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Chapter 4

Chapter 4. Forming a Group Prepared by: Nathaniel N. Ivers, Wake Forest University. Roadmap. Characteristics of the Forming Stage of a Group Steps in the Forming Stage of a Group Tasks and Problems in the Forming Stage of a Group Useful Procedures for the Forming Stage of a Group.

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Chapter 4

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  1. Chapter 4 Forming a Group Prepared by: Nathaniel N. Ivers, Wake Forest University

  2. Roadmap • Characteristics of the Forming Stage of a Group • Steps in the Forming Stage of a Group • Tasks and Problems in the Forming Stage of a Group • Useful Procedures for the Forming Stage of a Group

  3. Forming Stage of a Group • Orientation stage of a group • A time of initial caution associated with any new experience • Personal relations are characterized by dependence • Group members attempt to be accepted and safe by trying to keep things simple and free of controversy to avoid rejection by others

  4. Steps in the Forming Stage • Step 1: Developing a Rationale for the Group • Step 2: Deciding on a Theoretical Format • Step 3: Weighing Practical Considerations • Step 4: Publicizing the Group • Step 5: Screening and Pretraining • Step 6: Selecting Group Members • Step 7: Selecting a Group Leader

  5. Step 1: Developing a Rationale for the Group • Every successful group has a clear rationale • The rationale is the purpose of or reasons for conducting a group. • Group leaders who are unclear about their purpose will end up being nonproductive at best and possibly harmful.

  6. Step 2: Deciding on a Theoretical Format • Should function intrapersonal, interpersonal, and extrapersonal matters, but in varying degrees • Should match the needs of participants and the group as a whole • The level of functioning in a group (I/We/It; Waldo, 1985) that the group leader emphasizes may influence his or her theoretical format.

  7. Step 3: Weighing Practical Considerations After a clear, convincing rationale and theoretical format have been determined, group proposals should stress specific, concrete, and practical objectives and procedures, such as the following: • Meeting time • Setting • Frequency of meetings (Jacobs et al., 2016)

  8. Step 4: Publicizing the Group • How a group is announced influences the way the group will be received by potential members and the kind of people who will join (Corey et al., 2014) • Some effective ways of publicizing a group: • Word of mouth with professional colleagues • Personal contact with potential members • Written announcements to a targeted audience

  9. Step 5: Screening and Pretraining • Potential group members should be screened • Interviewed before the group to determine suitability for the group • Individually conducted pregroup screening procedure • Group-conducted pregroup screening process • Potential group members should be carefully chosen whenever possible (Riva & Lange, 2014)

  10. Pregroup Screening Interview Steps • Identify needs, expectations, and commitment • Challenge myths and misconceptions • Convey Information

  11. Pretraining • Orienting group members on what to expect of the group before it ever meets • “Such investment should enhance the functioning of the group, speed its work, reduce dropouts, and increase positive outcomes” (Zimpfer, 1991, p. 264) • Can occur on a group or individual basis

  12. Step 6: Selecting Group Members • A two-way process in that potential group members and leaders are mutually involved in the selection process • People invited to join the group should be individuals who are likely to benefit from the experience • Individual characteristics that are contraindicated for group work: extreme hostile, self-centered, unmotivated, crisis oriented, mentally unbalanced, unable or unwilling to self-disclose or tolerate anxiety (Corey, 2012; Riva et al., 2000)

  13. Step 7: Selecting a Group Leader • The following are important factors that potential group members should consider regarding the leader of the group: • Group leader’s qualifications • Group leader’s style and personality

  14. Tasks of Beginning the Group • Dealing with apprehension • Reviewing Goals and Contracts • Specifying Group Rules • Setting Limits • Promoting a Positive Interchange Among Members

  15. Resolving Potential Group Problems in Forming • People Problems • Group Procedural Problems

  16. People Problems • Manipulators • Resisters • Monopolizers • Silent members • Users of sarcasm • Diagnostic analyzers • Focusers on others • Subgroups

  17. Group Procedural Problems • Opening the Group • Structure • Involvement • Group Cohesion • Hope and Risk Taking • Closing (Terminating) of the Session

  18. Useful Procedures for the Forming Stage • Joining • Linking • Cutting Off • Drawing Out • Clarifying the Purpose

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