Abstract:
The purpose of this dissertation was to explore the experiences of Asian group
leaders who were leading groups in Asia. This research was developed to address a need
for exploratory research in the area of Asian group leaders' perceptions and experiences
during the process of leading groups in Asia. Grounded theory procedures were utilized
in this investigation. Six research participants from Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand
participated in this research over a period of nine months. The interview data was coded
and analyzed using grounded theory techniques.
Results from this research described what Asian group leaders experienced in
group work practice. The major findings of this research were themes related to
awareness, basic self, reflective experimentation, and cultural system. These Asian group
leaders used their awareness of groups and individuals, their resources, their core beliefs,
and their understanding of the cultural system as the basic materials for the reflective
experimentation process. Reflective experimentation was the process of starting and
continuing to conduct groups, while at the same time attempting to develop interventions
which were appropriate for their group members. They overcame the challenges to their
group work practice through their motivations and inspirations. They also transferred
their knowledge and experiences from training in the West to practice in Asia. The results
of the reflective experimentation process resulted in both personal and professional
growth and the development of culturally appropriate group interventions. Their growth
and interventions concurrently impacted their awareness, their basic self, and their
cultural system. Therefore, the process of reflective experimentation continued its
influence as Asian group leaders continued working with groups.
