CONTENTS
1.0 Introduction 2.0 Objectives 3.0 Main Content
3.1
Group Dynamics and Group Leadership3.2 Classification of Groups
3.3 Group Development
3.3.1 Stages in Group Development
3.3.2 Characteristics of Effective Group3.3.3 Achieving a Cooperative Group Structure
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment 7.0 References/Further Reading 1.0 INTRODUCTION
Group formation and being part of one group or the other is often associated with human beings. Nobody wants to live in isolation within
a social system considering the social nature of people. There is therefore the need to understand what group is especially as to how it relates to the rural development. Also, its study and group processes will give a better picture of how groups can be very useful in bringing about social integration and development in the community with effective leadership. This unit will make you to know that leadership is very crucial to group setting and you as a professional change agent should use your knowledge to help groups to achieve their goals.
2.0 OBJECTIVES
At the end of this unit, you should be able to:
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explain group dynamics and group leadership classify groups
discuss group development.
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3.0 MAIN CONTENT
3.1 Group Dynamics and Group Leadership
A group is a unit of two or more people in reciprocal interaction or communication with each other (Chitambar, 1973). Forsyth (2006) defines a group as a unit of two or more individuals who are connected
to each other by social relationship.
In the social sciences, a group can be defined as two or more humans who interact with one another, accept expectations and obligations as members of the group, and share a common identity (wikipedia.org/wiki/group). A true group exhibits some degree of social cohesion and is more than a simple collection or aggregate of
individuals.
Criteria for a group include:
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formal social structure face-to-face interaction
two or more personscommon fate common goals interdependence
self-definition as group members recognition by others.
Group dynamics therefore is the study of groups, and also, it is a general term for group processes. The fact that people in groups interact and influence each other, groups develop a number of dynamic processes that separate them from a random collection of individuals. These processes according to Wikipedia Encyclopedia (2010) include norms, roles, relations, development, need to belong, social influence, and
effects on behaviour.
In group dynamics, group process refers to the understanding of the behaviour of people in groups, such as task groups, that are trying to solve a problem or make a decision. An individual with skill in group process, such as a trained facilitator or change agent working in the rural area, can assist a group in accomplishing its objective by diagnosing how well the group is functioning as a problem solving or decision –
making entity and intervening to alter the group’s operating behaviour.
AEM 511 LEADERSHIP AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Group leadership is the process of providing focus and direction to a specific group of people (Malcolm, 2010). This type of leadership often
involves facilitating and guiding the actions of group participants as well
as accepting responsibility for the outcome of the group’s efforts.
Extension workers who are based in the rural communities can provide
focus and direction to the groups of farmers thereby leading to theimprovement of their social status and their environment.
3.2 Classification of Groups
Different types of groups based on group attributes or characteristics
have been identified. Although the categories are not exclusive and do
overlap, it is important that you have knowledge of the type as well as the categories. The major types of groups formed on the following
attributes are described below (Chitamber, 1973).
A.
Groups based on the Quality or Type of Relationships1. Primary and secondary groups: Primary groups are characterised by intimate face-to-face associations and
informal personal relationships, such as in the family andin groups of close friends. Groups like this have we- feeling relationship that is a strong feeling of belonging to
the group on the part of members. In a primary group,members are interested in one another as individuals.
They share experiences, hopes, plans, problems and fulfill their need for companionship. A secondary group is characterised by few ties of sentiments, formality of contacts and impersonal relationships. This relationship
may exist between farmers and traders who buy produce.The relationship here is somehow impersonal and
contractual and members are not concerned with othermembers intimately but as individuals who function to fill particular roles. The difference between primary and
secondary groups is presented below:32
Primary Groups
Secondary GroupsSmall size-often less than 20 0r 30
persons
Personal and intimate relationships
among members
Large size
Impersonal and aloof relationships
among members.
Much face to face communication. Little face to face communication Permanency – members are
together over a long period of time
Members are well acquainted and sense of loyalty or “we have a
strong feeling”.
Informality is most common;
the
group usually does not have a name, officials or a regular
meeting place.
Group decisions are more traditional and non-rational
(Rogers, 1960).
Temporary – members spend relatively little time together.
Members are not well-acquainted and anonymity prevails.
Formality prevails – group often has a name, officials and a regular meeting place.
Group decisions are more rational
and the emphasis is on efficiency
2.
3.
Formal and Informal Groups:
The degree of formality or informality that exists in the group may be regarded as a continuum with the formal groups at one end and informal groups
at the other. No group is 100% formal or 100% informal in its
relationship; although definite marked differences exist in the two
types of groups. An example of formal group is the village
council, which involves definite roles, rules of operation and
rigidly enforced behaviour of its members. Informal groups, suchas friendship groups or farmers association just for social activities have no such organisation, rigidity or formality.
Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft: This is similar to the concept
of primary and secondary groups. The Gemeinschaft is a society in which most relationships are traditional or personal. The Gesellschaft is a society in which there is neither personal
attachment nor the importance of traditional rights, obligationsand duties. According to Horton (1964) some of the major characteristics of Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft relationships are compared below
Gemeinschaft Relationships Gesellschaft Relationships
Personal Impersonal
Informal Formal
Traditional Utilitarian
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B.
Groups based on social classHorizontal group: This is the term used to describe members who are alike in the status or position in the class system of society. For instance, it can be said that all farmers belong to the same horizontal group in the village. This is true for others like blacksmiths and carpenters who will be members of their
respective horizontal group.
Vertical groups: They are groups that are composed of members from different social strata and whose membership cuts
vertically across the horizontal groupings in the village. For instance farmers, traders, carpenters and drivers can be members
of the same group for the development of their community.
C. Groups based on size: Groups may vary and be placed on a continuum on the basis of number of members with the minimum number being the dyad or pair at one end and at the other, the
maximum who can interact and communicate with one another.
D.
Groups based on personal feeling of belongingi.
ii.
In-group:
This is a group to which a person feels he belongs and with which he identifies strongly. He refers to such a group as my family, my neighbourhood, my clan,my church or mosque, my club or association. Cassava
Growers Association, Vegetable Growers Association and Poultry Keepers Association are few examples of in- groups in the village.
Out-groups: These are groups to which a person feels he
does not belong for he is outside of them. Individuals relate to such group they do not belong indifferently andwith less passion.
E.
Groups based on compulsion of participationParticipation in school may be compulsory for a child at the insistence of the state and/or parent. In addition, membership and
participation in certain groups may be as a result of social pressure or pressure from other members, as in the formation of workers’ union. A good example of this group in the village is vigilante group in which a person must be compulsorily chosen from each house in the village to form members of vigilante
group for the security of the village.
F.
Reference GroupsThese are groups to which an individual refers when he takes action or makes decisions and with which he consciously or unconsciously identifies himself. A reference group is any group-primary, formal, horizontal or otherwise and it strongly influences the individual’s behaviour. A family reference group for example may influence a farmer to accept or reject adoption
of an improved farming practice.
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In rural communities, an individual may belong to a small number of reference groups compared with individuals in more complex urban
societies. It is from these reference groups that the individual assumes his point of view and attitude toward various aspects of life. He may identify with a reference group and aspire to be a member, but membership is not a condition to create a reference group. Reference groups have many standards that guide and influence an individual, sometimes even though the goals may be contrary to those of his membership group. A member of a lower social class, for instance may
have a higher class group as his reference group, identify with it and
aspire to be a member of it.
Whatever may be the type or classification of the group that is used to analyse human behaviour, groups are universal aspects of life and constitute an essential component of both rural and urban society and exert great influence of human behaviour. Relevant to an understanding of behaviour is an understanding and appreciation of the importance of
the group in the social structure.
3.3 Group Development
Group development is a process of group forming and working together
so that a goal is accomplished (Black, 2010). This is a process that brings individuals together inform of group to achieve a goal or objective. The group goes through some stages before any meaningful work can be done and their objectives achieved.
3.3.1 Stages in Group Development
There are several basic stages that new groups go through as they move to becoming effective as a group (Curtis 1995).
1.
Forming (Getting Acquainted): This is the first stage and is characterised by a sense of uncertainty and awkwardness and perhaps anxiety. Members of the group may be unsure of what todo and how to do it. Group norms and standards have yet to be
defined and participants or members are eagerly looking to find out what is right or not. At this point leaders need to set thestandards for group behaviour, activities and interaction.
Establishing norms is an important part of this stage. Group
norms can be established in three ways.
a. Stating – telling/explaining to people how to behave.
b. Modeling
– demonstrating behaviour for others to adopt.c. Importing – bringing in behaviour customary in other
AEM 511 LEADERSHIP AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
2.
3.
4.
5.
Most people are polite as they try to put their “best foot forward”
that is try to lead by example. The result is a superficial level of harmony and cooperation. This serves the purpose of getting the group started and off the ground in terms of motivation and commitment. Members may tend to verbalise how close they feel to each other, and may develop quite a group spirit due to successful task accomplishment. Leadership at this point should
be a combination of High Task/Low Relationship (Telling) in terms of teaching skills and establishing norms moving to High Task/High Relationship (selling) to get everyone involved and
interacting in the group.
Storming (Struggling forward): This second stage is
characterised by individual assertive behaviour which may result in some group instability. Members have begun to feel
comfortable enough with their new environment to take somerisks in revealing more of their personalities. Each person wants
to feel a sense of individual importance and influence on thegroup. This becomes more evident as increasing responsibility is shifted to the group as they move into moderate levels of maturity. The leadership styles which may be most effective are
High Task/High Relationship (selling). Leaders should not be surprised if some conflicts develop in the group at this stage.This is part of the natural process of the group becoming self-
sustaining.
Norming (Becoming Personal):
This stage is characterised by a
growth of affection and establishment of personal relationships.Members will begin to take responsibility for resolving conflicts
and strengthening friendships. The leadership style which may be most effective is Low Task/High Relationship (Participating)since the group is competent regarding tasks but needs assistance and support in terms of relationships. At this point the members determine the final rules and priorities of the group.
Performing (Working Together): This stage is characterised by harmony among group members. Participants look outwards to see how other people in the group are doing to make sure all are supported. Decision making and problem solving will be