Internal structure

The internal structure referred to in the Psychology the breakdown of a whole group into two or more sub-groups whose members have a quantitatively and qualitatively more frequent intimate communication with each other than with the members of subgroups. The concept was mainly used in the psychology of the GDR and the Soviet Union.

The minimum size of the entire group for an internal structure is four people. The internal structure does not form a static state. There is fluctuation between the subgroups. An internal structure that is necessary for the accomplishment of tasks or for the division of labor is called “formal group” in the literature.

A sympathetic internal structure is referred to as an “ informal group ”. A regular internal division into groups according to Makarenko contains the sub-groups “core” or “active”, “reserve” or “healthy passive” and “rest” or “passive”, which consists of active and passive outsiders.

According to Hans Hiebsch (1922–1990), the internal structure results from the interaction of various factors. He distinguishes one main factor “group activity”, which determines the relationship between activity, productivity and intimacy on the one hand and group size, duration and frequency of communication in relation to the duration, order and intimacy of communication on the other.

If the frequency, duration and intimacy of communication within the subgroups become ever greater and that with other members ever smaller, then the internal structure leads to the stabilization of two or more independent groups. According to Makarenko, this process begins with a group of more than fifteen members.

literature

Hans Hiebsch, Manfred Vorwerg: Introduction to Marxist Social Psychology. VEB Deutscher Verlag der Wissenschaften, Berlin 1975.

Individual evidence

↑ Keyword internal structure . In: Günther Clauß, Helmut Kukla, Joachim Lompscher, Hans-Dieter Rösler , Klaus-Peter Timpe, Gisela Vorwerg (eds.): Dictionary of Psychology. VEB Bibliographisches Institut, Leipzig 1976, p. 86.

[1] Keyword internal structure . In: Günther Clauß, Helmut Kukla, Joachim Lompscher, Hans-Dieter Rösler , Klaus-Peter Timpe, Gisela Vorwerg (eds.): Dictionary of Psychology. VEB Bibliographisches Institut, Leipzig 1976, p. 86.