Working groups

Groups are ubiquitous and basic human social systems. Participating with others in the organization and development of goal-oriented groups that “work” is a learnable skill . And yet the participants may know very little about what it means to make a group work well, ethically, and effectively. Further to the point, where group structure and functions are poorly understood the organization and development process is prone to mismanagement. On the other hand, where the “demand characteristics” of the situation receive the attention they warrant, the prospects for success are far greater. This brief article—intended to provide some additional background—looks at a number of basic features of groups and some desiderata of good “group work.” It also suggests some ways that you and your groupmates/classmates can foster sustainable (e.g. scientifically credible, ethically appropriate and practically effective) group organization and development in the present instance.