CHAPTER 7 - Group Structure

Abstract

Any small group would begin to show a clear pattern of relationships, mutual expectations, and differentiation between individual members or sub-groups with regard to their function, influence, and contribution to group life. This pattern of roles, ranks, and relationships is referred to as the “group structure.” Group structure is unspecified and informal, developing in some spontaneous and unclear manner out of the group process. In other groups, important components of structure are defined and formalized, as a result of some kind of decision or elective procedure, or by appointment or by tradition. In either case, whether formally or informally determined, structure is a decisive factor in determining any group's efficiency, its ability to use its resources, and the degree of satisfaction that members derive from the group. Structure is always important in social-work groups, because of its implications for the value derived from membership, because it provides a key to further understanding of the group, and because much social-group work method attempts to influence structure in such a way that it serves the interests and needs of the members.