Overview & Description:

Group dynamics refers to the behavioral and psychological processes that occur within a social group or between social groups. It encompasses the way groups form, change, and disband, as well as how members interact and influence each other.

Key Points:

1. Roles within the group can be formal (e.g., leader) or informal (e.g., peacekeeper).
2. Groups can have norms, or shared expectations and rules governing behavior.
3. Group cohesion, the sense of solidarity or bonding members feel toward one another, can influence group performance.

Implications:

1. Organizational Behavior: Understanding group dynamics can help in team formation, conflict resolution, and improving group productivity.
2. Therapeutic Settings: Group therapy is based on principles of group dynamics.
3. Education: Effective classroom management and collaborative learning strategies draw on understanding group dynamics.

References:

• Forsyth, D. R. (2018). Group dynamics (7th ed.). Cengage Learning.