Groups in Social Work - Coursework Example

Name : xxxxxxxxxxx Institution : xxxxxxxxxxx Title : Groups in social work Tutor : xxxxxxxxxxx Course : xxxxxxxxxxx @2011 Introduction A group consists of two or more people. They have a common agenda, which they aim at accomplishing (Johnson, 2009, pp 5). Every individual in the set up has his or her own issues that need attention in a group. A group aims at coming up with a collective solution to the problems at hand. In tackling the issues of a group, most of the individual’s issues are solved consequently. Individuals contribute to the issues and brainstorm to come up with solutions (Cohen, 2003, pp 16). Groups aim at obtaining outcomes, which are better as compared to the ones obtained by an individual (Douglas, 2000, pp 17). Groups are never devoid of individualistic behaviors. These work in a way such that they undermine the outcome of the group work (Johnson, 2009, pp 23). To be successful, views and opinions of each member of the group should be in tandem with the overall objectives of the group. Group work addresses the needs of groups rather than individuals. Discuss To understand the dynamics and effectiveness of group work, we employ theories that give a better understanding of group work. Most of the theories if not all of them, build from an individual’s perspective (Johnson, 2009, pp 57). They incorporate each individual’s ideas into a group setting. To have an effective group, the nature of the members of the group needs a proper understanding. This gives a better outlook of the group. Though individuals are important to a group as they make up as well as contribute to group work, no single individual has more power in a group than others. Each group should have a well-organized leadership (Douglas, 2000, pp 36). This occurs at the time of the group formation. The leader should act in a way to facilitate communication and smooth running of the group. He or she should not appear to have more powers in matters pertaining to the group. To have a clear understanding that groups cater for the needs of the group rather than the individual, a clear understanding of the theories of groups come into perspective (Corey, 2008, pp 64). First, group work helps individuals make their functioning better in a social set up (Johnson, 2009, pp 32). Achievement of this objective occurs due to the experience a person gains from the group. Members in a group have a diverse attributes, which foster development of individuals in a group. This in a way indicates that a group caters for all the members and not an individual (Cohen, 2003, pp 16). Individuals put forward ideas that enable group prosperity. In the end, individuals in a group benefit from the group work. A group enables a mutually beneficial relationship between individuals who make up the group. This nature of relationship proves that group work centers on collective members of the group rather than the individuals (Cohen, 2003, pp 23). Since groups have their core objectives, members in striving to meet these objectives benefit individually from the group work in many ways (Johnson, 2009, pp 77). This occurs in the process of meeting the main objective of the group rather than the group laying emphasis on particular individuals’ problems. Effective groups have effective leadership. Leadership helps connect three elements in a group. It connects the process of the group to the individuals of the group. This occurs because of coordination of tasks in the group (Douglas, 2000, pp 25). All this happens in attempt to attain the goals of forming the group. Leadership in groups occurs in a well thought out manner for a group to be effective. The leader should just facilitate development of the group. He or she should avoid dominating the group and in so doing helps eliminate the feeling of isolation in the group. This helps each individual, have a feeling of equality and connectedness within the group (Cohen, 2003, pp 44). This fosters a feeling of collectiveness and hence serves the members from a group standing rather than an individuals’ standpoint (Johnson, 2009, pp 88). All theories of group work have a common agenda. They seek the attainment of positive results. Each theory may be distinct from each other but all have common varying approaches (Corey, 2008, pp19). These approaches are usually five in all the theories involved in groups. All the theories focus on the dynamics of the group (Johnson, 2009, pp 22). These usually occur based on the leader role in the group as well as the members’ role. Group dynamics also considers the relationship as vital for group work. These combine with the processes involved in the group work and achieve the desired outcome (Cohen, 2003, pp 29). However, individuals have the mandate to move the group towards its outcome. However, this does not imply that individualistic attitudes take precedent over the group. Rather individuals act collectively in the group and achieve the goals of the group (Douglas, 2000, pp 17). Groups appear distinct from various theoretical standpoints. These help in giving a better understanding of groups. These standpoints give a clear understanding of the positions of individuals in the group settings. Although groups comprise of individuals, groups take precedent over the individuals who make up the group (Johnson, 2009, pp 43). Various theories have been put forward in attempt of proving this view. Structural Approach The structure of the group gives a clear understanding of the group. In this approach, the relationships between the members in the group are core. The way individuals interact in a group gives a clear indication of the effectiveness of the group (Beebe, 2009, pp 52). Individualistic attitudes are seen as having a negative impact on the group. This approach also looks at how individuals are organized within the group context. It looks at the sub groupings within the group. It seeks answers as to whether the group structure hinders the effectiveness of the group (Johnson, 2009, pp 65). It aims at avoiding sabotage of the group by individuals. It calls for careful structuring of groups for total effectiveness. All this lies in the group dynamics and is considered for any group’s success. Role Playing Roles played by members in the group dictate the success or failure of the group. Division of roles within the group should occur in a way that no individual has more say over the other in the group (Corey, 2008, pp 56). In role theory, groups strive to foster mutual relationships between members (Johnson, 2009, pp 24). Functioning of the group takes precedence over individuals. Thus, role allocation occurs in a way that each member contributes to the group. All this aims at team building in attempt of achieving goals of the group. Interdependency in the group work emerges as a key factor in the success of groups. This attests the fact that no individual takes precedence over others in groups (Beebe, 2009, pp 14). Group success lies mainly on the ability of team building within the group set up and this occurs through effective role playing by members. Dynamics Groups also have dynamics, which affect their performance (Cohen, 2003, pp 16). Dynamics mainly focus on the relationship between members of the group. Understanding each member in the group tends to be key for the effectiveness of the group (Douglas, 2000, pp 13). Various members have various motives in joining groups. Most individualistic approaches in groups have negative impacts on the group. Such elements like jealousy affect the effectiveness of the group negatively. Mutual benefits in the groups can only occur if members are devoid of such individualistic behaviors (Johnson, 2009, pp 61). This serves in a way as an explanation to the fact that groups are more important than an individual is. Norms This focuses mainly on the way the group is governed. Rules in a group are set in a way that no member is favored or feels oppressed. This aims at promoting a feeling of collectiveness in the group (Douglas, 2000, pp 19). The rules operating in the group and the way they were invented is key to the success of the group. During the formulation of rules, each member’s opinions should have the same weight. This helps in making sure that no member feels oppressed or no member has more powers in the group (Johnson, 2009, pp 43). The rules operating in the group should also seek to achieve a certain goal. The goal should be common to the group and not inclined towards individuals’ solitary interests. Functional Approach This usually focuses on the interactions between members in the group. This helps in analyzing the functionality of the group (Brandler, 1999, pp 62). The way members interact dictates the functionality of the group. Individualism among group members has a negative effect on the group. Egocentrism leads to dysfunctional groups (Beebe, 2009, pp 33). A sense of isolation emerges among some of the group members thus having negative effects on the group. This in turn hinders the realization of the goals of the group. Groups should be run in a way that the relationships between members are cordial. Individualism in groups leads to dysfunctional relationships and this results in ineffective groups (Johnson, 2009, pp 38). This negates the need for group formation since the goals of the group are not ultimately met. Process and Stages A group experiences growth in its time of operation. This occurs through various stages. These stages occur in form of processes. The first stage is group formation and calls for mutual understanding as to the reason why there need be a group (Corey, 2008, pp 27). A group is affected by various factors throughout its lifespan (Johnson, 2009, pp 25). Each member of the group plays an important role during the groups’ life. Everyone has a responsibility over the group and it is this understanding that sees the group through its lifespan successfully (Benjamin, 1997, pp 34). However, many a time’s individuals contribute to the downfall of groups. Individualistic attributes such as power seeking lead to inefficiency or collapse of groups (Benjamin, 1997, pp 29). It hinders some of the processes and as a result some critical stages in the growth of the group. Task Members perform various tasks in a group to achieve certain goals. Groups are usually formed for a purpose. A group must have an agenda for it to exist effectively (Beebe, 2009, pp 18). There must be a common cause in a group prior to its formation. The tasks performed by the group should aim at tackling this common cause (Brandler, 1999, pp 15). No individual should assume more responsibility on tasks than others should. Tasks should have a continuous accomplishment in which all the members feel equally involved and satisfied (Brandler, 1999, pp 17). The issues before hand in the group should be directed at the main goal of the group. Each member should have a feeling of connectedness with the group (Douglas, 2000, pp 16). They should share a common goal. An individual who puts his or her own agenda before that of the group disrupts the way the tasks are performed in the group (Benjamin, 1997, pp 40). This leads to misunderstanding between members and as result, the group fails to achieve its ultimate goal. The group should be organized in a way that it looks to tackle the issues that may arise in future. This ensures that the group sees out all the stages of its growth. Individualism blocks progress of the group in many ways. It disrupts the performance of tasks that propel the group towards the future (Beebe, 2009, pp 37). Individuals act as separate entities within the group and ultimately failure to meet the goals of the group. Conclusion A group is a setting where two or even more individuals come together for a common purpose. Groups help individuals develop themselves through social interactions (Benjamin, 1997, pp 78). Many of the issues affecting people are solved through groups. In groups, a feeling of connectedness is paramount. Success of a group is usually pegged on the ability of the individuals to interact freely. People exchange ideas in attempt to achieve a common goal (Johnson, 2009, pp 8). Leadership in groups is far much essential. It should be carried out carefully to foster a feeling of mutual gain from the group (Douglas, 2000, pp 42). Individual behavior within a group context should be in a manner that does not affect the performance of the group negatively. Communicating freely without a feeling of oppression helps members feel part of the group. Individuals who take precedent over other group members cause a feeling of alienation in the group. This leads to poor coordination of processes within the group (Beebe, 2009, pp 43). Because of this, tasks are not performed as ought to be and hence failure to attain the goals of the group. It is evident that groups are more important than any particular individual is. All the theories involved were developed from an individuals’ standpoint (Corey, 2008, pp19). They then focus outwards to the group setting. This is because for us to have a clear understanding of a group, we must first understand the individual (Douglas, 2000, pp 22). This does not imply that individuals are more important than groups. Rather, it merely helps in the understanding of groups. All individualistic attitudes negate the importance of group work. These attributes vary from one individual to another (Johnson, 2009, pp 62). Some of these include jealousy, power seeking among others. Individuals are important to groups in terms of the contribution. The group determines the outcome because of the contribution. Individualism affects the outcome of the group negatively. This beats the sense for coming together as a group (Douglas, 2000, pp 17). For groups to be successful, they should be devoid of individualism. This clearly shows that groups are more important than individuals are. Of course, the main aim of forming a group is to tackle issues that cannot be tackled individually (Beebe, 2009, pp 30). Therefore, bringing individualism in groups beats logic. Bibliography Beebe, S & Masterson, J 2009, Communicating in small groups : principles and practices, Boston, A&B Pearson. Benjamin, J, Bessant, J & Watts, R 1997, Making groups work : rethinking practice, St. Leonards, N.S.W, Allen & Unwin. Brandler, S & Roman, C 1999, Group work: skills and strategies for effective interventions, New York, Haworth Press. Bunston, W & Heynatz, A., 2006, Addressing family violence programs : groupwork interventions for infants, children and their parents, [Melbourne, Vic.], The Royal Children’s Hospital Mental Health Service. Cohen, M & Mullender, A., 2003, Gender and groupwork , London ; New York, Routledge. Corey, G 2008, Theory and practice of group counseling, Belmont, CA, Thomson Higher Education. Douglas, T 2000, Basic groupwork, London ; New York, Routledge. Johnson, D.W., & Johnson F.P., 2009, Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills, London: Pearson . Read More

Effective groups have effective leadership. Leadership helps connect three elements in a group. It connects the process of the group to the individuals of the group. This occurs because of coordination of tasks in the group (Douglas, 2000, pp 25). All this happens in attempt to attain the goals of forming the group. Leadership in groups occurs in a well thought out manner for a group to be effective. The leader should just facilitate development of the group. He or she should avoid dominating the group and in so doing helps eliminate the feeling of isolation in the group.

This helps each individual, have a feeling of equality and connectedness within the group (Cohen, 2003, pp 44). This fosters a feeling of collectiveness and hence serves the members from a group standing rather than an individuals’ standpoint (Johnson, 2009, pp 88). All theories of group work have a common agenda. They seek the attainment of positive results. Each theory may be distinct from each other but all have common varying approaches (Corey, 2008, pp19). These approaches are usually five in all the theories involved in groups.

All the theories focus on the dynamics of the group (Johnson, 2009, pp 22). These usually occur based on the leader role in the group as well as the members’ role. Group dynamics also considers the relationship as vital for group work. These combine with the processes involved in the group work and achieve the desired outcome (Cohen, 2003, pp 29). However, individuals have the mandate to move the group towards its outcome. However, this does not imply that individualistic attitudes take precedent over the group.

Rather individuals act collectively in the group and achieve the goals of the group (Douglas, 2000, pp 17). Groups appear distinct from various theoretical standpoints. These help in giving a better understanding of groups. These standpoints give a clear understanding of the positions of individuals in the group settings. Although groups comprise of individuals, groups take precedent over the individuals who make up the group (Johnson, 2009, pp 43). Various theories have been put forward in attempt of proving this view.

Structural Approach The structure of the group gives a clear understanding of the group. In this approach, the relationships between the members in the group are core. The way individuals interact in a group gives a clear indication of the effectiveness of the group (Beebe, 2009, pp 52). Individualistic attitudes are seen as having a negative impact on the group. This approach also looks at how individuals are organized within the group context. It looks at the sub groupings within the group.

It seeks answers as to whether the group structure hinders the effectiveness of the group (Johnson, 2009, pp 65). It aims at avoiding sabotage of the group by individuals. It calls for careful structuring of groups for total effectiveness. All this lies in the group dynamics and is considered for any group’s success. Role Playing Roles played by members in the group dictate the success or failure of the group. Division of roles within the group should occur in a way that no individual has more say over the other in the group (Corey, 2008, pp 56).

In role theory, groups strive to foster mutual relationships between members (Johnson, 2009, pp 24). Functioning of the group takes precedence over individuals. Thus, role allocation occurs in a way that each member contributes to the group. All this aims at team building in attempt of achieving goals of the group. Interdependency in the group work emerges as a key factor in the success of groups. This attests the fact that no individual takes precedence over others in groups (Beebe, 2009, pp 14).

Group success lies mainly on the ability of team building within the group set up and this occurs through effective role playing by members. Dynamics Groups also have dynamics, which affect their performance (Cohen, 2003, pp 16). Dynamics mainly focus on the relationship between members of the group.

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