Group Dynamics

by Rashida Douglas

One important aspect of working in public relations is understanding group dynamics and how to resolve conflicts and tensions and garner the best performance out of all team members. In the beginning of the course we each took a personality profile assessment. The assessment was a fantastic tool for getting a better understanding of my personality and what my strengths and weaknesses are. However, the personality profiles are just as important for understanding my team members as well. It wasn’t until conflict arose in my group that I actually thought, in depth, about how having advance understandings of how personality affects the potential and outcomes for the group. Colorado State University has an excellent Web page that discusses the dynamics of student groups. The site addresses issues that arise when working in groups including conflict, socializing, decision-making and division of responsibility. I would suggest reading their site for a “mid-term refresher” hopefully prior to conflict in each respective group. Harvard University also hosts a Web site that discusses the elements involved in working in a group. Their site emphasizes the importance of democracy in groups. The Center for the Study of Higher Education (CSHE) points out the tremendous benefits of working in groups as students. According to CSHE, "Group work, under proper conditions, encourages peer learning and peer support and many studies validate the efficacy of peer learning. Under less than ideal conditions, group work can become the vehicle for acrimony, conflict and freeloading." The advice suggested on these sites can be advantageous for our current roles as students and future roles as professionals.