Small Group Processes

The workshop is designed to increase your knowledge and skill about underlying dynamics that govern small group behavior. The learning will enhance your management skill and team performance. A description of the experience is below along with information for you to prepare. This workshop takes place over multiple days.

The Small Group Processes Leadership Workshop has four major components. The first is an unstructured group experience focusing on interpersonal and group processes. Through the study of your own behavior, participants have the opportunity to learn about the nature of authority and responsibility, anxiety, communications, the evolution of norms, and the underlying assumptions that often govern group development. This is a unique methodology that requires you to be an active learner, accessing learning not had via traditional approaches.

The second component is a small set of readings that are available in a bulk pack at the Leadership Program Office in JMHH G47. To prepare yourself for the experiential aspect of the workshop, you are required to read the selected articles.

The third component of the workshop involves intergroup events. By comparing and contrasting the behavior of participants claiming membership in various social identity groups, participants have an opportunity to learn how these affect group behavior. They also can study intergroup phenomena such as cooperation and competition.

The fourth component of the workshop involves large group experiences. You will join with peers to participate in viewing short films, or engage in tasks designed by the consultants to further your learning. This methodology requires you to be an active learner. The experiential approach to learning about group processes used in this workshop may cause some anxiety, stress, or discomfort as students get used to a new way of learning.

Dr. Jeff Wolper

Dr. Wolper is a licensed psychologist providing a full range of corporate and psychological services for more than 25 years. He consults with corporations across the country on team development, and leadership. Dr. Wolper offers individual and group coaching focusing on professional development and advancement. He leads a program on small group behavior, provides coaching, and consultation at the Wharton School, and The Philadelphia University of the Arts. Dr. Wolper is an also an Adjunct Associate Professor at University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA where he is developing a comprehensive program on collaborative teaching, and teamwork.

Dr. Flora Taylor

Dr. Flora Taylor is a licensed psychologist and organizational development consultant. She has worked with clients to achieve meaningful results for over 20 years.  Dr. Taylor passionately advocates for the benefits of experiential learning.  She has designed, directed, and staffed many experiential conferences, simulations, and retreats on the dynamics of groups and organizational life using different methodologies. Dr. Taylor works independently from her practice in South Orange, New Jersey. In addition to teaching in the School of Social Policy and Practice at the University of Pennsylvania, she is teaching group dynamics at Teachers College, Columbia University.