Assignment task:
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.
1. 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.) Need Assignment Help?
2. 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.
- Polites, A. (2021). Dynamics of group communication. Pressbooks.
- Tennant, K., Long, A., & Toney-Butler, T. J. (2023). Active listening. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.
Articles:
- Fletcher, E. H., &Kalofonos, I. (2022). Adaptation of a hearing voices group facilitation training for VA stakeholders. Community Mental Health Journal, 58, 1592-1604.
- Frederick, J. (2006). Understanding juror's nonverbal communication. The Jury Expert, 18(3), 1-13.
- Klug, M., &Bagrow, J. P. (2016). Understanding the group dynamics and success of teams. Royal Society Open Science, 3(4), Article 160007.
- Landry, L. (2019, October 23). Emotional intelligence skills: What they are & how to develop them. Harvard Business School Online.
- Lewis, B. (2024, February 1). Teamwork alone doesn't guarantee success: Personality is a major factor in team performance. TD Magazine, 78(2), 14.
- Wicks, J., Nakisher, S., & Grimm, L. (2024). Emotional intelligence (EI). Salem Press Encyclopedia of Health.
Multimedia:
- Active Presence. (2013, October 7). Facilitation skills: Best & worst facilitator practices. [YouTube Video].
- Khan Academy [Khanacademymedicine]. (2014, February 11). Conformity and groupthink | Behavior | MCAT | Khan Academy. [ YouTube Video].
- Navarro, J [Joe Navarro Behavior Expert]. (2023, December 8). Why does body language matter? | Joe Navarro Links [YouTube Video].
- TEDx Talks. (2017, December 19). Increase your self-awareness with one simple fix | Tasha Eurich | TEDxMileHigh. [YouTube Video].
- The University of Arizona Global Campus. (2025). What is nonverbal communication? [Kaltura Video].