Summary of Group Dynamics
Donelson R. Forsyth
9781337675291
7th edition
The summary contains the whole book
Table of Contents
1. An Introduction to Group Dynamics.
2. Studying Groups.
3. Inclusion and Identity.
4. Formation.
5. Cohesion and Development.
6. Structure.
7. Influence.
8. Power.
9. Leadership.
10. Performance.
11. Teams.
12. Decision Making.
13. Conflict.
14. Intergroup Relations.
15. Groups in Context.
16. Growth and Change.
17. Crowds and Collectives.
, Chapter 1. An Introduction to Group Dynamics
Groups are and will always be essential for human life. Most of us belong to many different groups. From small,
family, to large, society. For this reason it is important to understand groups on the following points:
• Recognize the key features.
• Studying the psychic and interpersonal processes that form and reform continuous groups.
• Learn ways to help groups function effectively.
Groups
A group is a collection of two or more individuals who are connected by social relationships. Groups come in
different numbers and forms.
The research results of John James suggest that groups tend to be attracted to the smallest form, namely two.
There are many different definitions for the word group. What all definitions seem to have in common is the
emphasis on the social relationships that connect members to each other. The relationships that connect
members are not of one kind. A group exists when a certain bond connects the members with each other and
connects with the group.
Groups can be defined based on the following:
• Category
• Communication
• Influence
• Mutual dependence
• Mutual relationships
• Psychological meaning
• Relationships
• Shared identity
• Shared tasks and goals
• Size
• Social unit
• Structure
• Systems
It is useful to distinguish between four types of groups:
• Primary groups. A primary group is a small, long-term group characterized by frequent interaction,
solidarity, and a high degree of interdependence between members that substantially influences
members' attitudes, values and social outcomes. Cooley considered such groups to be primary because
they transform individuals into social beings. According to Cooley, they also create a connection
between the individual and society as a whole.
• Social (secondary) groups. A social group is a relatively small number of individuals who interact with
each other for a specific period of time. They are larger and more formally organized than primary
groups. Membership is often less long and less emotionally involved compared to membership in a
primary group. The number of social groups to which someone can belong can be very large.
• Collectives. A collective is a relatively large aggregation or group of individuals who show similarities in
actions and prospects. Examples are: a line of people, a group of people running away in a panic for
fire, etc. They arise because people come together because of an event or activity. The group dissolves
when the experience disappears. Most theorists reserve the term for larger groups and less complicated
mutual associations.
• Categories. A social category is a group of individuals who are equal to each other in a certain way.
Three concepts are important here
o Social capital: the extent to which individuals, groups or larger aggregations of people are
connected to each other in social relationships that provide positive and productive benefits.
Donelson R. Forsyth
9781337675291
7th edition
The summary contains the whole book
Table of Contents
1. An Introduction to Group Dynamics.
2. Studying Groups.
3. Inclusion and Identity.
4. Formation.
5. Cohesion and Development.
6. Structure.
7. Influence.
8. Power.
9. Leadership.
10. Performance.
11. Teams.
12. Decision Making.
13. Conflict.
14. Intergroup Relations.
15. Groups in Context.
16. Growth and Change.
17. Crowds and Collectives.
, Chapter 1. An Introduction to Group Dynamics
Groups are and will always be essential for human life. Most of us belong to many different groups. From small,
family, to large, society. For this reason it is important to understand groups on the following points:
• Recognize the key features.
• Studying the psychic and interpersonal processes that form and reform continuous groups.
• Learn ways to help groups function effectively.
Groups
A group is a collection of two or more individuals who are connected by social relationships. Groups come in
different numbers and forms.
The research results of John James suggest that groups tend to be attracted to the smallest form, namely two.
There are many different definitions for the word group. What all definitions seem to have in common is the
emphasis on the social relationships that connect members to each other. The relationships that connect
members are not of one kind. A group exists when a certain bond connects the members with each other and
connects with the group.
Groups can be defined based on the following:
• Category
• Communication
• Influence
• Mutual dependence
• Mutual relationships
• Psychological meaning
• Relationships
• Shared identity
• Shared tasks and goals
• Size
• Social unit
• Structure
• Systems
It is useful to distinguish between four types of groups:
• Primary groups. A primary group is a small, long-term group characterized by frequent interaction,
solidarity, and a high degree of interdependence between members that substantially influences
members' attitudes, values and social outcomes. Cooley considered such groups to be primary because
they transform individuals into social beings. According to Cooley, they also create a connection
between the individual and society as a whole.
• Social (secondary) groups. A social group is a relatively small number of individuals who interact with
each other for a specific period of time. They are larger and more formally organized than primary
groups. Membership is often less long and less emotionally involved compared to membership in a
primary group. The number of social groups to which someone can belong can be very large.
• Collectives. A collective is a relatively large aggregation or group of individuals who show similarities in
actions and prospects. Examples are: a line of people, a group of people running away in a panic for
fire, etc. They arise because people come together because of an event or activity. The group dissolves
when the experience disappears. Most theorists reserve the term for larger groups and less complicated
mutual associations.
• Categories. A social category is a group of individuals who are equal to each other in a certain way.
Three concepts are important here
o Social capital: the extent to which individuals, groups or larger aggregations of people are
connected to each other in social relationships that provide positive and productive benefits.
