The Work Group as a Learning Group in Counseling: Leader Subjectivity in Group Learning Processes

Abstract

Consultants and leaders frequently are called upon to facilitate group processes at high levels as interest in shared learning and cooperative work groups increases among organizations. Their views on all phases of group life will influence the group’s communication field and its development. The purpose of the study was to discover how the leaders of learning groups view the developmental features of beginning and mature groups. A persons-in-relation developmental approach was used to uncover leader/consultant subjectivity regarding real and ideal groups in both beginning and mature developmental phases. Forty-two Q sorts were subjected to by- person factor analysis. Four factors are interpreted and discussed: 1) the group as a group, 2) cooperation and self-realization, 3) honesty and truth through individuation, and 4) perturbation as separation and individuation. Commonalities among the factors are also presented. The need for leaders to value interdependency in work groups and to learn communication skill sets that can facilitate the development of competent work groups is discussed.