Group Observation and Analysis Paper

A group is a set of people with some common characteristics who work together with the purpose of achieving a particular goal. Members of a group often have similar interests and objectives. The society is made up of different groups formed to serve various roles. Examples of groups in the community include church committees and sports groups. Any number of people can join or create a group. Members of a particular social group share an element of unity. They identify with each other, interact and share ideas (Forsyth, 2018). Group meetings take place during pre-arranged times and venues. Its members share beliefs and principles on specific issues relevant to the achievement of group goals. This paper analyses essential aspects of group dynamics and individual behavioral patterns.

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Social groups are formed to meet specific needs in a given field (Forsyth, 2018). The group discussed herein was established to provide clinical staff for a human services agency. The agency oversees group homes that provide health care and social services to members of the population dealing with issues, such as alcoholism, drug abuse, and domestic violence. The human services agency strives to improve the quality of life that these individuals live. The agency's objective is to provide them with rehabilitation services. The agency engages clinical staff in its daily operations to continue effective service delivery. A group of five members was formed and tasked with recruiting for the agency. The client requires clinical staff such as rehabilitation caseworkers, clinical social workers, life skills instructors, and therapists.

The primary purpose of the group is to analyze the specific qualifications needed for the available jobs and screen applicants to select a clinical staff for the client. Since the members of the group are familiar with the work of the human service agency, they are better suited to identify people with unique skills that can advance service delivery. The essence of human services is to meet the particular needs of the population (Forsyth, 2018). Therefore, the selected applicants should possess exceptional qualifications that will enhance the wellness of the people. The group must ensure only skilled individuals with essential support skills will join the agency. The group's focus is shortlisting and interviewing candidates to determine suitability as per the client's wishes.

Group norms refer to the informal rules that govern how individuals behave within the group setting. They are the customs and habits that develop over time as members interact. The individual behavioral patterns formed have an impact on the relationships built within the group (Smith & Louis, 2009). The norms dictate how people communicate with each other. The behaviors can either contribute towards the effectiveness of the group or derail it from goal realization. Due to the regularity of group meetings, punctuality was necessary. Four of the five members consistently arrived on time for meetings. During interview sessions, members were expected to adhere to a particular dress code to uphold formality. After the first few meetings, the group outlined expectations of members' punctuality and dressing patterns.

Group norms determine the cohesiveness of groups. Sessions were held to review individual applicants, and their qualifications required members' contributions. Every member gave their opinion. Behavior patterns, such as disrespect of other peoples' opinions, were noted. Some members violated the group norms by criticizing ideas using impolite language. The members displayed a tendency of reacting sharply when their preferred candidate was not shortlisted. There is a need for the members to exercise how to listen first, remain open-minded, and treat one another respectfully (Smith & Louis, 2009). Members should embrace interactive discussion efforts.

Decision making in the group setting takes long periods. Regardless, the process is more productive due to the intense deliberations that take place (Forsyth, 2018). Decision making begins by pooling of information. The individuals give their general view on an issue. Members listen to it and hold brief discussions. Time is allocated to allow everyone to research and provide data backing their view or preferred decision. After that, members deliberate on each suggestion, and a vote is taken to determine the top two. Discussions take place followed by the second round of voting. The winning suggestion becomes the group's final decision with the second one as an alternative. The protocol of the group structure dictates that the chairperson breaks a tie. Through this process, the group can select or eliminate candidates.

Problem-solving strategies are techniques applicable to mitigating and resolving conflicts within the group (Hackman & Katz, 2010). The primary method the chairperson has adopted to avoid conflicts is to create an atmosphere where every opinion counts. When all the members have equal time and opportunity to express themselves, problems rarely arise. Members of the group have also identified behavior patterns likely to stir conflicts in and outside meetings. In instances where deliberations become intense, sessions go into a recess or are adjourned to avoid conflict escalation.

Members of the group perform various roles. In its first meeting, the chair allocated each member with a role in the candidate selection process. Each member plays a part towards the successful compilation of a clinical team that will suit the client's preferences (Hackman & Katz, 2010). The duties are divided into determining job requirements, advertising the vacancies, authentication of applicant information, and interviewing. Members work together on each task with one person leading the process. Duties such as job requirement analysis overlap with verification of applicants' qualification. Thus, members get to work together.

The group is a reasonably effective platform. By having a precise objective, its members are aware of their responsibilities. They know the role they have to play to achieve the purpose of establishing the group. Groups that lack specific objectives cannot clearly outline the duty of each member (Forsyth, 2018). All the members have a particular role assigned to them. Specified functions allow them to focus on one task. Focused attention increases the likelihood of performing duties well. The setting of small goals that contribute to the achievement of the primary goal is a practical approach. The idea of small targets building up to the larger goal motivates the members.

The group fails to track the actual progress made by members in fulfilling assigned duties. The members do not make thorough follow-ups to discuss successes or shortcomings in delivery. Thus, the members are likely to utilize information gathered without validating it. There is a need for the members to evaluate each other's contribution and analyze challenges experienced in performing the given responsibilities (Forsyth, 2018). Evaluation helps assess whether information obtained is accurate and relevant to the candidate selection process. The group lacks consequences for violation of established norms. Failure to hold members accountable threatens the unity of the group.

As a facilitator, my first goal would be to educate the members on the need to exercise respect for others. Mutual respect in the group environment is essential in avoiding a breakdown in communication. Lack of respect when addressing or disagreeing with another can cause hurt feelings among the members (Hackman & Katz, 2010). I would educate the members on the need for self-control and tolerance for each other's opinions. The participants need to recognize that everyone is entitled to have an opinion. A tolerant environment allows one to express their views without fear of provoking others. Such an atmosphere facilitates the exchange of ideas and open deliberations. I would insist on the creation of a safe atmosphere that enhances communication among the members.

I would try to reinforce the need to prioritize the group's objectives over personal ones. The purpose of the group needs always to take center stage. Some issues, such as failure to adhere to stipulated attendance time and dress codes for meetings, display lack of commitment (Friedkin & Johnsen, 2011). I would reiterate on the value of punctuality and image on the prospective employees. It creates a wrong impression when interviewers are late to interview sessions. Lateness to group meetings causes delays that affect the schedules of all members. It is a sign of disrespect to keep others waiting. I would insist on the value of keeping an open mind when members discuss or eliminate one's preferred candidate. Remaining perceptive can help one understand the rationale behind the group's choice. Thus, there would be no need to protest decisions made.

Conclusion

In conclusion, groups are part of our society. Members of a group share common interests. By working together, they can combine resources and ideas to achieve a particular goal. Groups play a significant role in activities such as the provision of social services. The different individual traits make groups a complex element. It is essential to establish group norms to achieve harmony in the group setting. These rules dictate how the members should conduct themselves. Groups have different sets of people who have diverse characters. Traits such as self-control and exercising mutual respect are crucial in fostering cohesiveness across all groups.

References

Forsyth, D. R. (2018). Group dynamics. Cengage Learning.

Friedkin, N. E., & Johnsen, E. C. (2011). Social influence network theory: A sociological examination of small group dynamics (Vol. 33). Cambridge University Press.

Hackman, J. R., & Katz, N. (2010). Group behavior and performance. Handbook of social psychology.

Smith, J. R., & Louis, W. R. (2009). Group norms and the attitude-behavior relationship. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 3(1), 19-35.