Group Dynamics Paper

The purpose of this paper is to discuss my experience of group dynamics and how it has played a significant role in the development of teamwork, and how it has had an affect on myself personally. I will take what I have learned in my classes at SMSU as well as my opportunity to play for the SMSU wheelchair basketball team as examples. Having the opportunity to not only attend SMSU as a student, but as an athlete as well has taught me that when people work together to achieve a common goal, group dynamics is in play.

By definition, group dynamics means “how it has affected a person or group or made a significant difference”. I strongly believe that group dynamics was the sole purpose of the SMSU wheelchair basketball team because it motivated

One thing that makes SMSU different from most colleges, is that it offers a sport for students who are disabled and wants to continue being actively engaged in sports while earning a degree. To play wheelchair basketball one must have a physical disability that limits his or her ability to play able-bodied sports such as, amputation of the lower and upper limbs of the body, spinal bifida, cerebral palsy, and many other disabilities. SMSU is one Ten Universities that offers wheelchair basketball in the U.S, among thousands of Universities that don’t. That being said, athletes with a disability will travel many miles across the country to find Universities where they can compete and live a dream

Regarding to my notes, group polarization is the strengthening of an original group attitude after the discussion of views within a group. Then again, I believe conflict isn’t necessarily a bad thing among groups; indeed, it helps groups understand and appreciate the various viewpoints of others by recognizing their opinions. In addition to John’s death, his conformity, compliance and obedience as a captain for the Mustangs played a tremendous role in my life and others who are perceived to be similar. Because of John’s Individual behavior and decision making as a captain, he persuaded me to compete any and everything at a high level of energy by matching my attitude, belief, and behavior to group norms. These norms implicit the SMSU wheelchair basketball team to interact and identify thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to comply with others. As much as we like to think of ourselves as individuals, the fact is that we're driven to fit in, and that usually means going with the flow. On the other hand, John’s interpersonal relationship with his teammates have enhanced our beliefs to succeed on and off the courts. Even when others perceive us differently from other individuals. Although social influence takes many forms and can be seen mostly in group dynamics, the SMSU wheelchair basketball team is a notable example of social influence as well as social