Survivor Episode 1 Chapter 2

Survivor is a great show to explore the dynamics of group work! I began watching Survivor back in season one and followed it for about eight seasons. I think that many dedicated fans like to analyze the aspects of the show, and my mom and I were defiantly dedicated fans. I’m stoked to be watching it again and being able to analyze it and its group work examples for a grade in a class.

In chapter two we went over group development which plays a huge part in the show and how or if tribe members progress in it.  As the episode began it was soon revealed that the contestants came to the show with a relative, so i was assuming that they would be pairing up in tribes together. As Jeff revealed the tribe breakdowns a huge turn was put on the group dynamics. The members that came to the show together would be on opposing tribes, competing against one an other. This turn of events threw a wrench in the game for the contestants forcing them into a new strategies for tribe member development.

In chapter two we go over Tuckman’s Group Development stages. The first stage being the “forming stage” is shown in great extent in the first episode . All members begin testing the waters of their new tribe with caution, worried about where they stand.  For example one tribe member, John Rocker, a professional baseball player, being socially cautions decides he wants to keep his true identity a secret. He may feel that revealing this level of information about himself at this point in the game could make him vulnerable to other players. Because the players are getting a feel for one another  tip toeing around what to say is a common “member caution” at work.