Explain sensitivity training.
This approach evolved from the
group dynamics concept of Kurt Lewin and the first sensitivity training session
was held in 1946 in State Teachers’ College, New Britain, USA. Since then, it
spread to numerous training centers in USA and other countries. Sensitivity
training is a small-group interaction process in the unstructured form which
requires people to become sensitive to others’ feelings in order to develop
reasonable group activity. The objectives of sensitivity training are as
follows:
To make participants
increasingly aware of, and sensitive to, the emotional reactions and
expressions in themselves and others. To increase the ability of participants
to perceive, and to learn from, the consequences of their actions through
attention to their own and others’ feelings. To stimulate the clarification and
development of personal values and goals consonant with a democratic and
scientific approach to problems of personal and social decisions and actions.
To develop achievement of
behavioural effectiveness in participants.
To develop concepts and
theoretical framework for linking personal values and goals to actions
consistent with these inner factors and situational requirements.
Process of Sensitivity
Training:
Sensitivity training focuses on
small group (T-group) with number of members ranging from ten to twelve.
T-groups are designed to provide members with experiential learning about group
dynamics, leadership and interpersonal relationships. The basic T-group
training or sensitivity training is to change the standards, attitudes and
behavior of individuals by using psychological techniques and programs. Based
on the sources from where these members are drawn, there may be three types of
T-group: stranger-lab, cousin-lab, and family-lab. In the stranger-lab, all
participants are from different organizations and they are strangers to each
other. In cousin-lab, all participants are from the same organization but from
different units.