Principles of Social Group Work

Principles of Social Group Work

Tracker has explained the following principles of social group work-

The principle of planned group formation

In social group work, the group is the basic unit through which service is provided to the individual consequently, the agency and worker responsible for formation of groups or the acceptance into the agency of already framed groups must be aware of the factors inherent in the group situation that make the given group a positive potential for individual growth and for meeting recognizable needs.

The principle of specific objectives

In social group work, specific objectives of individual and group development must be consciously formulated by the worker on the basis of the needs of the individual and group.

The principle of purposeful worker group relationship

In social group work, a consciously purposeful relationship must be established between the worker and the group members based on the workers acceptance of the group members as they are and upon the groups willingness to accept help from the worker because of the confidence the members have in him and in the agency.

The principle of continuous individualization

In social group work it is recognized that groups are different and that individuals utilize group experience in a variety of ways to meet their different needs, consequently continuous individualization must be practiced by the worker. Groups and the individuals in the groups must be understood as developing and changing.

The Principle of Guided group interaction

In social group work the primary source of energy which propels the group and influences the individual to change are the interaction or reciprocal responses of the member. The group worker influences this interaction by the type and quality of his participation.

The principle of democratic group self determination

In social group work, the group must be helped to make its own decisions and determine its own activities taking the maximum amount of responsibility in line with its capacity and ability the primary source of control over the group is the group itself.

The principle of Flexible functional organization

In social group work the process through which the worker guides the group in setting up formal organisation is just as important as the actual structure details of that organization. Formal organisation should be flexible and should be encouraged only as it meet a felt need, is understood by the members and can function accordingly the formal organisation should be adaptive and should change as the group changes.

The principle of progressive program experiences

In social group work, the program experiences in which the group engages should begin at the level of member interest, needs, experience, and competence and should progress in relation to the developing capacity of the group.

The principle of resource utilization

In social group work the total environment of agency and community possesses resources which should be utilized to enrich the content of the group experience for individual and the group as a whole.

The principle of evaluation

In social group work continuous evaluation of process and programs in terms of outcome is essential worker group and agency share in this procedure as a means of guaranteeing this greatest possible self fulfillment for all.