Facilitation: Catalyst for Group Problem Solving

Abstract

This article defines groups and their function in society and points out the need for training in group processes. It distinguishes between task, therapy, growth, and training groups, defines a group process facilitator as a catalyst to the procesess through which a group performs its task, separates the process-facilitation role from other facilitative roles dealing with the content of a discussion, and looks at the history of group process laboratories and the training of facilitators. Also discussed are the role and requirements of the leader-trainer-facilitator, the function of power in the facilitator role, the nature of intervention, the preparation of facilitators-intervenors, and the paradox of facilitation and facilitator intervention strategy. It points to the variations in the concepts of the role of the facilitator and to the weaknesses in the preparation of facilitators at the present time, and calls for further research in the facilitator role. © 1989, SAGE PUBLICATIONS. All rights reserved.