ABSTRACT
In thinking about group type and structure, the leader or originator of the group is considering how best to release the creative and dynamic potential which several individuals can contribute to the service of a common purpose. Out of this collective coming together emerges the processes and dynamics of the group—the elements which leaders and participants work with over the life of the group. In Douglas’s view, the group is a resource system and in creating it, the group worker’s task is to develop members’ access to as many resources (such things as knowledge, power, experience, networks) as possible. In the human services, many groups target vulnerable populations—those who may belong to marginal or minority communities, people experiencing life crises, people struggling with everyday problems in living. Groups can be emotional hothouses and the group leader has a vital responsibility to ensure that members are adequately protected from one another and from the leader.
