Discussion Psychodynamic theory can be used by a group leader as well as all group members to help them better understand the group dynamics that are facilitating teamwork or hindering it; group members can also use psychodynamic theory to step back and develop a more nuanced and objective perspective of the group so that what is really taking place can be discerned rather than trying to force everyone's actions into a theoretical pigeonhole. Likewise, learning theory can be drawn on to better understand why people behave the way they do in working learning situations, and social exchange theory is readily applied to group situations where It is also important to note that many groups will be comprised of members from different background and cultures, making the need for cross-cultural understanding and appreciation an ongoing requirement for effective group functioning (Henslin, 2013)
In addition, all group members can use psychodynamic theory as a framework for interpreting member interests and abilities (Osipow & Walsh, 1999). Learning Theory A great deal of current adult learning theory draws on the organizational development field, with learning theory being used as a way of providing group members with the tools they need to perform the jobs better in the workplace (Kenner & Weinerman, 2011)
28). In addition, all group members can use psychodynamic theory as a framework for interpreting member interests and abilities (Osipow & Walsh, 1999)
These types of dyadic exchanges typically involve some type of reward that allows group members to work better (Turnipseed & Wilson, 2009). Social exchange theory has been used by human resource practitioners to improve employee performance, enhance productivity in the workplace, improve service quality, improve employee job satisfaction, reduce absenteeism as well as overall turnover rates (Sheng & Tian, 2010)
Finally, a summary of the research concerning using psychodynamic theory, learning theory, and social exchange theory in group and important findings are presented in the conclusion. Review and Discussion Psychodynamic Theory Founded by Sigmund Freud in the early 20th century, psychodynamic theory has been used to explore emotion at work (Vince, 2004)
According to Freud, the principal mechanism of psychological dysfunction was the suppression or repression of frustration and anger into the psychological subconscious and the subsequent re-emergence or expression of those reactions through perceptions and behaviors (Mitchell & Black, 1995). More specifically, Freud suggested that frustrations occurring during infancy, particularly in the area of mother-infant bonding (Lewis & Feiring, 1989) and in connection with predictable stages of early development set the stage for latent psychological problems, many of which manifest themselves in the direction and nature of sexual urges (Mitchell & Black, 1995; Murdoch, 2009)
In effect, the early traumas and frustrations that result in the suppression and subsequent manifestation of neuroses control the perceptions and behaviors of the individual without any conscious recognition of those impulses or their origin. The Role and Methods of Counselors The goal of counseling emphasizing Freudian psychodynamic theory is to help the client identify current behavioral patterns that are the product of subconscious influences in the nature of those described by Freud (McWilliams, 2004)
Psychodynamic Theory and Counseling Practice Psychodynamic theory, also known as Freudian psychoanalysis was an original theory of human psychology introduced by Viennese psychologist Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) shortly before the turn of the 20 Century (Mitchell & Black, 1995)