Group
Dynamics
If our relationships are filled with the same complexity
articulated by dynamic workplace theory, it is also the case that our
participation in many formal and informal groups outside of work is also filled
with the same complexity as for those groups that reside within the workplace.
Our social groups include chaotic, bureaucratic, charismatic and balanced types
of experiences no matter where the group exists and regardless of its purpose of
composition. We have all had occasion to be involved in groups that were chaotic
and seemed to lack effective leadership and direction. Infuriatingly, nothing
got accomplished. Everyone wanted to do it his or her way. A small social
gathering may have maximal difficulty choosing an evening’s entertainment. We
have also all had occasion to participate in groups that seemed to be rule bound
or highly political where one person seemed to have all of the power with
perhaps others in hot pursuit. Our most fulfilling experiences have been those
that contained a more balanced effort to be creative but under control and
adequately led. A successful outing to take a long hike or participation in a
well-coached sporting activity might be among our fondest and most fulfilling
memories.
Once again, dynamic workplace theory offers insights into how our
groups outside of work function. In fact the crossover is so readily apparent
that further discussion is not really needed. It suffices to note that all of
the dynamics of the theory are at work in our groups outside of work, including
those aspects of group experience that make them stable over time and the
tension-filled aspects of changing group dynamics.
In Sum
Our private lives are, upon closer inspection, much like our
worklives. We are all individuals who possess psychologically defensive
tendencies that are seamlessly interwoven into the workplace as well as our
lives outside of work. It is also the case that our many relationships outside
of work contain the same elements of those within the workplace, as is also the
case for our experience in groups. Dynamic workplace theory, therefore, informs
the lives we live outside of the workplace, providing some of the same clarity
that it provides for our lives within the workplace. Dynamic workplace theory is
a perspective for living our lives in general.
Sections
Syndication
