http://fldp.org Just another WordPress weblog Sat, 28 Mar 2009 16:02:25 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en First, who selects and applies techniques? It might be well to recall the discussion of leadership, particularly regarding the opinion that diffusion of leadership represents the most efficient form of the democratic process. When "leader" or "leadership" is mentioned or implied in the following discussion, remember that the research ... http://fldp.org/2008/11/selecting-techniques/ The means, or methods, used in group situations to bring about group action are called group techniques. Regardless of the forces inherent in the group, action comes only through the application of some technique. Utilized in the proper manner and social setting, techniques have the power to activate individual ... http://fldp.org/2008/11/group-techniques/ Groups often fail to take time to define goals and objectives. Resistance is sometimes expressed by such a statement as: "We don't need to waste our time on objectives; let's get on with our work." Another very common feeling is often expressed this way: "Well, everyone knows what we ... http://fldp.org/2008/11/steps-in-setting-goals-and-objectives/ If we hold to the concept that objectives are direction givers, then we must define and analyze them until each word used in stating them helps make them clear and definite. Generalities may create some initial interest, but only specific statements challenge thinking and facilitate planning and action on ... http://fldp.org/2008/11/criteria-for-judging-objectives/ Along with an understanding of the levels of objectives, consideration needs to be given to the form and wording of the statement of objectives. A common error is to state as objectives things which people on the various planned programs are going to do for the group. This might ... http://fldp.org/2008/11/stating-objectives/ Most groups need long-time goals and objectives to give direction to their activities. These goals are often stated at a more general level than the short-run objectives. However, within the general framework of the long-time objectives there should be developed intermediate and short-run objectives. For effective program planning it ... http://fldp.org/2008/11/long-time-and-short-run-goals/ Another pattern of forces at play within each group is created by other affiliations of its individual members. Group members may belong to other groups such as family, church, lodges, friendship groups, clique groups, and unions. An individual's participation in any group is based upon his evaluation of the ... http://fldp.org/2008/11/multiple-group-membership/ Every community has a value system. There is a pattern of acceptable goals and acceptable means for striving toward them. Individuals and groups have status in a community to the extent that they have accepted and achieved (by approved means) the important "community" goals. Every group has a status ... http://fldp.org/2008/11/the-community/ External forces affect all group activities; no group exists in a social vacuum. Such forces as community values, community expectations, institutional values, parent group affiliations and control, inter-group competition, and prestige and status affect every group - its member motivations, goals and means, and ongoing activities. These external forces ... http://fldp.org/2008/11/external-dynamics-of-groups/ Evaluation may be a powerful internal force that affects group productivity. We should recognize that evaluation is ever present in groups. In some more or less systematic fashion, consciously or subconsciously, each of us is evaluating our role, status, contribution, or feelings toward the group. We evaluate other group ... http://fldp.org/2008/11/group-evaluation/