Group Formation
Prior to working on this journal, review the Groups as Systems Fact Sheet Download Groups as Systems Fact Sheet .
Zajonc states, “Synergy can take either a physical or a mental form. The physical presence of others is often arousing, so more work is accomplished. Even ants work harder when there is more than one on the job” (Henman). In the mental sense, synergy forms when a type of collective intelligence and shared memory begins to develop as the group matures.
Now, reflect on your own experiences to explore how this concept applies in real-life group dynamics.
· Describe a group experience where you observed a shift to synergy within your group. (Examples could include working at a human services agency, another occupation, serving on a committee, participating in a college or high school group, or even an experience with a group of friends.)
· Describe this experience as vividly as possible, with plenty of detail and a thorough analysis of the contributions made by many group members to attaining synergy that you can recall.
This assignment should consist of 350–500 words. While additional sources are not required, you must cite and reference the required reading in your work if you have integrated any thoughts, ideas, or quotes from the material.
Required Resources/Text
Required Text
Adams, K. L., Galanes, G., & Hoelscher, C. S. (2021). Communicating in groups: Applications and skills (11th ed.). McGraw Hill.
· The full-text version of this ebook is available through the RedShelf platform.
Books
Linabary, J. (2020). Small group communication. Pressbooks. https://pressbooks.pub/smallgroup
Polites, A. (2021). Dynamics of group communication. Pressbooks. https://cod.pressbooks.pub/dogc
Tennant, K., Long, A., & Toney-Butler, T. J. (2023). Active listeningLinks to an external site. . In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK442015
Articles
Fletcher, E. H., & Kalofonos, I. (2022). Adaptation of a hearing voices group facilitation training for VA stakeholdersLinks to an external site. . Community Mental Health Journal, 58, 1592–1604. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-022-00975-1
Frederick, J. (2006). Understanding juror’s nonverbal communicationLinks to an external site. . The Jury Expert, 18(3), 1–13. https://thejuryexpert.com/wp-content/uploads/TJEVol18Num3_Mar2006.pdf
Klug, M., & Bagrow, J. P. (2016). Understanding the group dynamics and success of teamsLinks to an external site. . Royal Society Open Science, 3(4), Article 160007. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.160007
Landry, L. (2019, October 23). Emotional intelligence skills: What they are & how to develop themLinks to an external site. . Harvard Business School Online. https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/emotional-intelligence-skills
Lewis, B. (2024, February 1). Teamwork alone doesn’t guarantee success: Personality is a major factor in team performanceLinks to an external site. . TD Magazine, 78(2), 14.
Wicks, J., Nakisher, S., & Grimm, L. (2024). Emotional intelligence (EI)Links to an external site. . Salem Press Encyclopedia of Health.
Multimedia
Active Presence. (2013, October 7). Facilitation skills: Best & worst facilitator practices Links to an external site. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/C0s85huv1AE
Khan Academy [Khanacademymedicine]. (2014, February 11). Conformity and groupthink | Behavior | MCAT | Khan Academy Links to an external site. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/ds3-ljxTRvo
Navarro, J [Joe Navarro Behavior Expert]. (2023, December 8). Why does body language matter? | Joe Navarro Links to an external site. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/2H2CW7Hcq3Q
TEDx Talks. (2017, December 19). Increase your self-awareness with one simple fix | Tasha Eurich | TEDxMileHigh Links to an external site. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/tGdsOXZpyWE
The University of Arizona Global Campus. (2025). What is nonverbal communication? Links to an external site. [Video]. Kaltura.