In the mid-20th century, social psychologists have been especially popular to explore a small group of people where each participant is in direct contact and interaction with others.




One of the researchers was scientists Bennis and Shepard, who had set up a special training groups.

they joined strangers to this people connected this joint activity, as communication with each other. The aim was to achieve an effective and valid communication, where the participants shared their feelings and openly communicate with each other. In the process of monitoring the development of such mini-communities was born the theory of group development. It psychologists steps explain how communication moves from a simple kind of interaction in intra-group support and sincere attitude to the participants.

What message do the authors of the theory wanted to convey?

Every person has a certain relation to power and values in our personal relationships. With their own ideas about these things, it comes in a group of people (whether a family gathering, University group, Department, organization, group of friends or even a new relationship). The problem is that each they own. From this are born all the obstacles that hinder the group to develop and establish a healthy, fulfilling relationships in the group. br>
so, we have identified 2 factors:

• the ratio of power (call it addiction)
• attitude to personal relationships (called interdependence)

We also said that it is different from people. Accordingly, people can be divided into several groups:

1.1) dependent - accept the rules of the head, want to have a clear system of norms and rules prefer to have a pattern of action and understand its position in the group hierarchy.


1.2) contrasenya - denying, strict obligations and requirements that provides guidance


2.1) superpersonal is eager to bond with others, to set up close relationship and support them for as long as possible


2.2) anticyclone - seeking to avoid close, limit contacts, worrying for their personal space.

of Course, it is not always possible to relate the person to some certain group. In a normal, average situation, the person there is a balance between the two poles, and he showed no ardent rebellion in the group, nor the absorbing desire to save intragroup relationships. They adequately, rationally look at the situation.

According to the theory of Bennis and Shepard, they are catalysts (Bennis, Shepard, 1984) that move the group forward. They can, sometimes even unconsciously, to settle conflicts and find a compromise. They are able to avoid extremes and stereotypical thinking, and rational view helps others, the more conflict parties to unite and overcome difficulties. So why not strive for such a rational, meaningful positions for all participants?

So what prevents communication in the group?

• too strong orientation on leadership and standards
• rebellion and refusal to accept the view more than higher-status members
• unjustified protest act
• excessive artificial courtesy, without disclosing the true feelings and intentions
• a desire to continue the semblance of good relations even with their sense of illusiveness and "fabrication"
• the decision to stay in the group only because of the fear of being alone
• complete detachment from the group, with the election of any contacts
• thoughts about that group will include the personal identity and crush personality

at least knowing that these moments can ruin a group development, it is possible to try to undertake efforts not to commit such mistakes. Success in the development of the relationship!