Group Dynamics

Group dynamics, a term coined by German-American psychologist Kurt Lewin (1890-1947), are patterns of interaction, behaviors, and psychological processes that occur within a group, including how individuals influence each other, take on roles, and contribute to the group’s overall functioning. It’s about a group’s communication patterns (decision-making and conflict resolution), development of group norms (shared expectations), and power dynamics (leaders, followers, scapegoats). Other key concepts include: groupthink (conformity to group opinion), social loafing (reduced individual effort), and group polarization (intensifying initial opinions). Also see Social Psychology Theory