Small Group Small Group CommunicationCommunication

What is Small-Group What is Small-Group Communication?Communication?

The interaction between three to nine people who are working

together to achieve an interdependent goal

The Types and Functions of Small The Types and Functions of Small GroupsGroups

Task-oriented groups – completing Task-oriented groups – completing taskstasks– Secondary groupsSecondary groups

Relationship-oriented groups – Relationship-oriented groups – inclusion/affectioninclusion/affection– Primary groupsPrimary groups

Assigned groups – appointed hierarchy Assigned groups – appointed hierarchy

Emergent groups – environmental Emergent groups – environmental conditionsconditions

Group Pros and ConsGroup Pros and Cons

ProsPros- More ideas = Better - More ideas = Better

ideasideas- Can Can speed process upspeed process up- Unity, AccountabilityUnity, Accountability

ConsCons- More ideas = More ideas =

StandstillStandstill- Can Can slow process slow process

downdown- GroupthinkGroupthink

What is Leadership?What is Leadership?

Influencing the behaviors and attitudes of others to meet

personal or, hopefully, group goals.

The Role of Leadership in Small The Role of Leadership in Small GroupsGroups

Types of Small Group LeadersTypes of Small Group Leaders

– Designated leaders - appointedDesignated leaders - appointed

– Emergent leaders - environmentalEmergent leaders - environmental

How Leaders Get PowerHow Leaders Get Power

InitiativeInitiative

Other Sources of PowerOther Sources of Power– RewardReward– Punishment – withhold needsPunishment – withhold needs– Coercion – hostile tacticsCoercion – hostile tactics– Referent - loyaltyReferent - loyalty– Expert power - knowledgeExpert power - knowledge

Leadership StylesLeadership Styles

– Democratic leadersDemocratic leaders– Laissez-faire leadersLaissez-faire leaders– Autocratic leadersAutocratic leaders

Establishing Culture in Small Establishing Culture in Small GroupsGroups

Group NormsGroup Norms– Informal rules for interactionInformal rules for interaction

Role StructureRole Structure– Formal (positional) and informal (behavioral) Formal (positional) and informal (behavioral)

rolesroles– Behavioral functionsBehavioral functions

Task functionsTask functions Maintenance functionsMaintenance functions Self-centered functionsSelf-centered functions

RolesRolesExamples of Task Roles1. Leader - helps the group define and achieve goals.2. Initiator - contributor: Offers ideas and suggestions.3. Opinion seeker – requests info4. Information giver5. Secretary – recorder6. Devil’s advocate – prevents “group think”7. Follower – Obeys commands and listens to others.

Examples of Maintenance roles1. Supporter – encourager – provides emotional warmth, praise and acceptance2. Harmonizer – tension reliever – promotes group peace, uses humor, reconciles conflict3. Gatekeeper – controls channels of communication and flow of information using openness and supportiveness4. Feeling expresser – monitors feelings and moods of the group and gives feedback.

Examples of Self-Serving Roles1. Stagehog – recognition seeker2. Isolate – withdraws from the group3. Clown – horseplay, practical jokes, comic routines that goes beyond tension reliever.4. Blocker – opposes everything new.5. Fighter – starts arguments, bullying.6. Cynic – displays sour outlook, destroys morale. 

Stages of Group DevelopmentStages of Group Development

Conflict Management StylesConflict Management Styles