Arbetsgrupper inom socialtjänstens individ- och familjeomsorg. Ett gruppsykologiskt perspektiv

The purpose of this essay was to examine the definition of the work group by analyzing aspects of the work and the relationships within the group. By assuming a holistic approach in which the group is viewed as something beyond the sum of its individual members, this essay aimed at exploring what actually defines a collaborative work group, its structures, social climate, cohesion, norms and roles. For this essay, qualitative research was conducted which consisted of two group interviews, field observations, as well as an interview with a Family Social Services associate. The empirical data recorded was then analyzed using the theoretical framework of group psychology. The research suggested that the purpose for which the collaborative effort is initiated directly affects the group’s abilty to formulate and execute an assignment. The structure of the group determined how well the individual members developed group cohesion and established professional and social norms. The way in which the group experienced an assignment and feelings induced by the assignement was linked to the perceived neccesity of social support from within the group as well as the group’s ability to actually develop such support. Both groups interviewed emphasized the neccessity of an open and accepting climate within the group and did not experience less time in the group, as a result of the structure of executing the assignement, as an obstacle to developing this