Analyzing Group Dynamics: A Case Study in Professional Studies 5CF006

This presentation provides an analysis of group work dynamics, communication skills, ethical considerations, and power issues within a healthcare setting, focusing on a case study involving an individual named Richard. It applies theories such as Tuckman's theory, the Punctuated Equilibrium Model, and Balance Theory to understand group formation and performance. The presentation also critically examines the importance of communication skills in healthcare, particularly in addressing Richard's inability to communicate effectively, and discusses ethical responsibilities of healthcare providers. Furthermore, it addresses power dynamics within the team, highlighting the role of senior staff in supporting and encouraging junior employees. The presentation concludes by reflecting on personal and professional skills necessary for effective engagement in both individual and group activities, such as decision-making, time management, stress management, and listening skills, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and improvement in these areas.

WORKING WITH
GROUPS AND
INDIVIDUALS

INTRODUCTION
 Group are very important for achieving the targets and
desired goals easily.
 Every individual possess different set of skills which others
may not possess.
 When a group is formed then individuals with different set
of skills and knowledge work together to achieve common
goals (Elwyn, Greenhalgh and MacFarlane, 2001).
 Present report would help in identifying different ways
through which group can be formed.
 Further, it covers the critical analysis of appropriate
communication skills, ethical and power issues which are
involved in anti-oppressive group work.
 Lastly, it also includes personal and professional skills
which are required for engaging activities within group.

DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF GROUP
WORK THEORY, MODELS AND PROCESS
There are many theories which are
involved in group working. These theories
are very helpful in bringing together
effective individuals who would be able to
work effectively in achieving the desired
goals and objectives. Following are the three
theories on group working
Tuckman's theory:
Punctuated equilibrium model:
Balance Theory:

Tuckman's theory
 Forming:
 Storming:
 Norming:
 Performing:
In accordance with the case, the main aim of
forming this group was to understand Richard so
that better care could be provided. When team
member get to know Richard more closely, then
would able to provide proper care individually. At
that point of time there would be no need of
forming group in case of Richard.

Punctuated equilibrium
model
 First meeting:
 Performance
 Time:
 Transition:
In accordance with the case, the main aim of
formation of group is to understand Richard and
provide him with proper care. In this context, it
is very important to know the member would be
capable enough to achieve the goal. Selected
employees should perform their role properly
and focus on achieving the desired goal.

Balance Theory:
 Given by Theodore Newcomb.
Group is formed by
 understanding similar attitude for
common goal.
 when two or more individuals have same
attitude towards achieving the goal.
In accordance with the case, with Anna if
some other employee think the same way as
Anna does, then they can form a group and
provide proper care to Richard.

ANALYSIS OF COMMUNICATION SKILLS, ETHICAL
AND POWER ISSUE
 Communication: According to the case given, it was found that Richard who cannot speak
or listen was not able to convey his requirements properly. I understood the issue and for
providing proper care to Richard, I thought of conveying this issue to all my superiors and
colleagues so that Richard could be helped. In my context, I tried to convey the issue so
that proper steps could be taken. With regard with communication, I communicated with
everyone so that they understand the issue. I want the management to get a person who
knows sign language so that communication with Richard could be effectively done. But
no one supported me, instead they thought that I was doing it just get higher post.
 Ethical: It is the responsibility of health and care providers to understand their patients
and accordingly they should provide them proper treatment so that they could overcome
their illness easily (Payne, 2014). Similarly, in this case, management should have done
same to know the issues faced by Richard and should have hired a person who could
understand sign language. In this way, they would be able to provide proper care and
support. Richard got upset when no one was able to understand what he is trying to
explain.
 Power issue: In this issue, Anita was the senior support worker who did not supported
ideas or suggestions given by anyone. Being a senior worker, it is the responsibility of
Anita to take the suggestions or ideas given by the junior employees. This would be
helpful in motivating and encouraging employees and it would also improve their
performance level. Seniors should use their power for the betterment and for the support
of their employees and not for demotivating them (Brown and McIlroy, 2011).

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS REQUIRED WHEN
ENGAGING IN ACTIVITIES INDIVIDUALLY OR IN GROUP
 Decision making:
 Time management:
 Managing stress:
 Listening skills:

Conclusion
 There are many models given by different
people in the area of group working.
 Best model can be in this case could be
used is Punctuated equilibrium model
 seniors should use their power so as to
motivate their employee and not
demotivate them.
 Moreover, listening skills and stress
management is very important while
working as a care provider at mental health
hospital.

Reference
 Elwyn, G., Greenhalgh, T. and MacFarlane, F., 2001. Groups: A
guide to small group work in healthcare, management, education
and research. Radcliffe Publishing.
 Kumanyika, S., and et.al., 2002. Public Health Approaches to the
Prevention of Obesity (PHAPO) Working Group of the International
Obesity Task Force (IOTF). International journal of obesity. 26.
pp.425-436.
 Brown, C.A. and McIlroy, K., 2011. Group work in healthcare
students’ education: what do we think we are doing?. Assessment
& Evaluation in Higher Education. 36(6). pp.687-699.
 Greenhalgh, T., 2008. Role of routines in collaborative work in
healthcare organisations. BMJ, 337.
 Spilsbury, K. and Meyer, J., 2005. Making claims on nursing work
Exploring the work of healthcare assistants and the implications
for registered nurses' roles. Journal of Research in Nursing. 10(1).
pp.65-83