Group size must also be considered.
Group cohesiveness is also another important factor in measuring group efficacy, though some cohesion can be detrimental to the group's purpose. The cohesive elements must support the group's states and intended purpose to be effective. Group development can also be studied; this perspective treats the group as an individual entity that changes over time, hopefully for the better. This concept is most useful to practitioners as a way of organizing the individual members of the group as far as their goals are concerned, and to draw their attention to the dynamics of the group, especially during times of group change.
Though empirical evidence is still difficult to come by when addressing group development, there is a general consensus in the literature regarding certain aspects of development. Most groups start with a heavy dependence on the leader, which might then be challenges in the next stage of group development through questioning of the group's purpose. Gradually, the group evolves so there is less and less dependence on the leader, and more and more reliance on other group...
When time is limited, discussions of termination can begin with the first session to ease the transition of termination. Encouragement to practice therapeutic techniques is valuable, but it is also important to understand that when group therapy ends, the group ceases to exist -- a problem unique to group therapy. One of a group leader's primary function during a time of group dissolution or termination is to address the loss of the group, and to attempt to make the individual group members come to terms with this loss leading up to group termination.
Group communication involves listening to direct group comments and to the group dynamic as a whole. Each individuals' actions and progress will necessarily affect the other individuals in the group. Understanding and nurturing the positive communicative aspects while addressing and assuaging the negative communications are other functions the group leader serves.
