Sociology being the study of human society looks keenly at the human being as an individual entity that lives within some particular society. Human beings are always associated with other individuals. Niebuhr (1932) asserts that “ Man is endowed by nature with organic relations to his fellow-men, and natural impulse prompts him to consider the needs of others even when they compete with his own” (p. 4). This impels them to form a society. When a human being is confronted with a challenge, he or she finds himself or herself in a dismal need of others forming groups that counter the abhorrent predicament. Therefore, this paper seeks out to explain five of the characteristics in the initial stage of the groups and how to manage these situations.
Initial hesitation and cultural considerations are reactions caused by the fact that members are still novices to the new experience. Corey et al. (2010) found that “ it is common during the initial phase of a group that member may appear rather hesitant to get involved” (p. 133).
It is a stage of exploration and building the trust of the group. A counselor managing a culturally-diverse group should do a self-evaluation, identifying those qualities which will improve starters. It is important for the counselor to comprehend the diverse cultures presented in the group for the easy management of the group without harming but improving their lives and motivating them to accept the beauty of cultural diversity. The counselor should encourage openness and trust in the group so as to remove the barriers and fears that already exist because of the differences within the group.
Hidden agendas are common traits found in the beginning. Corey et al. (2010) claim that “a common form of resistance in a group relates to the presence of a hidden agenda- an issue that is not openly acknowledged and discussed” (p. 135). For a counselor to be efficient and effective, one must trigger the feeling of openness among the participants thus raising confidence and trust pertaining information they render to others.
Conflicts are very healthy attributes that are inevitable especially in new environments. At this level, both the counselor and the participants have limited knowledge of the others and there is the natural fear of hurting others. A group counselor is required to solve any conflict amicably without compromising on the group norms. Corey et el. (2010) also maintain that “…confronting is a skill that leaders need to learn in challenging both individual members and group as a whole” (p. 43).
Trust and mistrust are psychological aspects which are developed within a human being as they grow up. This duality impacts people in a great way and it can be manifested in the group too. Trust will build the group positively while the mistrust will weaken it. Therefore, it is the duty of a counselor to treat the participants in such a way that their trust to each other in the group is enhanced. Mistrust foils the group’s interpersonal relations.
In conclusion, groups are fundamental elements in developing interpersonal skills. They should be sustained as a unifying factor of diverse groups and societies. It is in a group that people are able to realize their weaknesses as well as their strengths and to work on the weaknesses as well as appreciate the strengths facilitated by a counselor.
References
Corey, M.S., Corey, G., & Corey, C. (2010). Groups: Process and Practice (8th Ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning.
Corey, M.S. & Corey, G (2006). Groups: Process and Practice (7th Ed.). Belmont, CA: Wardsworth.
Niebuhr, R. (2005). Moral Man and Immoral Society (Eds.). New York: Charles Scribner’s sons.