Group Communication

Small Group Communication What Is A Group?

A collection of people with a common goal, or, a common thread of interest Can also be referred

to as “teams”

Small Group Communication The Characteristics of An Effective Group

Clear Purpose The vision, mission, goal, or task of the group are defined by

the group. Climate

The group climate is informal, comfortable, and relaxed There are no obvious tensions or signs of boredom

Participation There is much discussion, and everyone is encouraged to

participate.

Small Group Communication The Characteristics of An Effective Group

Listening Members use effective listening techniques such as

questioning, paraphrasing, and summarizing so that everyone’s point of view is considered.

Healthy Conflict Conflict between group members is a normal and sometimes

necessary component of group work. Group members should not try to avoid, smooth over, or

suppress conflict. Rather opposing views should be analyzed and considered

when coming to a group decision.

Small Group Communication The Characteristics of An Effective Group

Open Communication Members are free to express their views and ideas about the

group’s tasks and processes Members have few hidden agendas

Clear Roles and Assignments There are clear expectations about group member’s roles Clear assignments are made, accepted, and carried out. Work is fairly distributed among team members.

External Resources The team utilizes key outside relationships with important

individuals and groups within their larger organization

Small Group Communication The Characteristics of An

Effective Group Functional Diversity

The group is composed of members who vary in their related knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Self Assessment The group takes time to examine

how well it is functioning and ways to improve its effectiveness.

Small Group Communication

Different views from different people

Increases individual motivation

It’s easier to identify mistakes

Team Decisions are better received by others

Group Work is more pleasant and fulfilling for most members

ADVANTAGES OF SMALL-GROUP DECISION-MAKINGADVANTAGES OF SMALL-GROUP DECISION-MAKING

Small Group Communication

Members can get slack Personal agendas may

conflict with group goals

Aggressive members can dominate

Members could be uncompromising

GroupThink can override common sense

Takes longer to reach a decision

DISADVANTAGES OF SMALL-GROUP DECISION-MAKING

Small Group Communication

Member “roles” task-oriented maintenance self-serving

Small Group Communication Task roles

Initiator/Expeditor “Contributor” This person often suggests new

ideas, goals, solutions, or approaches. Often times these individuals are the

most creative or energetic. Information Giving/Seeking “Collaborator”

These people provide a foundation for discussion by the information they both provide and seek throughout the process of a group discussion.

Small Group Communication Task roles

Critic/Analyzer “Challenger” These individuals look at the good

and bad points that are brought up and often look at how the whole picture fits together.

Can be seen by others as Debbie Downers or the Devil’s Advocate of the group, but their roles are still very vital to arriving at a final solution as long as the groups success is ultimately the critics goal.

Small Group Communication Maintenance roles

The Encourager “Communicator” Praises and/or comments

on contributions to and achievements of the group. The encourager finds it very important to maintain a positive environment in a group communication setting.

Small Group Communication Maintenance roles

The Harmonizer/Compromiser This person helps resolve

or settle arguments or arrive at compromises that get the group closer to their goal.

The Regulator This individual reminds the participants of the agenda

or the topic at hand and gives others in the group a chance to speak.

Note: Not every group communication setting has all of these roles.

Small Group Communication Self-Serving Roles

Blocking Aggression Recognition seeking Withdrawing Dominating Joking Self-confessing Help seeking

Small Group Communication Leadership Styles

Autocratic

“My way or the highway”

Laissez-Faire

“You’re on your own”

Democratic

“What Does Everyone Think?”

Human Knot