The 6 types of group dynamics
These are the main types of group dynamics used in companies, schools, etc.
Group dynamics are activities that, besides being fun, can be used to teach people of all ages, from children to senior citizens.
These skills are usually focused on improving the social skills of its members while they have a great time interacting with their peers, which they may have known for a long time or this is the first contact.
Below we will understand the importance of these activities, as well as look at the main types of group dynamics. the main types of group dynamics that exist..
What are group dynamics?
Group dynamics are activities in which several people interact to fulfill a specific objective through various fictitious situations. In them, the individual behavior of each of the members can be observed under the influence of the group.
They are activities in which the people involved are involved in order to succeed in achieving a goal, strengthening their relationships along the way..
These types of activities can be very varied, but all of them aim to promote contact between those involved, creating an idea of community, encouraging coexistence and cooperation. They are exercises that, thanks to their great versatility, can involve children, young people, adults and even senior citizens. That is why these dynamics can be very beneficial to promote any educational process.
Depending on the type of group dynamics, the number of people involved, the activities to be carried out and the objectives to be achieved will vary. Naturally, this will also influence the results in terms of the feeling of togetherness, the bonds established between the members and also the type of skill that is developed. However, as long as the facilitator as long as the facilitator keeps an eye on the activity and ensures that it runs smoothly, it will be a beneficial exercise for everyone..
Objectives of these dynamics
In all group dynamics the objective has to do with cooperative and relational skills. Regardless of the specific skill to be put into practice, such as communication or conflict resolution, they all involve learning to relate better with others while reaffirming the idiosyncrasies of each individual.
In addition, cognitive skills such as attention cognitive skills such as attention, problem solving and decision making are also put into practice.. The group dynamics make those involved have to focus their attention on achieving certain goals, while making use of their social skills with others and, also, test their reasoning and intellect to see how to succeed.
Thus, the objectives of all these dynamics are the improvement of social skills, the practice of leadership and cooperation, respect for others, and respect for the environment.The objectives of all these activities are therefore the improvement of social skills, the practice of leadership and cooperation, the respect for others and the reaffirmation of one's uniqueness and the implementation of different cognitive and useful skills for daily life. These activities contribute to the awareness of those involved that great feats can be achieved through teamwork.
What are the types of group dynamics?
Now that we understand what group dynamics are and what their objectives are, we will go into detail about the different types of group dynamics. They can be applied in all kinds of contexts and groups, whether at school, in the workplace or in a center for foreigners. All of them are applied to improve social skills and create greater group cohesion. The following are the main modalities:
1. Presentation dynamics
The type of dynamics that is most likely to be used are presentation dynamics. As their name suggests, these are games in which the members introduce themselves to each other, being a very good way to break the ice between people who have had little relationship or are complete strangers..
There are all kinds. There are activities in which those involved are ordered to get into pairs and tell each other their names, what their favorite color is, how old they are, what pet they have, where they are from, what they work, what they like to do in the bathtub... In short, any question that serves to promote a little knowledge among the members of the group.
2. Conflict resolution dynamics
Conflict resolution dynamics are activities used to mediate in problematic situations. This type of dynamics are especially used in the work environment as in companies.. They are useful because they test skills such as decision making, leadership or teamwork in spite of having had a conflict.
They also serve to improve social skills and assertiveness among its members, providing them with different tools to help solve a problem between two or more members, such as a fight, an insult or a rumor.
3. Communication dynamics
The main objective of communication dynamics is to improve communication skills among group members. Social skills require good communication skills to be demonstrated, and good communication itself is a social skill.
In these dynamics dynamics are intended to promote active listening, as well as assertive communication (saying what you really want). (saying what you really want) and, also, teaching how to say things in a way that does not break the feelings of others. Body language is also put into practice.
4. Relaxation dynamics
Relaxation dynamics are used to release tensions. They are especially useful for children, making them release the restlessness they may bring before starting other activities through laughter, movement and voice..
They shout, speak loudly, make movements as if they were having convulsions... any movement and act that makes them calm, liberated, emotionally rested and ready to pay attention to what the facilitator has to tell them.
5. Dynamics of knowledge and self-knowledge
The dynamics of self-knowledge are applied so that the members of the group can get to know each other better, even though they already know a little about each other after having carried out other activities.
The objective in this type of dynamics is not to get to know new people, but to get to know each other better. deepen on characteristics of people with whom they relate every day while putting in comparison how they are themselves..
They deepen their personal knowledge while having a closer and more intimate relationship with others, seeing the contrast between themselves and others, valuing their individuality.
6. Cooperation and collaboration dynamics
The dynamics of cooperation and collaboration are considered a fundamental pillar in any environment in which we work. a fundamental pillar in any environment in which we want to promote ties between different people.. What they do is to promote group cooperation by focusing on the fact that all members of the activity have the same opportunities to participate.
Actually, in practice, all activities are cooperative and/or collaborative as long as they are always done as a group and serve for its members to learn to relate to other people.
(Updated at Apr 13 / 2024)