When we use the term "Group process" here, we're referring to the set of processes used in deliberative group activities, principally meetings, such as those whose goal is:
- making a consensual decision
- agreeing on a resolution to a conflict
- developing a vision (of what could happen, and how)
- developing/setting plans (strategic or tactical) or objectives
- establishing/deepening relationships among group members, and/or community in the group as a whole
- deepening understanding, appreciation, capacity or competency (most learning and simulation events have this goal)
- surfacing and/or assessing ideas, insights, and/or options (e.g. by brainstorming or sharing)
- engendering energy, commitment or enthusiasm
"Deliberative" means "entailing careful thought and consideration towards some goal," so "deliberative group activities" would not normally include those that are purely social, such as parties. The term would also not include group activities that are not collaborative or conversational in nature, such as group meditation, passive "audience" events, and events where some participants have far more authority or opportunity than others (e.g. hearings, briefings, one-way presentations).
Wondering about the choice of "deliberative" here, and wondering if "intentional" might more accurately capture what we're after? There are some great intentional group processes (e.g., brainstorming, choice-creating) that can lack much if any deliberation, allowing or even encouraging more free-willing involvement by participants, but still achieving one or more of the goals above.
I made some less substantive edits directly, most of which I hope are self-explanatory. The change from "wedding" to "party" was because weddings can very much be designed toward the goals listed here, for example establishin/deepening communnity among those gathered, and engendering commitment from them to support the relationship being formalized.
--John Abbe, Sept 23, 2010
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