Groups: Theory and Dynamics

Paper Summary:

This paper examines several key concepts in group theory and group dynamics, and relates them to specific examples in the writer's own experience. It focuses on controversy, negotiation, power, demographics, performance, and building productive teams. All are important elements in the ability of a group to fulfill its reasons for coming together and to satisfy the individual participants who make up the group. Understanding these concepts helps to highlight several essential processes necessary to a group's success. Relating the theories found in David W. Johnson and Frank P. Johnson's text, "Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills", to specific examples from the author's own life helps to clarify how these principles work and how these theories can be applied outside the classroom.

From the Paper:

"Groups function in a variety of ways and as the result of different kinds of actions. One of the most significant processes seems on the surface to be the most potentially destructive, but controversy can actually help a group to come to a better resolution and work more effectively on future challenges. Controversy begins with individual assumptions that the group has all the information it needs to handle a crisis or make a decision, and the assumption that is then shattered through open discussion with others in the group. When discussion does not occur, controversy does not follow--and the group then suffers from faulty decisions."

More papers on Groups: Theory and Dynamics:

• Analytical Essay # 25015 : "Joining Together: Group Theory And Group Skills" ( D. W. Johnson and F. P. Johnson )"
• Essay # 26321 : "Group Techniques and Alcoholism Anonymous"
• Term Paper # 119705 : "Group Dynamics"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: