Phases in Group
Development
Proponent: Sue Henry
Private Pre-Group Phase
When one or more people have the notion to create a group for a certain cause.
This might be agency volunteers or officers who believe that collective service is
important to the mission of the organization.
A social worker who believes that a certain goal is best served by using a group
method, or potential participants who believe that the organization has the capacity to
deliver a group program that can address their needs or concerns.
Public Pre-Group Phase
An announcement is made, either vocally or in writing.
At this point, the aim and time range of the group program, as well as the criteria
for group composition, are generally established.
•All these are communicated to the prospective group members when pre-group
and/or intake interviews are conducted.
2
Initial Stage
Sue Henry refers to these two pre-group
phases as the "Initial Stage" contends that
while there may be no group dynamics yet at
this time, "the embryonic group will be
affected by the workers actions in identifying
the potential cast of characters and in
projecting what the group will be like and
how it can be moved toward attainment of its
goals"
2
Convening Phase
prospective members, or some of them, meet for the
first time
They are still just an aggregate but the potential for
becoming a group begins to materialize
Members at this time are sizing up the situation
whether or not their expectations are going to be met
They participate in social rituals and amenities, and
various behaviors such as restlessness, talkativeness,
stress, and retreat may be noted when the participants
assess each other.
2
Convening Phase
Feelings of resistance and hesitation about
committing themselves are normal during this phase,
and these feelings may resurface later in their
membership.
Worker usually assumes a leading role during this
phase.
The worker also answers questions and explains
expectations, and while respecting their decision to
join or not join, emphasizes the good outcomes or
advantages that might occur from group
involvement. 2
Group Formation
Sue Henry believes that the key
dynamic of the formation stage is
choosing to unite with others simply
"union"
This phase includes the worker's first
two times of significant connection to
other members of the family (the
second period is the maintenance
phase) 2
Convening Phase
Feelings of resistance and hesitation about
committing themselves are normal during this phase,
and these feelings may resurface later in their
membership.
Worker usually assumes a leading role during this
phase.
The worker also answers questions and explains
expectations, and while respecting their decision to
join or not join, emphasizes the good outcomes or
advantages that might occur from group
involvement. 2
The Group Integration,
Disintegration or Reintegration
Sue Henry defines that the conflict in a group is
basically a fight for supremacy over the wants
and desires of all the group members.
The argument is basically over the ownership of
the group.
the struggle or conflict may be serious and if not
resolved can lead to the groups total
disintegration
2
The Group Integration,
Disintegration or Reintegration
the process of handling conflicts that occur in a group requires the
worker to be prepared to bring such conflicts into the open
discussion and resolution.
restate its goals, modify its structure, establish new rules for
operating, define/modify norms and redefine tasks.
the effort can make the group move forward to a reintegration
phase.
sometimes in order to save a group from total disintegration,
certain individuals may have to be terminated from the group. 2
Group Functioning and Maintenance Phase
This is the time when the group, with the
worker's leadership or assistance, works on
putting its plans into action in order to attain
the set goals.
During this phase, a sense of "Groupness"
develops.
Because the group has developed, it is working
at a pretty high level and, having progressed
this far, it may be anticipated to fulfill its
objectives. 2
Termination Phase
Encourages the group to reflect on what has
happened in the past. Encourage the group to
give each other feedback on individual
development inside the group.
This is the final stage of group development, in
which the group is disbanded and the
members are separated. Every organization is
formed for a certain purpose, and after that
goal is met, the group is disbanded.
2
Thank you
for listening!
