How Important is Group Formation, Research Paper Example

Corey, Corey, and Corey (2010) write that forming a group is a process which involves complex multicultural and individualistic dynamics. These groups will form and develop differently according to their typology, and Corey et al. explain that there are four types of groups: task groups, psychoeducational groups, group counseling, and group psychotherapy. As we learned in Chapter 3, group counseling and group psychotherapy have established customs and policies regarding the manner in which these groups are formed and run (pp. 11-16). According to the authors, for other group formations, it is more common for proposals to center on rationale, objectives, practical considerations, procedures, or evaluation (pp. 110-111). Screening potential members prior to their inclusion is a crucial step and requires an understanding of motivation and talent, screening methods, benefits, and social factors, such as group composition, group size, the degree of group openness, the length of the group, the scheduling and duties, and where group sessions will be conducted (pp. 114-116). A group must be mutually advantageous for each of its members to last. Short-term closed groups display the initial advantage of having a set number of members and specific goals without as many of the long-term considerations of group psychology. Still, Corey et al. (2010) claim that closeness is the primary objective of the group members (pp. 121-124).

Eisele (2011) studies personal idea generation and its effects on teamwork. The author’s results support the theory that individual brainstorming prior to group work produces more ideas in general, which then can be fully explored with the group as a whole. Surprisingly, Eisele also concludes that written brainstorming is more effective in the number of ideas produced, especially in connection with a nominal group technique (pp. 54-56). Written brainstorming also allows for easier personal recall and group interpretation. Thus, Eisele’s discussion concludes that informal group evaluations can be effectively moderated to assess individuals- if the measures utilize a standardized objective. Quality idea production directly relates to group output, so Eisele focuses primarily on making this process more palatable to the individual skills and preferences of each member (pp. 55-57). It is worth noting that this discussion largely ignores practicality and the actual implementation of these ideas and what effects are seen on the overall group dynamics. Corey et al. (2011) claim that content and process are the two major aspects of group leadership, so the potential of new goals and foci is sometimes undermined.

While searching for additional resources, many centered on the broader social responsibilities of group work: to equalize racial and economic disparities, to produce a global change, to lead ‘green’ energy innovations, etc. Johnson (2010) writes that, as a term, collaboration, makes the “ ‘warm and fuzzy’ list” of optimistic decisions. Nonetheless, he recommends four steps to ease the process of working together: forming, storming, norming, and performing (p. 15). Aside from being really catchy, these collaborative steps reiterate the professional, considerate, and somewhat-detached perspective of Corey et al (2011). Johnson also directly addresses the belief that the formation of a definite hierarchy must be included in the norming process, creating safe parameters for individual accountability to other group members whose authority has been agreed upon in advance—before group tensions begin to weigh on the members. Johnson describes the formation stage as an orientation into the larger group dynamics, an experimental test phase of group psychology, whereas Corey et al. depict this phase as the basis for success or failure (2010, pp. 17-18; 2011).

References

Corey, M., G. Corey, & C. Corey. (2010). Groups: Process and Practice: 8^th ed. Brooks Cole Publishing. Print.

Eisele, P. (2011). Effects of individual planning prior to teamwork on generation of ideas and goals. Baltic Journal Of Psychology, 12(1), 46-58.

Johnson, P. (2010). Four Steps to Effective Collaboration. Young Adult Library Services, 9(1), 17-19.