Group dynamics
"Group dynamics examine how ideas of our own community and the perception of outsiders influences our attitudes, behaviours and relationships."
Intercultural dialogue can provide opportunities for individuals or groups to look beyond their in-group and change perceptions, actions, and enhance understanding of those outside this group (i.e. the out-group). However, bringing groups or individuals together will not necessarily lead to openness, dialogue and change without an understanding of the process of group dynamics involved.
One key theory of group dynamics is that it can happen in four stages:
- Forming (group members desire to be accepted, and avoid conflict and gather information),
- Storming (individuals will start to address some of the real issues within the group, as a result conflicts will break out, usually framed by wider rules and a structure),
- Norming (the group settles to the task, having a clearer idea of each others' skills and experience; in this phase, individuals listen to each other, appreciate and support each other, and are prepared to change pre-conceived views), and
- Performing (groups are characterised by mutual trust and work together).
It is suggested that groups need to experience all four stages before they achieve maximum effectiveness. Groups will especially require help in moving beyond the first two stages and this points to the need for skilful facilitation, for example through intercultural dialogue.
Literature review of ICD related concepts (127.52KB)