It is one
of the Organizational Development techniques for bringing up change that try to
improve organizational effectiveness and employee wellbeing. It also helps the
participants to learn and adjust with the group dynamics. This technique was
developed in 1940s by Ronald Lippitt and Kurt Lewin
It refers
to changing behavior through unstructured group interaction. It can also be
called laboratory training, T-groups and encounter groups interchangeably.
Members of different gender, culture and abilities are brought together in a
free and open environment in which participants discuss different issues in an
interactive way. It is loosely directed by a professional behavior scientist
who creates opportunities for everybody to express their ideas, emotions, perceptions,
attitudes and beliefs. Nobody is a leader in such an interaction. This group in
process oriented, meaning that everybody learns by observing and participating
rather than being ordered or told to do a certain activity.
Disadvantages
of Sensitivity Training:
• Many
participants find these activities unstructured and chaotic
• It
might damage the work relations between employees
•
Superior-subordinate relationship is tampered because it is an informal
activity
•
Participants are not able to express what they truly believe because of the
presence of a behavior scientist
• It
doesn’t find out any deep psychological reason for a person behaving in a
certain manner
Importance
of Sensitivity Training:
• It
helps employees be sensitive to the existing diversity in the workplace. It
leads to better understanding between members of the organization
• Helps
to build good interpersonal relationships with their team members
•
Educates the members about constructive behavior which will benefit everybody
working in the organization.
• Helps
managers get an insight into their own behavior
• Helps
to develop correct behavioral and emotional actions
This
method of organizational development was extremely famous in 1960s By 1970s
the use of this method diminished and has eventually disappeared. However organizational interventions such as diversity training, team building exercise
and coaching have evolved of the organizational development technique. Feedback
is a very important element of this training. It helps the manager know if the
attitude and behavior he/she is inhibiting is effective or not.
This is the first time reading a topic under sensitive training. Its more towards personal growth as well as understanding others behavioral pattern and working along with that. Very good area you have chosen.
ReplyDeleteThis topic is a new trend in companies now. It also helps Sum up the behaviour of others and the group on themselves. Behave appropriately & effectively in various interpersonal situations such as different ways of communicating, making decisions, handling conflicts in groups and obtaining co-operation.
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