Dynamics in Theeramythri Activity Groups: Analysing Coherence among the Group Members

The present study was conducted among the SAF -Theeramythri activity groups of Kerala across the nine coastal districts which focused on identifying the perception of the leaders and followers of the activity groups in its functioning. The benefits gained by the leader as well as the follower, short comings in the current functioning, group cohesiveness, nature of leadership existing in the groups and the future requirements were discussed in the study. The results indicated that majority of the respondents have economically benefited from SAF after joining the activity groups. The Pearson correlation indicates that the relationship between the leader and follower is high for the decision making (0.41) and least for conflict management (0.29) which has a huge impact in the effective functioning of an activity group. The Garette ranking results go in tune with correlation analysis entrusting the high interrelationship of the members and the followers of the activity groups. Moreover the study identified the constraints in the current functioning of activity groups and suggest for suitable interventions by installing effective confidence building mechanisms among group members.