Group Work Assignment 2022

Running Head: GROUP WORK 1
[Group Work]
[Institute]

GROUP WORK 2
INTRODUCTION
Group work refers to the voluntary association of the staff members who gets advantages
from the cooperative learning leading to enhance the overall output of the task. The purpose of
group work is to reduce the individual differences, develop different skills like communication,
collaborative, etc and generate conforming standards of behavior. The employees of the
organization working in group create feelings of mutual interdependence and sense of
belongingness. Group work results to enhance the performance, skills and relationships of the
workers at the firm leading to higher productivity and profitability (Wilson, Brickman & Brame,
2018). In context to this, the present essay includes two theories regarding the group work. The
two theories considered for this essay are Schutz’s FIRO theory and Group system’s theory. It
also consists of critical analysis of the theories.
Will Schutz introduced FIRO theory in 1958 in his book FIRO: A three dimensional
theory of interpersonal behavior. In this theory, FIRO represents Fundamental Interpersonal
Relations Orientation. The major purpose of Schutz behind generating this theory was to
evaluate and predict the communication or engagement between the individuals for developing
highly productive groups. This theory has been highly researched by the experts and proved to be
simple, powerful and comprehensive (Furnham & Crump, 2015). Along with this, FIRO theory
described about the three levels of human interactions which are behavior, feelings and self-
concept. This theory pays attention on the interpersonal aspects of the group. This theory
depends upon the belief that when some individuals create a group then there are three major
interpersonal requirements they used to look for: inclusion, affection and openness and control.
However, a measuring instrument was created by Schutz later with the help of basic theory,
known as FIRO-B (FIRO Theory. 2019).
According to the Group system’s theory, when some persons join together for any reason
then they develop a group or strong relation and becomes a living, breathing and enhancing
entity. This theory offers an understanding and working with groups in a company because it
moves beyond the attention on interpersonal exchanges. This theory is motivated by the
engagements or communications in the groups and with their external working environment
(Burden, 2018). The boundaries and power structure of the companies can affect the decisions
and resources allocated for the group work. System theory provides understanding related to the

GROUP WORK 3
relations and groups by considering that relations need to cope with the both inside and outside
changes. The processes and concepts of the system explain that there is an ebb and flow of
various forces which push for the change. As per the theory, the system concepts related to the
growth cycles and life cycle helps companies to know the pain, chaos, weirdness and various
risks which are inevitable and essential for a healthy and productive relation in group work
(Connors & Caple, 2005).
The concept of both Schutz’s theories of Inclusion, control and openness and Group
system’s theory are different from each other. The Schutz’ theory emphasizes on the
interpersonal aspects of the group work whereas system theory discuss about the importance of
healthy relationship within group working (Forrester, Tashchian & Shore, 2016). However, the
base of both the theories are same i.e. group work and it’s improvement. Organizations can use
these theories according to demand of the situation. In contrast to it, group system’s theory
explains interpersonal system properties regarding the groups which are: holistic, interconnected
via flow, keep changing, pattern-dependent and expanding and contracting (Elwyn, Greenhalgh
& Macfarlane, 2018).
According to the Schutz;s theory, inclusion is the first need which group members seek.
It helps in known to what extent group members are included or excluded by their colleagues.
Usually, issues related to this phase are unspoken, hidden and out of awareness. After resolving
the issue of inclusion, there comes another phase which is control. The group members pay
attention on the problems related to the leadership and structure. Some of the issues include
competing for airtime, generating innovative ideas, etc. In the end, the openness or affection
phase includes the development of emotional attachments within the groups. These emotions and
feelings are usually represented by the group members when they meet or complete their work
effectively (Schutz, 1958).
On the other hand, as per the system theory, individuals always require social bonds and
relations for their emotional wellbeing. Couples, work groups, families, etc possesses strong
bonds with both formal and informal groups. Members working in group come together leading
to develop psychological boundary around them, making their relation stronger. On the other
hand, changes take place within the groups which develops vibration resulting to make changes