Characteristics of Group

 INTRODUCTION

Imagine a symphony orchestra. Each musician, with their unique instrument and skill, contributes to a harmonious masterpiece under the guidance of a conductor. Similarly, in our professional lives, we often find ourselves in groups, collaborating and sharing ideas. The success of these collaborations hinges on understanding how each "musician" in our group interacts and contributes. Welcome to the world of group discussion theory—a field that explores the intricate dynamics of group communication and cooperation. By mastering this theory, we can turn our professional interactions into harmonious symphonies of productivity and innovation.

When we take a closer look, we realize how much time we spend in small groups talking, planning, and attending meetings. Understanding how you interact with others and how they interact with you is crucial. Mastering interpersonal and group dynamics is a fundamental skill for any professional. This unit introduces the theory of group dynamics and the art of group communication, equipping us to harness the power of groups effectively.

WHAT IS A GROUP?

A group discussion is a well structured and collaborative dialogue where participants exchange ideas and viewpoints on a specified topic. It helps to foster critical thinking and introduces different perspectives by enhancing the depth of understanding on the subject matter. This interactive platform is often used to enhance communication skill, problem-solving, decision-making and leadership skills and within educational settings it facilitates collaborative learning. Companies commonly use group discussions in various settings, such a s academic institutions, job interviews, business meetings, and community gatherings. Some definitions of Group Discussion are given below…

Group discussion is a communication process that involves the exchange of ideas, information, and opinions among a group of people. It is a powerful tool for problem-solving, decision-making, and generating new ideas.

(Stephen P. Robbins, author of “Organizational Behavior”)

 “By group we mean any collection of social beings who enter into distinctive social relationships with one another.” (R.M. MacIver 1953)

“A group consists of two or more interacting persons who share common goals,

 have a stable relationship, are somehow interdependent and perceive that

 they are in fact part of a group” (Paulus 1989)

CHARACTERISTICS OF GROUP

Imagine three people waiting in line at the cashier's stand at a supermarket or board of directors of a large corporation are sitting in a conference. Which group of people would be considered as a "Group"? Although in our everyday language we may refer to the people waiting in line as a group, they are not a group in the same sense as the members of the board. because, a group is more than simply a collection of people, which possess certain characteristics. Based on the above definition  of Group we can trace out certain characteristics of a group…

• Size: There can be small and large groups. There should be at least two individuals to form a group. And the size of group members can be extended upto 6 to 12 or 8 to 15 members.

• Structure: Groups must possess a stable structure. Although groups can change, and often keep changing, there must be some stable relationship that keeps group members together and functioning as a unit. Social scientists have formally defined a “group as a collection of two or more interacting individuals with a stable pattern of relationships among them who share common goals and who perceive themselves as being a group”

• Common Purpose: A third characteristic of groups is that their members share common interests or goals. The main goal is to assess participants’ ability to communicate effectively, think critically, and work collaboratively. Members share common objectives and work together to achieve them.

• Norms: A group has certain rules for interacting with the group members. Norms are the unwritten rules and expectations that govern the behaviour of group members. These guidelines shape how members interact, communicate, and collaborate, ensuring the group's functionality and cohesion. A member can set certain behavioural standards, communication protocols, decision making and conflict resolution processes so that the group can operate smoothly.

• Roles: In a group, each member is assigned specific roles and responsibilities by the group leader or through mutual agreement among members. These roles help organize the group's efforts, ensure tasks are completed efficiently, and promote effective collaboration.

• Interaction: The interaction between the group members can occur in several ways, i.e. face to face, telephonic, in writing or in any other manner. The members of a group must be interested in each other on a regular basis depending on the type and nature of the group. Each member influences the behavior of the other and in turn, is influenced by others.

• Collective Identity: Finally, to be a group, the individuals involved must perceive themselves as a group. Groups are composed of people who recognize each other as a member of their group and can distinguish these individuals from nonmembers. Each member's actions affect and are affected by other members.

• Moderator: A facilitator or moderator usually oversees the discussion to ensure it stays on track and to evaluate the participants.