This paper examines the cause and effect of conflicting problems within a particular work group while also presenting solutions and strategies for conflict resolution.
Abstract This paper focuses on the dynamics of a departmental work group which was created to manage daily operations within a specific working environment. This paper examines the initial goals of the group as well as the instances and reasons for severe issues of conflict within the group. The writer of this paper discusses the various strategies and processes the group must implement in order to resolve the issues of conflict to once again become an effective and productive team. This paper lists the various acceptable and non-acceptable behaviors within a group environment. The writer contends and explains why it's imperative that there be an effective leader that is capable of guiding and leading his or her team to resolve issues of conflict which ultimately impede on the productivity of the entire group. This paper also examines the effectiveness of the 'storming' process in resolving conflict. The storming process addresses the lack of leadership and/or cohesiveness within the group. The storming process allows for members of the group to aspire for higher positioning or for a leadership role within the group while at the same time rejecting the current self-assigned leader.
From the Paper "One of the major problems with the team is that the main focus for many members is based on jockeying for position, rather than on achieving the goals of the team. It must be noted that for a team to be effective, members must be aligned and focused on achieving team goals together, not on achieving individual goals. This is not occurring. I believe that a major reason for this is based on the fact that members are viewing the work group as an opportunity to be noticed by the manager and achieve individual success. In saying this, it must be noted that the work group is the first opportunity many members have had to contribute to the department. This means that members are viewing the work group as an opportunity to contribute more to the department."
Tags: applied, practice, conflict, group, workplace, human, resources, leader, team
Abstract This paper evaluates current research about group therapy, in particular the advantages and the disadvantages of having the same sex individuals in one single group. The writer examines the types of groups that exist for therapy, including those focused on a single issue, such as illness. The author discusses the goals of group therapy, which include creating and maintaining healthy relationships. The author concludes that group therapy is more positive when both sexes participate, as the purpose of group therapy is ultimately to train the patient for a future that will enable him to lead a normal and productive life in the outside world.
From the Paper "One case example can be studied to illustrate exactly how, when a member of the opposite sex joined a group of the same sex, in this case, a group of women, the entire tenor and the very tone of the group underwent a drastic change. The case is about a group of four women, with a woman group leader. These women found that they were able to share their feelings with openness and honesty, and that they were able to express a wide range of feelings amongst themselves. However, all the women would joke amongst themselves about when a man would enter the group, and when it was announced that a man would soon be joining their group, almost all the women immediately associated their feelings about the men in their lives, perhaps a violent boyfriend, or an abusive brother, or a chauvinistic father, with this man. (Alonso; Swiller, 1993)"
Abstract This paper analyzes the focus group interview. It describes this method and tries to find out why this research procedure works and why and how it is used. The writer also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of focus groups. In addition, the writer explains its detailed methodology, process of its planning, moderating of discussion, analyzing and reporting of obtained data. The writer concludes that the future of this qualitative technique is probably in online focus groups, although this new environment and new technology could also bring new problems and threats to the final outcome.
Outline:
What is Focus Group?
What is Focus Group Used For? Where is it Used?
Advantages of Focus Groups Disadvantages of Focus Groups Methodology of Focus Groups
From the Paper "Focus group is a special qualitative research technique used for deeper understanding of a topic or a phenomena of interest. It is also sometimes called as group interviewing or controlled group discussion (Wimmer, Dominick 1991: 145). As submitted by Mahoney (1997) focus groups combine elements of both interviewing and participant observation. The group consists of 6 to 12 people being interviewed simultaneously by a moderator who leads and controls the discussion about a focal topic (Wimmer, Dominick 1991: 145). The composition of the group is relatively homogeneous along some predetermined meaningful characteristic (age, gender, social class, level of expertise, etc.). For example a focus group could consist of university teachers or engineering experts from one location to discuss an issue of relevance. Or other focus group might bring together all experts in a particular sector, e.g. transportation. There is a list of topics or specific questions which should be discussed in a permisive environment where points of view are not judged and consensus or decisions are not sought. Each respondent is viewed as having a valued poit-of-view (Williams 2001)."
Tags: social, research, participant, observation, controlled, group, moderator
Abstract The following paper discusses different types of groups, dimensions of groups, the evolution of the groups, structural aspects of groups, and behavioral aspects with reference to the writer's experience of working in a group of intensive case managers who needed to stay in contact with one another on a regular basis and have frequent team meetings.
From the Paper "Instrumental versus expressive are the first dimensions discussed within the textbook in applying to a group setting. Instrumental would be described as a group meeting organized in order to achieve a specific purpose or goal, while expressive group organization holds attributes that focus much more on the individuals involved within the group. Expressive group is described as nonspecific with the general result of integration of components."
Abstract This paper looks at the difference between in-groups and out-groups and gives real life examples of working in each type of group. It explores issues of stereotyping, belonging and bias.
From the Paper "If we see someone else as belonging to the same group we are in we tend to have a positive view towards them and give them preferential treatment ..."
Abstract This paper discusses group interaction in the workplace. The paper explains that symbolic interaction theory can be utilized to describe the development of the group and its functioning as a cohesive unit to complete the tasks assigned. The paper points out that according to symbolic interaction theorists the human condition requires group living and group dynamics. The paper then looks at how the interactions we have in these groups is determined by some overt, but many subtle role expectations that can be based on gender, appearance, communication style, race or even understanding of the members of the group of what a certain known individual would perceptually be good at.
From the Paper "The roles that were assigned were to some degree voluntary, and yet there was also a leaning on the part of the group leader to designate roles based on her prior knowledge of the individual student, if she had worked with them before and if she had not based on their own admission of desire or perception, therefore to some degree symbolic interaction took place even in role assignments. As the self is the determining member in a voluntary group it is also interesting to note that many people report feeling inclinations to fill certain roles not necessarily based upon what their skills are but on what they have done in the past or more importantly what they have been guided to in the past by symbolic interaction."
Abstract This paper is on group decisions in communicating. Group decision communicating often consists of orientation, conflict, emergence, and reinforcement. Decision-emergence theory is an explanation of the complex communication process that groups go through in doing any projects. These steps often make or break the group.
Abstract This paper reviews the psychology of groups in an organizational settings. The paper defines groups using social identity theory and looks at how the group structure provides a sense of purpose for group members. The paper also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of group decision making.
From the Paper "Organizational effectiveness may be either enhanced or inhibited through the actions of internal groups. An understanding of group processes thus is essential for organizational managers. Groups are collections of individuals that are attracted to one another and who are held together by a variety of social forces. Social identity theory posits that groups are formed on the bases of self-definition attraction and cultural participation. This hypothesis leads to a conceptualization of groups as the sum of the individual properties..."
Abstract Unlike therapy and psychological assessments at the individual level, an entirely new level of complications emerges when we deal with those same disciplines at the group level. For the practicing psychologist at the individual level, one needs only to agree to meet with the client and then proceed to do so according to the individual needs and capacity of the client. However, when one considers the group environment, wherein the psychologist collectively works with several patients who are also encouraged to work with one another, client selection in particular can be made all the more difficult. This paper compares the differences for the practicing psychologist in client selection at the individual level vs. the group level. The paper points out that all the the process is more complicated at the group level, there are also benefits to be had in the group session such as more voices and more interaction, which can be especially helpful in socialization cases or for mood improvement.
Abstract This paper examines resistance to group therapy and explores what methods can be adopted to overcome resistance. The paper examines how resistance can be both harmful and positive to the counseling experience. As the paper explains, resistance is most likely to be positive when counselors use it to help patients identify areas for improvement and strategies for overcoming their resistance in the future. The paper focuses its examination on new research supporting the incorporation of pre-group training as a positive method for overcoming resistance in group therapy.
Outline:
Proposition Overcoming And Encouraging Positive Group Therapy
Support For Approach
Conclusions
From the Paper "Many problems arising with group therapy stem from counseling that focuses on problems rather than solutions (Laursen & Oliver, 2003). Far too often patients find it easy to focus on their struggles and problems in a forum that supports such release. However a new approach to group therapy should focus on encouraging patients both to participate in individual and group therapy session that focus on their successes. In addition group therapy sessions should provide a forum where other members can help participants identify solutions to their problems rather than focus on the problem itself. By doing so patients will learn to take responsibility for their problems and recover more quickly."
Abstract The paper presents a case simulation for group facilitation by individual group leader. It looks at the key role played by leaders and facilitators in ensuring that the goals and objectives of the group are met.
Abstract This paper provides a group assessment on two key variables, which are the ability of each group member to communicate and share information and their ability to achieve each individual assigned task. The author points out that data on the group's dynamics will be evaluated in terms of these variables. The paper relates that the results of this evaluation will be addressed and recommendations will be made regarding the group and its effectiveness.
From the Paper "Group settings offer participants a number of challenges in order to facilitate success. Unfortunately, many groups are thrown together for a given purpose without consideration of the contributions that each member may bring to the setting, as well as the possibility that there may be problems with communication or in sharing the workload. A group assessment was conducted with regards to two distinct variables, including the ease in communication amongst group members and the delegation of task assignments that were successfully accomplished by each member. These variables were evaluated in greater to determine the effectiveness of the group dynamic as a whole, and the following discussion will identify the assessment process as a whole."
Abstract This paper examines how the question of whether interest groups contribute to or detract from local democracy may appear puzzling at first given the widespread acknowledgment of the prominent role such groups have long held in our society. It looks at how the underlying implication of this question is that some interest groups by effectively representing their members interests in local political forums may in the process actually be undermining local democracy. The paper argue with reference to a variety of sources that in general interest groups contribute to local democracy.
Abstract This paper explains the factors that determine the relative strength of interest groups. It contends that analyzing what they do requires examining the modern American political system, for it has degenerated into government by special interest groups. It explains that for decades, interest groups have sought to influence government policies by advocating legislation favorable to them, but these efforts, the author claims, have escalated to such an extent that interest groups now control the government.
From the Paper "Explaining the factors that determine the relative strength of interest groups and analyzing what they do requires examining the modern American political system, for it has degenerated into government by special interest groups. For decades, interest groups have sought to influence government policies by advocating legislation favorable to them, but these efforts have escalated to such an extent that interest groups now control the government. Unfortunately, despite the fact that the Founding Fathers established a Constitutional system of government based upon popular sovereignty and the rule of law, the emergence and development of powerful interest groups in the late twentieth century has undermined American democracy. Because of the power and influence of special interests such ..."
Abstract This paper discusses the brainstorming process and the three primary factors involved being the individual, the group and the influence that occurs because of the group. The paper further discusses that it could also be contended that a fourth element of the change in the individual's beliefs is evident. The focus of this paper is the pressure that society places on individuals to conform to group norms. Each segment of the paper demonstrates how an individual was influenced to change his mind because of the actions or attitudes of the group.
