Human Services/Group Work Practice/Practicum
Both transition and working stages are phases in the cycle of group formation. During the transition stage, the members of the group are new to each other while in the working stage, members are familiar with each other. Notably, members of the group behave differently in these two stages. During the transition stage, members are anxious and cannot share their opinions openly since they fear their colleagues. The level of personal interaction is also minimal. However, in the working stage, members have interacted enough, and there are free to express their opinions without fear.
Similarly, in the transition stage, there is a struggle to control the rest. Members are either complaining of either having less or many duties in the group compared to other colleagues. The battle to control result in conflicts among the members. At this stage, the group leader concentrates on moderating the group and solving the disputes (Corey et al.,2010). In the working stage, members do not compete for power since each has accepted their responsibilities. Therefore, members and group leaders have no conflict to solve and hence embark on the group’s mission.
Cultural competence refers to the skills and ability to interact peacefully with different groups of people in society. A society comprises of different groups of people based on race, gender, sexual identity, among others. To live and interact with all these groups peacefully, one needs to acquire particular skills that accommodate diverse ways of life of each group. As an intern, I work with various groups of people. I have learned how to associate with each group without offending them. For instance, I work with both white and black people. The black people are considered inferior by the whites. However, I have learned to interact with both without making any offensive comments about skin color.
Reference
Corey, M., Corey, G & Corey, C. (2010). Groups Process and Practice, Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning, (8th Edition)