Sensitivity Training | Psychology for UPSC Optional (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

Sensitivity training, also known as the T-group approach (with "T" standing for training), laboratory training, or encounter group, is a powerful tool that emerged from Kurt Lewin's concept of group dynamics. The first sensitivity training session took place in 1946 at State Teachers College in New Britain, USA. Since then, it has gained popularity and spread to numerous training centers across the United States and other countries. Sensitivity, in essence, can be defined as empathy—the ability of an individual to sense and understand the thoughts and emotions of others from their own perspective.

Objectives of Sensitivity Training

Sensitivity training serves several key objectives

• Increasing Awareness and Sensitivity: The primary goal is to make participants increasingly aware of their own emotional reactions and expressions, as well as those of others around them. By developing sensitivity, individuals become more attuned to the feelings and needs of those they interact with.
• Perceiving and Learning from Consequences: Another objective is to enhance participants' ability to perceive and learn from the consequences of their actions. By paying attention to their own emotions and the emotions of others, individuals can gain valuable insights into the impact of their behavior.
• Clarifying and Developing Personal Values and Goals: Sensitivity training aims to stimulate the clarification and development of personal values and goals. By engaging in open discussions and self-reflection, participants can gain a deeper understanding of their own values and aspirations.
• Developing Behavioral Effectiveness: Participants in sensitivity training work towards improving their behavioral effectiveness. Through increased self-awareness and empathy, individuals can enhance their interpersonal skills and create positive interactions with others.
• Linking Values and Goals to Actions: Sensitivity training also seeks to develop a conceptual framework for linking personal values and goals to actions. By aligning their behaviors with their core values, participants can lead more authentic and purpose-driven lives.

The Process of Sensitivity Training

Sensitivity training follows a structured process that unfolds in several phases:

• Formation of the T-Group: A small group of individuals, typically consisting of 10-12 members, is brought together in a free and open environment. This group serves as the foundation for the sensitivity training process.
• Types of T-Groups: Depending on the source from which the group members are drawn, there are three types of T-groups:
  • Stranger-Lab: Participants in a stranger-lab are from different organizations and are strangers to each other. They bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the group.
  • Cousin-Lab: In a cousin-lab, participants are from the same organization but different units. While they may know each other, their familiarity is limited.
  • Family-Lab: Family-labs consist of participants from the same organizational unit who know each other quite well. The existing relationships within this type of T-group influence the dynamics.
• Sequential Events in Sensitivity Training: Delbecq outlines the following sequential events during sensitivity training:
  • Behavioral Vacuum: At the beginning, there is intentional lack of directive leadership, formal agenda, and recognized power and status. This creates a behavioral vacuum, which participants fill with projections of traditional behavior.
  • Trainer's Role: In the second phase, the trainer adopts an open, non-defensive, and empathetic approach. However, the major impact on each participant comes from the feedback received based on the here and now behavior of other group members.
  • Interpersonal Relationship Development: The third phase focuses on the development of interpersonal relationships. Group members serve as resources for one another and encourage experimentation with new personal, interpersonal, and collaborative behaviors.
  • Relevance to "Back-Home" Situations: The final phase involves exploring the relevance of the sensitivity training experience in terms of real-life situations and problems participants may encounter outside of the training setting.
• Adjustments for Cousin-Lab and Family-Lab: For cousin-lab and family-lab settings, slight adjustments are made to the sequence of events. Additional attention is given to inter-group linkages, which may involve diagnostic surveys, interviews, and confrontation sessions addressing various policy, problem-solving, and interpersonal issues.

Consequences and Research on Sensitivity Training

A comprehensive research review of organizational development (OD) interventions conducted by Porras and Berg highlights that sensitivity training is the second most researched intervention after team building. This approach has garnered both positive and negative feedback, indicating its significance in shaping individuals and organizations.