Abstract

In this article, an attempt is made to critically review the studies in small group benhavior which have been resurged in '80. Considering the application of small group study to Korea, a brief review is made on methodological issues and historical backgrounds on small group. Then, a variety of issues such as group socialization process, group performance & problem-solving, group productivity in organization, group decision-making, groupthink, intergroup prejudice & discrimination, and minority influence are discussed. Furthermore, it is pointed out that we may need to develop a comprehensive framework that organizes and systematizes a bulk of studies thus far, and that encompasses the intra-and-intergroup process in an unified model. It is also pointed out that it is more beneficial to employ multiple methods instead of a confined number of methods, together with pursuing a balance between positive and negative aspects of group in the area of small group dynamics. Finally, it is suggested that social psychologists in Korea actively contribute to and participate in the development and application of small group appraches to social issues in the future.