I. Understanding of Zande
Alvin Zander is a real scholar, which is my first impression of him. Two years ago, I wrote him a letter, which was somewhat accidental, but actually crossed the ocean and brought me knowledge from the other side and foreign friendship. Zander's first letter is full of two pages, which is full of his enthusiasm for group dynamics and expectations for young people, showing a broad mind and generous personality, and embodying a real scholar image. In this way, we started the communication between the two sides of the ocean. He is both my teacher and my friend.
Alvin Zander 1936 graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor's degree in comprehensive science, and 1937 received a master's degree in hygiene. Then he specialized in psychology, worked as a clinical psychologist for three years, and 1942 obtained a doctorate in psychology. In the same year, Zander rushed from Michigan to Iowa to do postdoctoral research under the guidance of Lei Wen. Zander became interested in group behavior during his master's degree. It was the Great Depression that affected the whole world. Zande's job is to help small towns develop social services. The concrete social practice made him deeply feel the necessity and urgency of scientific research on group behavior. As he said in the preface of the book Group Dynamics co-edited with Cartwright, "A sound democratic society depends on the effective role of the groups to which it belongs, and scientific methods can be used to improve the lives of groups". This is Zander's understanding of group dynamics and his belief in group dynamics. Promoting the sound and development of a democratic society is one of the basic purposes of group dynamics, and the concept of "group dynamics" itself was formed in Lewin's experiment of affirming the superiority of democracy. At that time, Galport praised Lei Wen's democratic spirit. He believes that Lewin and Dewey are two flags to promote American democratic life. They all think that every generation must re-learn and understand democracy, and they all see the dynamic relationship between democracy and social science. Ahlport pointed out: "If Dewey is the most outstanding philosopher who calls for democracy, then Lei Wen is undoubtedly the most important democratic theory and researcher among psychologists". The enthusiasm and persistence for democracy are also the characteristics of Zande, which is reflected in his research and works, as well as in his words and deeds and personality. 1989 May 2 1 Zander wrote a letter. He just went to Greece with his wife to attend an academic conference, listened to lectures on ancient Greek culture and civilization, and relived the ancient Greek philosophy that laid the foundation of western ideological tradition. What he gained in particular was his understanding of the origin, original meaning, evolution and development of democratic thought. Zander understands others very well, and every letter reflects a kind heart and a spirit of helping others. He cares about young people and often asks me to discuss problems with him in a very equal manner; He has great respect for other people's opinions, ideas and rights. All these qualities of Zande reflect the concrete expression of democratic spirit in a person. He believes that science should serve the just cause of mankind, psychology is science, group dynamics is science, and democracy is also the just cause of mankind.
Second, Zander and group dynamics.
1947, the world's first group dynamics research center founded by Lei Wen moved from MIT to the University of Michigan. Zander was teaching at the University of Michigan at that time. He, Festinger and Cartwright are all Lei Wen's assistants and colleagues, belonging to the first generation of group dynamics scientists. From 1959 to 1979, Zander has been the director of the research center for 20 years after Lewin and Cartwright, and is one of the oldest group dynamics scientists at present. Dynamics: Theory and Research, edited by him and Cartwright, is recognized as a classic work of group dynamics. The book was first published in 1953, and reprinted in succession in 1960 and 1968. Zander and Cartwright made an authoritative summary and comment on the development of group dynamics at that time in each reprint. After Lei Wen's death, Zander and Cartwright became the main spokesmen of Group Dynamics.
Due to various reasons, the development of group dynamics has gradually entered a low tide since the 1960s. Many older group dynamics scientists have changed careers or retired one after another, and the new generation of latecomers have different demands. Even the society and the public seem to have lost their original interest and enthusiasm for group dynamics. But in this extraordinary period, Zander has always adhered to the position of group dynamics, insisted on the study of group dynamics, and maintained confidence and courage. This should be a valuable persistent quality and spirit, a persistent career, and only this persistence can achieve an extraordinary career. 197 1 year, Zander completed his masterpiece Motivation and Goals in Groups, and later published another influential monograph, Groups at Work. 1982 published the book "Playing the Role of Groups". 1985 published the purpose of groups and organizations. At present, Mr Zander, who is over 70 years old, is writing another monograph on group dynamics. In addition, Zander also made a historical summary and incisive research on the development and present situation of group dynamics. 1976 published a paper entitled "Forty Years' Research on Group Behavior" in American Journal of Applied Behavioral Science; 1979 was invited to write "Group Process Psychology" for the American Psychological Yearbook; 1985 submitted a research report on the current situation of group dynamics in the western psychological society of the United States. Alvin Zander's unremitting efforts and achievements made through these efforts laid the foundation for the revival of the group's power.
It is gratifying that the revival of group motivation has become more and more obvious. 1980, Festinger, who was divorced from the study of group dynamics for nearly 20 years, led and edited an influential monograph, Social Psychology Review. The book has ten authors, namely Festinger, Aronson, Barker, Dodge, Kelly, Nisbet, schacht and Singer. Except Nisbet and Zachok, the other eight people are famous group dynamics scientists in 1950s. They are all authors of the book Group Dynamics: Theory and Research (1960 edition), and Zachok is currently the director of the Group Dynamics Research Center. The purpose of this book is to rediscover Lei Wen's potential and revitalize the study of group dynamics. Festinger wrote a preface for this book on behalf of the Center for Population Dynamics. He said: "In the past forty-five years, group dynamics has profoundly influenced the development of social psychology. This is the best monument in Lei Wen." They dedicated this monograph to this research center, hoping that group dynamics would continue to develop. 1984, the American Oriental Psychological Society held a seminar on social psychology theory of group behavior in Baltimore. The purpose of the conference is to "encourage and promote the application of contemporary social psychology in group behavior". In the same year, e. Lawler of the University of Iowa edited the series Progress of Group Process, which has been published for five years since 1988. From 65438 to 0987, C. Hendrick published group process and group process and group relationship. Hendrick said in the introduction of the previous book: "After emphasizing the individual process in the 1960s and 1970s, the research on group process is experiencing a vigorous revival".
Third, the motivation and goals in the group.
Group dynamics is a comprehensive social psychology or social science, involving many fields. Such as sociology, cultural anthropology, psychology and economics. Its own research scope can be roughly divided into the following aspects: group cohesion, interaction among group members, leadership style and group productivity, group goals and motivation of group members, and group structure. Among them, group goal and group motivation are the focus of Zander's research. The book Motivation and Goals in Groups is Zander's masterpiece, which embodies Zander's group dynamics and social psychology thoughts.
Zander believes that the quality and ability of a group are determined by the goals of the group and the motives of its members, which is the basis of his famous works. Focusing on how to improve the achievement and efficiency of the group, Zander studied the desire level of the group, the individual's motivation and desire for the achievement of the group members, the motivation and belief of the group members, the motivation and work effect of the group, etc. In Zander's view, if there is a clear success standard, then this group can play a better role. This standard, also known as group goals, can help group members define their responsibilities, increase mutual cooperation in their work, and determine appropriate work steps. In Zander's words, "In short, if a group wants to play a better role and maintain its existence, it must constantly improve its quality, and in order to improve its quality, it must have a suitable goal." Personally, I think group goal should be a core topic in group dynamics, which will determine the development level of a group, members' trust in its organization, members' self-esteem and members' requirements for their own behavior. To some extent, the pressure of seeking common ground while reserving differences in a group is to establish and realize the group's goals, and whether group members can work hard for the common goals and are willing to take responsibility for this work is an important indicator to measure the cohesion of a group. That is, in this sense, Zandeba's group goal is regarded as a main source of group behavior motivation. At the same time, this book puts forward and demonstrates that the motivation of group members is not only inclined to obtain personal satisfaction, but also inclined to obtain the concept of group success.
The book Motivation and Goals in Groups is the basis for Zander to develop his own group dynamics research and social psychology thought. On this basis, he continued to complete "Groups at Work" (1977), giving full play to the role of groups (1982) and giving full play to the purpose of groups and organizations (1982). Dr Marlowe, the biographer of Lei Wen, once called Lei Wen a "practical theorist", and the application and practical significance of this theory are also the characteristics of Zande's works. When introducing the book Motivation and Goals in Groups, the publisher said, "This book is the first detailed scientific research on goals in groups, and it is extremely helpful and meaningful for all psychologists, educators, social workers, administrators, psychological counselors and anyone who is interested in understanding the nature of the group motivation process." Zande, through his works, provides many useful instructions for people to understand the origin of goals, goals, how to choose goals and how to achieve them. The concrete examples listed, verified and demonstrated in his book are of practical significance to business, management, education and many other aspects. Whether in social psychology or general psychology, the research on goals and goal setting is still a potential topic, while Professor Zande's thoughts and theories are still developing and making unremitting efforts. Congratulations on his achievements and wish him greater success and make more contributions to the cause of mankind.