Group dynamics

A  group refers  to  two  or  more  people  interacting  with  each  other,  conscious  or psychologically aware of one another to accomplish a goal or objective.  There are many reasons behind the formation of groups, with common interests among the members forming a group being the overriding factor. These interests can be social, cultural, economic or political depending on the nature of the group.  Organizing producers is an important strategy in tackling the problem of the agricultural sector in general, and micro- and small enterprises in particular. Producer organizations have functioned as lobby groups to secure rights over scarce resources such as land and water, to fulfill social functions to their members. They have also been successful in carrying out social functions, organizing logistical  support  to  members,  giving  technical advice, and negotiating sales and inputs supplies. Associations have become more market and business oriented and in more cases need formal business status to function properly.

a)Why groups?

Group formations are triggered by existence of a common need among concerned bracket of people. People come together to combine efforts towards meeting the said needs. Success in addressing such needs will depend on the extent at which the members’ uniformity in mind and purpose

Group composed of members who share the same motivation could be problematic. Most groups are however made up of members with different motivations;

• Task-oriented - everyone wants to do their own thing;
• Self-oriented - everyone wants to be the boss;
• Interaction-oriented - too much chatting, not enough work.

All of these member characteristics are important to the group if well managed to ensure a workable balance. It is important to realise that each member has a strength that can be utilised to the good of the group. For instance much as Interaction-oriented people may appear problematic they can at times help reduce possible tensions within the group. An effective group has a good balance of all types.

b)Group development phases

Viewing the group as a whole we observe definite patterns of behavior occurring within a group. These can be     grouped into stages.

1. First Stage (Formation phase): This stage is characterized by members seeking safety and protection, tentativeness of response, seeking superficial contact with others, demonstrating dependency on existing authority figures. Members at this stage either engage in busy type of activity or show apathy.
2. Second Stage (Objectives setting phase): In the second stage members seek out familiar or similar individuals and begin a deeper sharing of self. Pairing is a common phenomenon. Members have already drawn a common objective in commercialization
3. Third Stage (Rule setting phase): The third developmental stage is marked by a more serious concern about task performance. There is very close ties with concrete consensus between members, and is characterized by close relationships and cohesiveness
4. Fourth Stage (Take off and growth phase): This is a stage of a fully functional group where members see themselves as a group and get involved in the task. Each person contributes and the authority figure is seen as a part of the group.

c)Factors influencing group dynamics

1. Group composition: Composition of members sharing one vision and mission
2. Group cohesiveness: Group unity and ability to work together
3. Group loyalties: Group members tend to be loyal to cohesive groups
4. Group communications: Information must be exchanged on the nature of work, farm produce decisions and changes to previous decisions
5. Group organization: Small groups are usually organised informally without a rigid structure

d)Types of leadership

1. A group or Commercial Village leader can be described by what he or she does. Some of the roles attributed to a leader include
2. Directing, organizing and guiding members on specific aspects,
3. Coordinating, supervising and representing in partnership and market activities,
4. Advising and managing various operational processes in farmer group/association

The following are general type of leadership styles

1. Democratic leadership; this is leadership that is all involving and all-inclusive. Members freely and fairly make decisions and every member has right to opinion but the majority vote wins. This highly encouraged but must be undertaken based on the CVs objectives, targets, action plans and goals
2. Dictatorship; It is the opposite of democracy where leaders impose their rules on members under them. The leaders make decisions and members are supposed to implement without questioning. This type of leadership style is highly discouraged in commercial village
3. Laissez faire (leadership by observation); This is leadership in which the leader is just but an observer with the group members making decisions on what to do and how to do it. This type of leadership style is discouraged in commercial zones and mitigated through subcommittees

e)Guidelines to successful Commercial Zones leadership

Good leadership should;

• Be focused on creating group cohesiveness.
• Be output oriented
• Involve structures clearly defining the difference between offices and office bearers. Different offices should not have duplicated roles and responsibilities.
• Be guided by the group constitution.
• Be representative; i.e. it should involve leaders from different households, gender and age groups.
• Ensure leaders observe the rules of their offices.

 a) Qualities of a good leader

• Visionary and Sound judgement
• Good listener and sensitive
• Team builder
• Integrity and Trustworthy
• Creative & innovative

b) The role of leadership for commercial groups

• Identify buyers for commodities
• Negotiate trading terms and conditions with buyers on behalf of the group
• Promote group cohesiveness.
• Create partnership  with input companies, financial institutions and other private companies
• Facilitate training for members

c) Ways of improving leadership skills

• Leadership can be improved through a number of approaches some of which include;
• Through training and learning ( knowledge is power)
• Visiting experienced leaders for mentorship
• Practicing daily by self-correction and appreciation
•  ‘Leaders are not only born but develop over time through experience, (knowledge acquisition), challenges and opportunities. Some people may seem to naturally lead well but exposure and perseverance improves their capacity.’ 

d)Conflict Management within groups

• The following are approaches to conflict resolution among groups
• Collaboration: When both sides of a conflict have important concerns, the group need to search for more solutions that satisfy everyone. This requires both cooperativeness and respect for others” positions.
• Compromise; this is all about giving in to everyone in the group. This approach helps to balance goals of each participant and relations among members of the group.
• Expert; here the group engages an expert who is neutral to listen and guide on the way forward. It should not be seen that either party but rather neutral party have engaged the reconciler. NB: Although group members may use different approaches to conflict management depending on the situation but collaboration is typically the most effective approach since it attempts to identify solutions that satisfy both sides

f)Commercial Zone Group Constitution

A constitution is a document that provides guidelines on how an entity is to be formed and managed for a smooth and successful attainment of laid down objectives. It binds the entity on the basis and to the extent of the terms agreed upon by the members or owners of the same.

The group constitution or by-laws should contain the following issues:

• Defining the reasons why the group was formed, i.e. the objectives, e.g. to foster the welfare of members in the following areas: Village developmental activities, Medical expenses, Educational needs, Bereavement, Social activities
• Membership: the constitution should be very clear as to who is eligible or qualifies to be a member of the group.
• Leadership and Management of the group: There should be well-stated and clear method of electing the management of the group. Such officials may include; Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, etc.
• How the members will be meeting to discuss the group’s business/operations: this should stipulate meeting times and dates, place of meeting and probably what to discuss (agenda).
• Finance management for the group: the constitution should stipulate where their money will be banked (account), who should be the signatory, who has the authority to withdraw and for what purpose as well as how will the funds be raised etc.
• Expulsion of members: the constitution should highlight the procedure dealing with members who go against the rules and regulations of the organization
• Other important issues affecting the smooth operation of the group; The constitution/by-laws should include and address all issues that may affect its smooth operations and hence its inability to achieve its objectives