Sensitivity Training
Sensitivity Training
Lab Training:
Lab Training or T-group or Sensitivity training means the development of awareness and sensitivity to behavioral patterns of oneself and others. In sensitivity training, the trainees are enabled to see themselves as others see them and develop an understanding of others views and behaviour . It aims at increasing tolerance power of the individual and his ability to understand others. The sensitivity training programmes are generally conducted under controlled laboratory conditions.
HISTORY
The origins of sensitivity training can be traced as far back as 1914, when J.L. Moreno created "psychodrama," a forerunner of the group encounter (and sensitivity-training) movement. This concept was expanded on later by Kurt Lewin, a gestalt psychologist from central Europe, who is credited with organizing and leading the first T-group (training group) in 1946. Lewin offered a summer workshop in human relations in New Britain, Connecticut. The T-group itself was formed quite by accident, when workshop participants were invited to attend a staff-planning meeting and offer feedback. The results were fruitful in helping to understand individual and group behavior.
CONTINU.
During the mid-1950s and early 1960s, sensitivity training found a place for itself, and the various methods of training were somewhat consolidated. The T-group was firmly entrenched in the training process, variously referred to as encounter groups, human relations training, or study groups. However, the approach to sensitivity training during this time shifted from that of social psychology to clinical psychology. Training began to focus more on inter-personal interaction between individuals than on the organizational and community formation process, and with this focus took on a more therapeutic quality. By the late 1950s, two distinct camps had been formed-those focusing on organizational skills, and those focusing on personal growth.
Objective
Increase your understanding of group development and dynamics. Increase your skill in facilitating group effectiveness. Increase interpersonal skills Experiment with changes in your behavior
Continue
Increase your sensitivity to others' feelings. Increase your ability to give and receive feedback. Increase your ability to manage and utilize conflict.
Vicarious learning
USES
Usually this program is enacted in big organizations such as Large companies & Some govt. agency
MERIT
The trainee learn more about themselves, specially their weakness and emotions
They understand that how they react to others and how others react to them
They discover how the groups work and identify human relation problems
Find out how to behave more effectively in inter-personal relationship and manage people through means rather than power. Developed more capable and genuine relations in which feelings are expressed openly.
Possible Problems
T-Group methods usually encourage self-disclosure and openness, which may be inappropriate or even punished in organizations. T-groups consisted of participants who were strangers. They didn't have a history or a future together and could more easily focus on here and now behavior. Participants being forced or pressured to attend, by an employer or other person with influence, are on the whole less likely to have a positive learning experience. Another issue was that in the organization there were objectives, deadlines and schedules related to accomplishing the work of the company or group. Groups with a task to accomplish could not take the same time that would be used in a T-Group. These difficulties helped lead to the development of Organization Development and team building