Elements of Group Dynamics and Conflict Resolution Methods

5DVP – Part D (AC 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3) (1,450 words)
Describe the elements of group dynamics and conflict resolution
methods, and provide evidence of your ability to perform
efficiently and effectively as an HR professional. Section 2 must
be based on a recent or current project (large or small) which you
have led - or in which you have taken a leading role, or been part
of the project team.
1. GROUP DYNAMICS
Describe the elements of Group Dynamics and why it is
important to understand this from an HR perspective. You
should make reference to a model of group processes
explaining how this may be used to identify and manage
group dynamics. (AC1.2) (approx 400 words)
Answer:
Group dynamics in simple terms can be understood as the processes
(behaviors and psychological processes) that take place between the
members of the group. These dynamics depend on the thoughts and feelings
of an individual member of the group (Kinder, 2018). This also has an impact
on the relationship being shared between the group members. It is essential
that HR professionals understand the elements of group dynamics to
improve and enhance the effectiveness of the organization by understanding
decision-making behavior, creating effective techniques, and following the
emergence and popularity of new ideas. To manage group dynamics the
following model can be used by the HR:
 Tuckman’s Model – According to Tuckman's theory, there are five
stages of group
development: forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjou
rning. During these stages group members must address several
issues, and the way in which these issues are resolved determines
whether the group will succeed in accomplishing its tasks. It
really helps in understanding how a task can be tackled from the initial
stage until the completion of the project. As mentioned there are five
stages in this model listed as below:
 Forming: At this stage team members are assembled, and the task is
allocated to them. Planning, a collection of relevant information is
usually done at this staged.
 Storming: This is a very important stage as the actual bond is
developed in this stage. Here ideas are shared to complete the task.

 Norming: This is considered to be the most harmonious stage as at
this stage people start to agree with the rules as well as values to
undertake the project.
 Performing: This is the last stage at which the main role of the group
members is to perform a task and achieve the desired target (Team
Building, 2018).
 Adjourning: Not all groups experience this stage of development
because it is characterized by the demobilization of the group
(mourning the adjournment of the group).
Explain how conflict might arise within a group setting -
provide 2 examples, and suggest ways of overcoming
these. (AC1.2) (approx 225 words)
Answer:
Conflict can arise in an organization due to certain disagreement or improper
communication. It can also be caused due to higher expectations of the
manager. Lack of accountability and responsibility as well
as misunderstanding the information being provided may also create
conflicts among the team members of an organization (Root III, 2018). To
achieve success by completing the tasks and projects on time, it is very
important to resolve conflicts within the organization.
Thomson – Kilmann has provided a model for conflict resolution
 Accommodating: According to this, a conflict is resolved by
compromising with own concern and fulfilling the demands of the other
member.
 Avoiding: In this, the conflict is not given any importance, and it is
totally avoided.
 Competing: This is the opposite of accommodating as in this method
to resolve own conflict interest is satisfied.
 Collaborating: In this people are made to come together and link
their issues to resolve the conflict
 Compromising: In this method, a common solution is found that can
satisfy both the parties (JD, 2011).
Examples of conflict resolution:
 Disagreement over guidelines - Due to lack of communication
there was certain conflict between the team members as the
guidelines were not provided in writing to the members. To clarify the
instructions, a written plan was provided to every member so that no
scope of confusion and disagreement is left.

 Conflict over the responsibilities to be performed - After the
allocation of tasks to every member it was found that there was a lack
of training among few employees which caused havoc among the team
members. As a result to tackle this situation proper training was
provided to them before starting the project.
2. PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Provide evidence of your use of project management skills
e.g. objective-setting, defining deliverables, identifying
resources, setting timelines, project costing, risk
management, monitoring and success evaluation.
(AC2.1) (approx 200 words) - Evidence of the use of project
management skills must be fully provided. This is about you and
your project management skills. You need to describe your
involvement in a project e.g. I planned ... I agreed the objectives
by.... etc.
Answer:
Management of the project is very much crucial for successful
completion of a project. From my side of view important project
management skills that a project manager must possess are the
defining deliverables, objective setting, timeline setting,
identifying resources, risk management, project costing,
monitoring and success evaluation. While I was working in a
project of designing a website for a ecommerce company, I have
successfully defined the project deliverables which include
complete e-commerce website, design document, technical
manuals and detailed project report. For defining the project
deliverables I have determined two types of deliverables which
are the specific deliverable and the acceptance criteria for the
deliverable such as website should be simple yet responsive, e-
commerce features like adding viewing products on the website,
adding them to the cart, paying online should work perfectly and
web site should be stable when there is high traffic. As I have
defined these deliverables details it was easier for the team to
work on the project effectively. For identifying the resources of