Chapter 3
Human Behavior in Groups: Theories and Dynamics
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1
Conceptual Frameworks and Theories Concerning Groups
What is a conceptual Framework?
*Also referred to as a theory or a theoretical perspective
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Conceptual frameworks for Groups
Field Theory
Social Exchange Theory
Learning Theory
Cognitive Behavioral Theory
Psychoanalytic Theory
Systems Theory
Empowerment Theory
Feminist Theory
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Conceptual Frameworks and Theories Concerning Groups
Field Theory
The group is an entity moving through its immediate environment in pursuit of its goals.
Stresses the importance of examining the relationship of the group to its environment.
Emphasis is on how the group functions to achieve the goals
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Conceptual Frameworks and Theories Concerning Groups
Field Theory
Valences
Cohesion
Field Theory-Three types of leadership
Authoritarian leadership
Democratic leadership
Laissez-faire leadership
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Conceptual Frameworks and Theories Concerning Groups
Field Theory-Internal Group Interactions
Role
Norms
Power
Consensus
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Conceptual Frameworks and Theories Concerning Groups
Social Exchange Theory
Social exchange
Rewards
Costs
Emphasis is on the individual within the group context
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Conceptual Frameworks and Theories Concerning Groups
Social Exchange Theory- Assumptions
Relationships are interdependent (ability to give and take)
Fairness
Trust and commitment (relationships become more predictable and stable over time)
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Conceptual Frameworks and Theories Concerning Groups
Learning Theory (Applies to treatment groups)
Respondent conditioning
Modeling (social learning)
Operant conditioning
Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement
Negative reinforcement
Punishment
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Conceptual Frameworks and Theories Concerning Groups
Cognitive-Behavioral Theory
Cognition
Modeling
Behavioral rehearsal
Social (positive) reinforcement
Cognitive restructuring
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Conceptual Frameworks and Theories Concerning Groups
Psychoanalytic Theory (Applies mostly to treatment groups)
Id
Ego
Superego
Defense mechanism
Insight
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Conceptual Frameworks and Theories Concerning Groups
Systems Theory
System, subsystems
Boundaries
Homeostasis
Relationship
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Conceptual Frameworks and Theories Concerning Groups
Systems Theory
System, subsystems
Boundaries
Homeostasis
Relationship
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Conceptual Frameworks and Theories Concerning Groups
Systems Theory
Balance between Task and Socio-Emotional Functions
Group Functioning
Group activities
Interactions
Sentiments
Norms
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Conceptual Frameworks and Theories Concerning Groups
Systems Theory- 4 Primary Objectives
Integration—members fit and work together
Pattern maintenance—members adhere to basic processes and procedures
Goal attainment—members strive to achieve their tasks and goals
Adaptation—members continuously adjust to their changing environments
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Conceptual Frameworks and Theories Concerning Groups
Empowerment Theory
Social Justice
All people have the right to enjoy equal opportunities in economic, political, environmental and social realms.
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Conceptual Frameworks and Theories Concerning Groups
Empowerment Theory
Consciousness Raising (see also Feminism)
Mutual Aid
Power
The ability to move people on a chosen course to produce an effect or achieve some goal.
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Conceptual Frameworks and Theories Concerning Groups
Empowerment Theory
Multicultural Socialization
Leaders must empower member differences and recognize that there are multiple ways to achieve a group’s goals
Socialization
Group cohesion
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Conceptual Frameworks and Theories Concerning Groups
Feminist Theories
Emphasis is on the liberation of women and girls from gender based discrimination.
Women’s self-determination to make one’s own decisions.
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Conceptual Frameworks and Theories Concerning Groups
Feminist Theories
Liberal feminism
Emphasis is on individual, rights, freedom, choice and privacy
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Conceptual Frameworks and Theories Concerning Groups
Feminist Theories
Socialist feminism
Emphasis is on the economic aspects of women’s lives
Marxist
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Conceptual Frameworks and Theories Concerning Groups
Feminist Theories
Radical feminism
Male domination has manifested itself in gender roles and family relationships, heterosexuality, and violence against women.
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Conceptual Frameworks and Theories Concerning Groups
Feminist Theories
Postmodern feminism
Accounts for differences among women based on age, race, culture, national, origin, ability and other attributes.
Gender is a continuum
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Conceptual Frameworks and Theories Concerning Groups (10 of 10)
Feminist Theories
Common Themes
Using a Gender Filter
Assuming a Pro-Woman Perspective
Empowerment
Consciousness Raising
The Personal as Political
The Importance of Process
Unity in Diversity
Validation
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Understanding Groups in the Macro Social Environment: Group Dynamics (1 of 2)
Communication
Positive Verbal Communication in Effective Task Groups
Nonverbal Communication in Task Groups
Cross-Cultural Differences in Communication
Barriers to Communication
Self-Disclosure
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Understanding Groups in the Macro Social Environment: Group Dynamics (2 of 2)
Interpersonal Interaction
Norms
Roles
Group Cohesiveness
Power and Status
Possible sources of power in groups
Legitimate
Reward
Coercive
Referent
Expert
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Leadership in Task Groups (1 of 3)
Leadership and Power
“Leader-Directed” versus “Group-Directed” Leadership
Task-Related versus Relationship-Related Approaches to Leadership
Task-Oriented Group Leaders
Relationship-Oriented Group Leaders: Which is Best?
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Leadership in Task Groups (2 of 3)
Personality Traits of Effective Group Leaders
Self-Confidence
Appropriate Humility
Intelligence
Determination
Trustworthiness
Sociability and Emotional Intelligence
Flexibility
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Leadership in Task Groups (3 of 3)
Leadership Skills
Promoting Group Functioning
Collecting and Assessing Information
Taking Action
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Stages of Task Group Development
Stage 1: Task Group Composition
Stage 2: Beginnings
Stage 3: Assessment
Stage 4: Stabilization and Working
Stage 5: Endings and Evaluation
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