Types, Models & Skills of Social Group Work
Social group work is a primary method of social
work through which, an individual from a variety community settings could get
such experiences with growth and opportunities in accordance with their needs
and capacities to influence and change personal, group, organizational and
community problems. Here group work helps an individual for removing
him/her weakness and strengthen him/her internal power to perform a person’s
job satisfactorily. A group worker must have the theoretical knowledge of
social group work, its principles, its skills, its models, its assumption, its
dynamics so that, he/she may be able to perform the jobs satisfactorily.
How we
develop group?
There are several
theories as to why groups develop. A classic theory, developed by George
Homans, suggests that groups develop based on activities, interactions, and
sentiments. The theory means that when individuals share common activities,
they will have more interaction and will develop attitudes (positive or
negative) toward each other.
During these stages group
members must address several issues and find the way in which these issues are
resolved determines whether the group will succeed in accomplishing its tasks
or not.
1.
Forming. The major goals of the group have not been established.
Thus, forming is an orientation period when members get to know one another and
share expectations about the group. Members learn the purpose of the group as
well as the rules to be followed. The forming stage should not be rushed
because trust and openness must be developed. These feelings strengthen in
later stages of development.
2.
Storming. In this stage, the group is likely to see the highest level
of disagreement and conflict. Members often challenge group goals and struggle
for power. Individuals often need for the leadership position during this stage
of development. This can be a positive experience for all groups if members can
achieve cohesiveness through resolution. If members are not able to resolve the
conflict, then the group will often disband or continue in existence but will
remain ineffective and never advance to the other stages.
3.
Norming. At this stage, the group members will begin to develop a
feeling of group cohesion and identity. Cooperative effort should begin to
reach into results. Responsibilities are divided among members and the group
decides how it will evaluate progress.
4.
Performing. Performing occurs when the group has matured and attains a
feeling of cohesiveness. During this stage of development, individuals accept
one another and conflict is resolved through group discussion. Members of the
group make decisions through a rational process that is focused on relevant
goals rather than emotional issues.
5.
Adjourning. Not all groups experience this stage of development because
it is characterized by the disbandment of the group. Reasons that groups
disband vary, with common reasons being the accomplishment of the task or
individuals deciding to go their own ways. Members of the group often
experience feelings of closure and sadness as they prepare to leave.
Types Of Group
One common way to classify a group is by whether they are formal or informal in nature. Formal workgroups
are established by an organization to achieve organizational goals. Formal
groups may take the form of command groups, task groups, and functional groups.
Formal
Group it is a group where
managers and subordinates meet in the place and discuss accordingly. It also is
known as a permanent group. The formal groups work under a single supervisor
with a common goal.
Informal
Group Whereas, informal
groups are formed by the members of such groups by themselves. They are
formed spontaneously, without any formal, having some common interests such as
self-defense, work assistance, and social interaction plays in an informal
group. It knows as a temporary group, which has no static.
COMMAND GROUPS.
Command groups are
specified by the organizational chart and often consist of a supervisor and the
subordinates that report to that supervisor
TASK GROUPS.
Task groups consist of
people who work together to achieve a common task. Task groups are also
commonly referred to some task forces. The organization appoints members and
assigns the goals and tasks to be accomplished. Other common task groups are
committees, project groups, and standing committees. committees are temporary
groups created to resolve a specific complaint or develop a process. Project
groups are similar to committees and normally disband after the group completes
the assigned task. Standing committees are more permanent than committees and
project groups. They maintain long term by rotating members into the group.
FUNCTIONAL GROUPS.
Functional groups remain in
existence after the achievement of current goals and objectives.In contrast to
formal groups, informal groups are formed naturally and in response to the
common interests and shared values of individuals. They are created for purposes
other than the accomplishment of organizational goals and do not have a
specified time frame. Informal groups are not appointed by the organization and
members can invite others to join from time to time. Informal groups can have a
strong influence in organizations that can either be positive or negative.
Informal groups can take the form of interest groups, friendship groups, or
reference groups.
INTEREST GROUPS.
Interest groups usually
continue over time and may last longer than general informal groups. The goals
and objectives of group interests are specific to each group and may not be
related to organizational goals and objectives.
FRIENDSHIP GROUPS.
Friendship groups are
formed by members who enjoy similar social activities, political beliefs,
religious values, or other common bonds. Members enjoy each other's company and
often meet after work to participate in these activities.
REFERENCE GROUPS.
A reference group is a type
of group that people use to evaluate themselves. Reference groups are different
from the previously discussed groups because they may not actually meet or form
voluntarily.
Models of
Group work
Models are designed to
bring social norms and values in the group and address the problems within the
communities where group worker councils to solve the issue and accompanying
group growth and development. Models of Social Group Work On the basis of
varied assumptions about the role of the worker, the group members and the
content of the group, social workers proposed four distinct group work models.
These are:
1) Remedial
Remedial Model Remedial
model focuses on the individual's dysfunction and utilizes the group as a
context and means for altering deviant behavior. Clients of such social group
work practice are physically and mentally handicapped, legal offenders,
emotionally disturbed, isolated and alienated persons. In this model, attempts
are being made by social workers to bring change in the individual. He/she is
the target point. According to the Remedial Model, the group can be used to
treat problems of adjustments in personal and social relations.
2) Mediating
This model is based on open
systems theory, humanistic psychology, and an existential perspective. The
following are the chief characteristics of this model.
1.
People and society are
interdependent because they have mutual needs. When there is interference with
these mutual strivings, it results in conflict.
2.
The resolution
of this conflict is possible only when interested parties try to understand
their dilemmas with all of these inner resources and they utilize that at that
moment.
3.
In this model
attention is directed towards the relationship of members in the group with
each other, with the worker and the group as a whole.
4.
It is the relationship
among the members that shows the characteristics of the group.
5.
In this model emphasis is
placed on the continuing and reciprocal transactions of sets of members with
each other, the worker and the group.
3) Developmental
Model
In
this approach, groups are seen as having “a degree of independence and
autonomy, but the to and fro flow between them and their members, between them
and their social settings, is crucial to their existence, viability and
achievements. The chief characteristics of this model are:
1.
It is primarily based on
the dynamics of intimacy and closeness between the members over a span of time.
2.
The degree of intimacy is
taken into account for appropriate worker interventions. Conceptualization of
study, diagnosis and treatment is made at all three levels of individuals,
group and the setting.
3.
This model derives
knowledge from Erikson’s ego psychology, group dynamics and conflict theory.
4.
The group worker is engaged
in study, diagnosis and treatment.
4) Social goal model
The
Social Goals Model The basic concepts of this model are social consciousness,
social responsibility, and social change. It is suggested that by participation
with others in a group situation, individuals can affect social change. Social
action is the desired outcome, and the group worker is regarded as an influence
person and enabler, who personifies the values of social responsibility and
acts as stimulator and role model without purveying any political viewpoint.
Implicit in this model is the emerging leader within the group.
Gestalt Therapy: Therapy In gestalt therapy the worker aids the clients in
learning how they prevent themselves from maturing. It is the aim of worker to
help the client to become aware of and accept responsibility for how they make
themselves feel better
Transactional Analysis: Transactional Analysis It is a process of analyzing
and explaining intra-personal and interpersonal processes. This therapeutic
model was developed by Berne. He proposes that personal change can be maximized
through group psychotherapy where the social processes are much more varied
than just one to one relationships
The Behavioral Model Gestalt. Behavioral Model According to this model, specific group
programs are implemented to alter dysfunctional patterns and learn new styles.
Skills of Group
work
I)
Skill in Using Agency Functions -The group worker must be skillful in carrying
the functions of the agency. He should always try to propagate what the agency
in the community wants to do. He does the following activities for
·
The Intake Process
·
Connecting the Group
·
Serving the Individual
through the Group Work Process
·
Working with the Individual
Outside
·
The Referral
II) Skill
in Communication of Feelings- The social group worker should have the following
skills. Principles, Skills and Models of Group
Work Practice
1.
The Worker’s Feelings High
2.
The Group Member’s
Feelings
3.
Group Feelings
III)
Skills in Using the Reality of the Present Under this the social worker does
two things.
1.
Utilizing the group’s
current interest for purposeful activity.
2.
Helping the group to take
responsible decision.
IV) Skill in
Stimulating and Using Group Relations
1.
The social group worker
should enable each group member to find and take his part in a relationship with
other members.
2.
He should be skillful in
using programs to strengthen group relations.
thank you it was helpful
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