What do you understand by Group Dynamics? (May-2007)

Question 10
What do you understand by Group Dynamics? (May-2007)
Answer
Groups are the basic building blocks of organizations. It is now very common for groups
of employers to make decisions to solve difficult problems that were once the domain of
authoritarian incentives. Given below are the characteristics of Group personality:
1. spirit of conformity
2. respect for group values
3. resistance to change
4. group prejudice
5. collective power
Question 11
What do you understand by 'Group conflicts'? How shall these be managed effectively?
Explain. (November 2007)
Answer
Group conflict: Group conflict is an 'express struggle' between two inter-dependent
parties who perceive incompatible goals, scarce resources and interference from the other
party in achieving their goals. There are two aspects in relation to conflict:
1. Expression: The two sides must communicate/express about the problem for there
to be conflict.
2. Perception: Conflict evolves perceptions in the two sides may only perceive that
their goals, resources, and interference are incompatible with each other's.
Managing conflicts: The climate in which conflict is managed is important. It is
essential to plan communications to foster a supportive climate, marked by emphasis
on:
(i) Presenting ideas or options
(ii) Problem orientation- focusing attention the task
(iii) Spontaneity - Communicating openly and honestly

(iv) Empathy - understanding another person's thoughts.
(v) Equality- asking for opinions
(vi) Willing to listen to the ideas of others.
Successfully managed conflicts can be constructive and can strengthen relationships in
an organisation.