Group Dynamics in Leadership Studies
Group dynamics is an important subject in leadership studies because it explains the many systems of psychological and behavioral processes that occur inside and between social groupings. Effective leadership and management needs a thorough grasp of persons, their cultures, behaviors, and other characteristics. It necessitates understanding of the idea of group psychology. A competent leader must demonstrate to those with whom he or she works that the judgments he or she makes are appropriate and should be followed. The film "12 Angry Men" is a great illustration of leadership dynamics. This study analyzes the film based on the leadership dynamics ideas portrayed by the characters in it. "12 Angry Men" is a film shot in a US courtroom. It tells the story of a twelve-man jury deliberating on the acquittal or guilt of a defendant. If the defendant is found guilty, he is likely to face death penalty. The film depicts the various ways and processes of building a consensus and making an appropriate logical decision. The most crucial clip or section of the film is the voting process where the twelve jurors have to decide whether the boy (defendant) is guilty or innocent. The first voting takes place and eleven jurors vote guilty with only juror eight voting in favor of the boy. They undergo further processes explaining themselves logically in support of their votes. Some of them are in a hurry to watch football games for instance juror 7 whereas others want the process be done faster so that they leave the courtroom. The fact that they have to come up with reasons for their votes, they spend time deliberating and discussing the boy’s fate based on the possibility that he might have committed the crime. In the movie, each of the members has been carefully crafted. Each has been given a reasonable role to execute in the group dynamics. Analytically, the entire humanity spectrum is evident in the movie, from the coldly excellently analytical juror 4 to the biasness of juror 10. The group consists of twelve men with different traits; some are bad while others are good. Despite this, they used those traits to impact on the final decision which enabled the boy to be set free.
Changing Minds and Reasoning
One characteristic of group dynamics is the fact that people or members change their minds or reasoning regarding certain ideas. In the film, it is clear that the jurors start by making decisions based on reasons that are not substantial or worth as far as judgment is concerned. Nonetheless, as they continue arguing their points out and reasoning, they develop better options and consequently change their minds regarding judgments. The film will definitely have an impact on any individual on any field. It shows that first decisions are not ever right and thus one has to engage others and reason out to come to a better decision.
Understanding Group Dynamics
The director of the clip has portrayed good understanding of group dynamics. The clip is excellently developed. Lumet (2016) has perfectly shown to the readers the application of group dynamics in a courtroom setup. Clearly, the behavioral and situational elements majority group psychology is evident in the film. Conformity was also manifested during the initial voting process. One of the jurors was accused by colleagues of siding with the boy he once lived in the slum where the boy lives.
Informational Social Influence Theory
According to Wheelan (2014), the the informational social influence theory makes people assume decisions that are made by others in order to make themselves reflect correct decision or behavior. In the clip, the theory is well portrayed. At first, eleven out of the twelve jurors vote guilty for the boy. They do not have credible and worthy reasons for the decisions. The concept of shortcoming or lack of perfection among the individuals is portrayed in the film. The clip undoubtedly relates perfectly with the concept of group teamwork.
Organizational Culture and Decision Making
Organizational culture explains a system of shared values and assumptions that guide the relationship of people in organizations (Wheelan, 2014). In the clip, the jurors appear to ridicule those who do not side by the majority in each voting process. Further, they tend to find excuses to ridicule their colleagues. However, they do comprehend their roles as jurors and come into a unanimous decision that the boy is not guilty.
Implications for Decision Making in Organizations
The film can be useful in making organizations or companies more successful by influencing and encouraging good and rational decision making process. The most important aspect or roles of leaders in organizations is decision-making. A good decision always yields good results that make everyone satisfied. In the film, the jurors take time despite constant disagreements to reason out and come up with appropriate decision regarding the case. The clip is a clear indication that differences in personalities, perceptions, and stereotypes should not be an obstacle to good decision-making processes. The clip makes is applicable to leaders who involve people they lead in making important decisions for companies and organizations. Good decisions lead to good performance and consequently positive results in terms of good profits for business organizations.
References
Lumet, S. (2016). 12 Angry Men 1951. From:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDKUTCdts3E
Wheelan, S. A. (2014). Creating Effective Teams: A Guide for Members and Leaders 5th Edition.
New York: SAGE.
