DEVELOPMENT OF GROUP DYNAMICS AND CULTURAL COMPETENCES IN A MULTICULTURAL STUDY GROUP
Heiskanen, Mari (2012)
Heiskanen, Mari
Diakonia-ammattikorkeakoulu
2012
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2012112616516
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2012112616516
Tiivistelmä
Heiskanen, Anna Mari. Development of Group Dynamics and Cultural Competences in a Multicultural Study Group. 57 pages, 1 appendix. Language: English. Järvenpää, Autumn 2012. Diaconia University of Applied Sciences. Degree Programme in Social Services. Degree: Bachelor of Social Services.
The aim of the study was to explore the development of group dynamics and cultural competences in a multicultural study group in Diaconia University of Applied Sciences. The research material was collected during autumn semester 2010 and spring semester 2011. In the center of attention as a multicultural study group is a specific study group of students from diverse cultural backgrounds. When the research was conducted, the students started their first years of studies to attain Bachelor degree in Social Services.
The study follows ethnographic research methodology. Mixed qualitative methods such as participant observation and semi-structured focus group interviews were used in this study to reach the objectives. Moreover, three focus group interviews using three same participants, were applied in separate phases of the academic year. Transcribed interviews and field notes from participant observation were analyzed by qualitative content analysis.
The main results of the thesis present firstly the development of group dynamics.
The analysis of the research data shows examples of the features and emotions that are in connection with the development of social relations and division within the group. Secondly, the study indicates the development of cultural competences of the students. The experiences of the students stressed the importance of the cultural skills and awareness when studying in a multicultural community.
The study shows that in a multicultural group the dynamics are especially influenced by the cultural characteristics of the group members. Cultural similarities as well as common ethnic background play a crucial role on the way that group members interact with each other. The research presents different stages of group development, in addition to diverse processes and conflicts during a group's existence. Students in a multicultural study group learn to be more culturally competent on a daily basis during the studies. Cultural diversity, however, may cause a source of conflicts. Therefore, proper conflict management is vital to ensure successful cross-cultural interaction.
The aim of the study was to explore the development of group dynamics and cultural competences in a multicultural study group in Diaconia University of Applied Sciences. The research material was collected during autumn semester 2010 and spring semester 2011. In the center of attention as a multicultural study group is a specific study group of students from diverse cultural backgrounds. When the research was conducted, the students started their first years of studies to attain Bachelor degree in Social Services.
The study follows ethnographic research methodology. Mixed qualitative methods such as participant observation and semi-structured focus group interviews were used in this study to reach the objectives. Moreover, three focus group interviews using three same participants, were applied in separate phases of the academic year. Transcribed interviews and field notes from participant observation were analyzed by qualitative content analysis.
The main results of the thesis present firstly the development of group dynamics.
The analysis of the research data shows examples of the features and emotions that are in connection with the development of social relations and division within the group. Secondly, the study indicates the development of cultural competences of the students. The experiences of the students stressed the importance of the cultural skills and awareness when studying in a multicultural community.
The study shows that in a multicultural group the dynamics are especially influenced by the cultural characteristics of the group members. Cultural similarities as well as common ethnic background play a crucial role on the way that group members interact with each other. The research presents different stages of group development, in addition to diverse processes and conflicts during a group's existence. Students in a multicultural study group learn to be more culturally competent on a daily basis during the studies. Cultural diversity, however, may cause a source of conflicts. Therefore, proper conflict management is vital to ensure successful cross-cultural interaction.