Group process and dynamics

In my previous writings I spoke about group work and in particular group based intervention whereby I identified the benefits and limitations of using this approach within a therapeutic setting. When facilitators or therapist are delivering group based interventions there are a number of processes and dynamics that take place as the group progress through the various stages of treatment.

When considering the definition of group work Trevithick (2005) explains that group work is a method of social work practice that is concerned with the recognition and use of process that occur when three or more people work together towards a common purpose.

The use of group work within social work provides opportunities for mutual aid or support to be found in the group encounter.  Gitterman (2006) speaks of how the role of mutual aid in the small group has found that “as members become involved with one another, they develop helping relationships and become invested in each other and in participating in the group.” The mutual aid processes which unfolds help group members “to experience their concerns and life issues as universal,” to “reduce isolation and stigma,” to “offer and receive help from each other,” and to “learn from each other’s views, suggestions and challenges”.

According to Douglas (1976) group dynamics provides ‘a static analysis of a group”. It describes what is happening in the group that is ‘the properties of the groups and interactive events which take place within the group. When considering the dynamics in a group based intervention Tuckmans (1965) highlights four stages of the group formation and they are as follows:

Forming: The initial stage of team development during which individuals have not yet gelled together. Everybody is busy finding their place in the team, sizing each other up, and asking themselves why they are here.

Storming: People begin to see themselves as part of a team. However at this stage they may challenge each other, and the team leader, about such things as what the team is doing, and how things should be done. As the stage title suggests, conflict and confrontation typify this stage, as differences surface. This may result in some loss of performance or focus on the task.

Norming: This is the phase where team members start to come together, developing processes, establishing ground rules, clarifying who does what, and how things will be done. This phase is characterized by a growing sense of “togetherness”.

Performing: This is the final stage where increased focus on both the task, and on team relationships, combine to provide synergy. Performance is delivered through people working effectively together.

Reference List

Douglas, T.  (1976) Groupwork Practice. London: Tavistock Publications

Gitterman, A (2006) Building mutual support in groups. Social Work with Groups

Trevithick, P (2005) Cycling over Everest: Group Work with Depressed Women

Tuckman, B. W. (1965). Developmental sequence in small groups. Psychological Bulletin, 63(6), 384-399. Found online 2/11/2017 http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/h0022100

Tanya Jordan is an experienced Forensic Social Worker and an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with T n J’s Assessment and Counselling Services