Social Exchange
and Group
Think Theories
GROUP THINK
Pressure to Conform:
Groupthink occurs when there Illusion of Invulnerability:
is a strong desire for Group members may develop
unanimity within a group, an unwarranted sense of
leading members to suppress confidence and invulnerability.
dissenting opinions or ideas. They believe their decisions
The pressure to conform can are infallible, leading to risky
prevent critical evaluation of choices. Theorists: Irving Janis
alternatives.
Self-Censorship: Groupthink Unquestioned Beliefs: In a
fosters self-censorship, where groupthink scenario, core
individuals withhold their assumptions and beliefs go
dissenting views to maintain unchallenged. Members
group harmony. Fear of accept them without critical
rejection or conflict prevents examination, potentially
open discussion. leading to flawed decisions.
Groupthink can be caused by a
variety of factors:
Group Cohesiveness: Highly cohesive groups often experience a strong desire for
conformity, which can lead to groupthink.
Isolation: If a group is isolated from outside opinions and perspectives, it can become more
susceptible to groupthink.
Rigid Leadership: Strong, directive leadership can discourage dissent and promote
groupthink.
Decisional Stress: When groups are under stress to make a decision, they may resort to
groupthink.
Interpersonal Pressure: The pressure to reach a unanimous decision can make agreement
seem more desirable than disagreement.
Mind Guards: Some group members may purposely withhold or manipulate information to
maintain group consensus.
Social Exchange Theory
Social exchange theory is
a concept based on the
notion that a relationship
between two people is
created through a process
of cost-benefit analysis. In
other words, it is a metric
designed to determine
how much effort someone Theorists:George C.
invests in a one-on-one Homans; Peter M. Blau
relationship. The
measurement of the
pluses and minuses of a
relationship may produce
data that can determine
whether someone is
putting too much effort
into a relationship.
Core Assumptions of Social Exchange Theory
The foundation of social
exchange theory rests on Humans typically seek out
several core assumptions rewards and avoid
regarding human nature and punishments.
the nature of relationships:
People initially engage in
Individuals tend to calculate
interactions looking to gain
profit and cost before
maximum profits and minimal
engaging.
costs.
The “rewards” at stake in these
relationships are typically
intangible concepts, such as
prestige, respect, or a
The “payoff” received varies
reciprocal action. The symbiosis
from person to person and also
stemming from these
can vary for the same person
exchanges can form
over time.
relationships that are mutually
beneficial, as long as the
exchanges themselves remain
Effective use of the theory involves social
workers’ understanding that clients seek
rewards within their dynamic. Clients need to
receive the reward of feeling that their
situation will improve over their interactions.
Implicatio
Constantly providing a client with the same
positive message without showing them any
progress can make the client wonder
ns for whether the relationship’s cost outweighs the
reward.
Social Social workers must be adept at tweaking the
theory’s use to account for a client’s age
Work range, personality, culture, and other
elements that can ultimately shape their
perspective. Failure to do so can leave the
client feeling that the social worker either
does not understand or does not care enough
about their situation.
Facilitate Effective
These theories and Groups: Apply
models help social appropriate strategies to
workers to: guide groups through
different stages.
Application
in Social Address Specific
Needs: Tailor
Promote
Empowerment:
Encourage mutual aid,
Work
interventions to the
collaboration, and
unique needs of group
empowerment within
members.
groups.
Understanding and
Evaluate Group applying these social
Progress: Continuously work-specific theories can
assess and adjust group enhance the effectiveness
processes to achieve of group interventions and
desired outcomes. improve outcomes for
group members.
ASWB Sample Test
Question
2) You are working at an agency and
are involved in a task group
regarding workplace sexual
misconduct prevention. The group
facilitator asks if anyone has any
examples to share regarding
misconduct. You have an example to
share but don’t want to upset anyone
as you know that it may reflect poorly
on the agency. You choose not to
a. Groupthink.
disclose. What is this an example of?
b. Group polarization.
c. Halo effect.
d. Social Exchange Theory
