factors like expertise,
membership or goals.
experience, or social influence.
• Adaptive groups can evolve their
• Cohesiveness: The degree of unity
structure to address challenges,
and solidarity among group members,
accommodate diversity, and
influencing motivation, morale, and
capitalize on opportunities for growth
performance.
and innovation.
• Communication Networks: Patterns
• Task and Social Roles:
of information flow and interaction
among group members, affecting • Task roles focus on achieving the
decision making and coordination. group's objectives, while social roles
address interpersonal dynamics and
• Formation of Group Structure:
relationships.
• Emerges through a combination of
• Balancing task and social roles is
individual attributes, situational
critical for maintaining group
factors, and group processes.
effectiveness and cohesion.
• Development influenced by factors
• Formal and Informal Structure:
such as group size, composition,
goals, and external context. • Formal structure refers to explicitly
defined roles, hierarchies, and
• Role of Leadership:
procedures established by
• Leaders play a crucial role in shaping organizational systems or leaders.
and maintaining group structure
• Informal structure comprises the
through their actions, decisions, and
unwritten rules, relationships, and
communication.
Group Dynamics
Lesson 6: Structure
networks that emerge organically weaknesses, and areas for
within the group. improvement.
• Group Size Effects: • Interventions such as role
clarification, conflict resolution, and
• Group size can influence the
team-building activities can enhance
complexity of group structure,
group structure and performance.
communication patterns, and
decision-making processes. • Research and Application:
• Small groups may have more fluid • Understanding theories and research
structures, while larger groups may on group structure can inform
require more formalized roles and practical strategies for managing
communication channels. teams, organizations, and
communities.
• Dynamic Nature of Structure:
• Applying evidence-based approaches
• Group structure is not static but
to optimize group structure can lead
evolves over time in response to
to better outcomes in various
internal and external changes.
contexts.
• Flexibility and adaptability are
• Group Identity and Cohesion:
essential for accommodating shifting
dynamics and maintaining group • Group structure contributes to the
effectiveness. development of collective identity
and cohesion, fostering a sense of
• Power and Influence:
belonging and loyalty among
• Power dynamics within the group can members.
shape the distribution of roles, status,
• Shared norms, roles, and values
and decision-making authority.
strengthen group identity, promoting
• Understanding power dynamics is collaboration and resilience in the
crucial for promoting fairness, face of challenges.
inclusivity, and effective leadership.
• Conflict and Resolution:
• Cultural and Contextual Considerations:
• Conflicts within the group may arise
• Group structure may vary across due to disagreements over roles,
different cultural contexts, influenced norms, or goals, challenging the
by cultural norms, values, and stability of the group structure.
communication styles.
• Effective conflict resolution
• Adapting group structure to fit cultural mechanisms, such as negotiation,
diversity and context-specific mediation, or consensus-building, are
requirements is essential for cross- essential for restoring harmony and
cultural collaboration. maintaining productivity.
• Assessment and Intervention: • Technology and Virtual Teams:
• Periodic assessment of group • Advances in technology have
structure can help identify strengths, transformed group interactions,
Group Dynamics
Lesson 6: Structure
enabling virtual teams to collaborate contributing to long-term viability and
across geographical boundaries. social impact.
• Virtual teams require unique • Investing in sustainable practices and
strategies for managing fostering a culture of stewardship
communication, roles, and norms to ensures the group's continued
overcome challenges associated with relevance and resilience in a changing
distance and cultural diversity. world.
• Role Differentiation and Specialization:
• Group structure facilitates the
differentiation of roles based on
individuals' skills, expertise, and
interests, leading to specialization
and efficiency.
• Allocating roles according to
members' strengths and preferences
optimizes task performance and
enhances overall group effectiveness.
• Organizational Culture and Climate:
• Group structure is influenced by the
broader organizational culture and
climate, including values, leadership
styles, and organizational practices.
• Aligning group structure with
organizational culture promotes
coherence, stability, and shared
organizational goals.
• Ethical Considerations:
• Ethical dilemmas may arise within
groups, requiring ethical leadership
and a strong ethical framework to
guide decision making and behavior.
• Upholding ethical principles fosters
trust, integrity, and accountability
within the group, enhancing its
reputation and sustainability.
• Long-Term Sustainability:
• Sustainable group structures
prioritize inclusivity, equity, and
environmental responsibility,
