YEAR&SEC: BSSW-3

LESSON 13-14: GROUP PROCESS IN SOCIAL WORK

In 3-5 sentences, describe your experiences as a member of a group in the context of
the six (6) different group processes. (30 points)
COMFORMITY

My experience while I am in the group, I've observed that conformity

happens because members are required to follow certain rules and fulfill certain
duties. I occasionally conform sincerely and infrequently conform expediently. I
give everything I have during organizational activities, especially if I am a
committee member. On the other hand, when the Governor has coercive
authority over a particular issue and I am powerless to deny, I turn into an
expedient conformer.
COMPETITION AND COOPERATION
I experienced both competition and cooperation in our classroom as a
member of the arts and sciences program during my first year of college. There is
competition in a class, especially when everyone is motivated to win prizes.
However, there is so much unhealthy competition among the students that they
are unable to feel sympathy for others. While there is competition, there is also
cooperation, particularly when carrying out a class project and choosing a crucial
issue that affects everyone.
DECISION-MAKING
Every task and activity in our long-term plan have been discussed in a series
of group meetings in order to get input from the officers and members. All
decisions regarding activities are made by officers in our group. The absence of
other members becomes problematic when a decision must be made quickly
because it is necessary to consider their opinions.
 GROUPTHINK
Groupthink happens when members of the group persuasively express
their ideas, making it difficult for others to disagree without feeling excluded.
Normally, we just go along with things to avoid conflict and further discussion.
Groupthink is harmful because people just follow because they have no other
option, which makes them lose interest in actively participating.
CONFLICT
As a group officer, I've witnessed arguments start when different people's
opinions and feelings conflict. For instance, some people are overly relaxed when
something like general cleaning or work is going on, while others are strict with
their duties, and still others just go with the flow.
GROUP COHESIVENESS
This happens when students are grouped together in the classroom; I have
seen instances of low cohesiveness or cohesion on a poor scale. Obviously, we
lack the power to decide who will be in our group. We stayed together because of
this. However, some team members put in a lot of effort to finish their
assignments, while others only speak up once the tasks are nearly finished.