Chapter One
Group Dynamics
Ronald W. Toseland
Lani V. Jones
Zvi D. Gellis
This chapter focuses on group dynamics. We review group dynamics in five domains
and examine group dynamics within the context of group development.
There are many theories about the development of group dynamics, but fundamental to
all of them is the notion of groups as social systems. A system is composed of elements in
interaction. When group members interact with each other, they form a social system, with
attendant group dynamic processes. Group dynamics are the forces that emerge and take
shape as members interact with each other over the life of a group. These dynamic forces are
the product of both the here-and-now interactions of group members and what members
bring to the group from the larger social environment.
THE IMPORTANCE OF GROUP DYNAMICS
An understanding of group dynamics is essential for effective practice with any type of task
or tre ... read full excerpt from Handbook of Social Work with Groups ebook
