This research examines the pattern of ideas in Joining Together: Group Theory & Group Skills by Johnson and Johnson, as well as the means by which the authors articulate their view of the primacy of group dynamics in individual life experience. The research will set forth the principal lines of thought in the text and then discuss the value of a solid grounding in group theory to the practice of effective problem solving via effective communication, social interaction, cooperation, and leadership.
Group theory cannot be understood apart from the concept of dynamics, i.e., that groups are living things, functioning as a consequence of communication and leadership (Johnson & Johnson, 2000, p. 38), and functioning in a continual state of change. Indeed, changing patterns of communication and leadership are the principal markers of group structure. The quality and depth of social interaction in a group is fundamental to understanding how it behaves.
Although this formulation may seem neutral, Johnson and Johnson cite research showing that social interaction can function for good or ill, a fact that reaches meaning when one considers that groups may be of any size, from a small committee of two to an entire nation. Indeed, as they explain, group dynamics as a discipline emerged in the 20th century partly in response to the phenomenon of fascism, which demonstrated the power of leadership to galvanize a group (such as a national society) for thought and action.
Group theory implies theory about society and about the manner in which social interchange takes place. Some "manners" are obviously to be preferred over others, and some group behavior that occurs because of social interaction is bound to be better (or worse) than other group behavior. Thus social skills, including the ability to communicate, participate, influence, support, or lead are also a feature of group theory; the manner in which such skills are applied or grow out o...