Intense Group Development
At the beginning of the season, they begin by introducing each member and each other’s relationships. You can already tell that there are a variety of personalities, which will make the tribe dynamics very different. This proves that groups are made up of a lot of different personalities.
Dale states “I am not used to being with a group of strangers” which demonstrates the 1st stage of Bruce Tuckman’s Group Development, forming. It was very prominent because the groups are trying to get to know each other and they are at an awkward stage. The chapter discusses that in this stage, group members tend to be overly polite which is true in this case because each member is trying to find different alliances. They are trying to figure out the norms and rules of the tribes. They are also assessing each other’s strengths are weaknesses.
The primary tension for one of the groups occurred when Keith’s group was discussing each other’s ages. This made some of the team members feel uncomfortable specially Dale who is the older member. However after he made the fire, he felt like now he was socially accepted and the transition of the tensions releasing was obvious. For the 2nd group, Jeremy is feeling like the “prom king” because both Missy and Natalie look up to him. Their group dynamic is very different from the other tribe.
In the 2nd episode Josh demonstrates hidden motives. He forms a hidden alliance with Baylor but at the time of the counsel, he puts Baylor’s name down. His hidden motive is that he did not tell Baylor ahead of time because he does not want to make the guy alliance suspicious.
The phases of new members joining established groups is showed through Keith and Val. They are both nervous because they have been in isolation so they have less time to form any alliances or relationships before the counsel. This example exposes the socialize phase of newcomers.
The group goal is, in a way, very clear because all of their goals are to be the winner of survivor.
I am definitely hooked on the show, looking forward to the next blog.
