Understanding Group Dynamics, Motivation, and Workplace Environment

Posted on Jan 17, 2025 in Other subjects

Group Dynamics

Techniques of Group Dynamics

Group dynamics is the discipline that studies the forces acting on a group, causing them to behave in a certain way. Techniques of group dynamics are a combination of means, instruments, and procedures that, when applied to teamwork, serve to develop efficiency and facilitate the achievement of objectives.

Factors Involved in the Techniques

• The objectives being pursued
• The maturity and training of the group
• Group size
• The physical environment
• Time
• The characteristics of the members
• The experience and capacity of the entertainer/host

Properties of Effective Group Dynamics Techniques

1. They are tools for the team to function effectively.
2. Techniques are somewhat entertaining.
3. They encourage learning, content, behavior, and attitudes.

Motivation

Motivation is what drives individuals to seek, through actions, the achievement of a goal.

Classification of Motives

1. Power: The desire to control and influence.
2. Accommodation: Full satisfaction of all requirements.
3. Transcendent: Concern for that transcendent desire for survival.
4. Social: Interest in improving the situation of others.
5. Scientific, Technical: Desire to increase knowledge in different areas.
6. Culture and Arts: The pursuit of pleasure in beauty.

Factors Promoting Motivation

1. Environmental Factors: These depend on the working environment and atmosphere in which work is developed. They are negative factors because, in most cases, their presence causes no satisfaction, and their absence causes dissatisfaction.
2. Motivational Factors: These depend on the development of employment. They are positive factors, as their incidence generates a high degree of satisfaction.

Theory of Needs: Maslow’s Hierarchy

Until needs at one level are met, the next level will not be present. The levels are:

1. Physiological: Hunger, thirst, protection, etc.
2. Security: Protection against any risk.
3. Social Relevance: Effective group belonging.
4. Esteem: Self-confidence and respect from others.
5. Self-Actualization: High development of all abilities.

Theory of Learned Needs

Human needs are learned from childhood, from what is experienced in each of the situations through which the individual passes. To meet these needs, motivation to act includes affiliation (the necessity of relating to others), power motivation, and achievement motivation.

Expectancy Theory

This theory proposes that the effort an individual is willing to make to achieve a goal is directly proportional to the possibilities they believe they have to achieve it. The degree of motivation depends on their expectations.

Goal-Setting Theory

Individuals set forth, in a fully conscious and voluntary manner, successive goals in the hope of achieving a final goal. The higher the level of this objective, the greater the degree of motivation of the individual.

Equity Theory

This theory is based on the principle of social comparison. Everyone tends to compare the efforts made and the rewards received with the efforts made and the rewards that others receive.

Frustration

Frustration is an emotional disturbance caused by the impossibility of achieving, in whole or in part, a specific objective that meets a specific need.

Reactions to Frustration

• Modification of the target
• Conduct disorder
• Fear of failure
• Irritability and aggressiveness

Work Environment

The satisfaction or frustration that workers feel is related to the relationships between groups within the workplace.

Actions to Foster a Positive Work Environment

• Building personal relationships
• Designing a transparent system of promotion
• Improving work organization
• Eliminating communication barriers

Human Resources Planning and Development

Human resources management ensures the adequate number of staff with the necessary qualifications are in the right places and at the right time to perform useful tasks.