Learning how to work effectively in a group situation is key to success in today's business world as well as in social situations. Groups vary from each other based on the individuals that compose each group, and all of us belong to various groups at one time or another. The roles that we fulfill vary from group to group, and may even vary within the same group over time. In this course, each class member was assigned to a group and given specific assignments to complete. This paper analyzes the group interaction among one set of individuals.
Initially there were five individuals in this group, four women and one man. Jeannine is in her early 30s, married, taking three courses and a junior. Jeannine assumed the group leader role and tended to over-organize: focus on what the group should be working on rather than actually working on it.
Naomi works full-time, is in her late-twenties, and is due to be married in September. She is quiet, neither assertive nor aggressive, and does not offer much to the group. She is a problem clarifier and summarizer, but not an idea initiator.
Becky is a full-time student and in her early 20s. She is a churchgoer (spending nearly all day Sunday in church) and is a topic jumper, unable to stay focused on the issue at hand.
Carol is 49 years old, the oldest member of the group, married, taking 15 units and a senior. She is an idea initiator and information seeker.
Robert, a full-time student, was in the group for only the first three weeks, then left because of gall bladder surgery. His participation was limited, and he seemed uncomfortable working with a group of women. During the time that Robert was a part of the group, he showed indications of being an isolated individual unwilling to participate much in the group activity. He was unable to attend any of the meetings we arranged, but he was also unable to offer a time when he could attend. As we exchanged phone numbers in ...