REVISITING OPEN GROUPS

Abstract

Open groups represent a substantial part of the everyday practice of groupworkers, yet comparatively few contributions exist to conceptualise this form of groupwork. This paper reviews the literature on open groups and begins to identify the major themes. Several definitions and contexts are given as examples of open groups, and the question, ‘why do it this way?’ is explored. Open group process is discussed — group cohesion, and member entry and exit, feature as important elements. Based on these ideas, and with practice insights, a profile and a basic typology are presented and used to illustrate further understanding of open group structures and processes. The paper concludes with some hey questions for practice.

Publisher’s note: We are now putting all back issues of Groupwork on line. Articles in this issue have been scanned to pdf files as viable original typesetting files no longer exist. Though they may not look it, these files are searchable. This issue was published nearly 30 years ago. We have stated author professional details as received at time of publication.