The Role of Interaction in a Group

Abstract

Just as it is not possible to not communicate because the mere act of not saying anything communicates your reluctance or lack of participation to others, it is also impossible to not interact. Interaction is the process of influencing one another. If I walk into a group and engage you in conversation, I am interacting with you. If I walk into a room, stand against the wall, and simply watch other group ­members, I am still interacting, but the interaction may not be positive or supportive for the group. If, however, I walk in and announce the direction the group will take and the rules by which the group will function, then, yes, I am interacting; I am also dominating and controlling the group and my dominance will stifle and control the interactions of others.