Transcript Communication 1A

1
What is a group
“A group is a special kind of entity. It is a
collection pf individuals who, as a result of
interacting with one another over time,
become interdependent, developing shared
patterns of behavior and a collective
identity”.
Trenholm, S. (2005). Thinking through communication: An introduction to the
study of human communication. (4th ed.). Boston: Pearson Education. p. 174.
2
What is a group
“Within an organisation, groups or teams are
formed for the achievement of
organisational goals, fop self interest or
for social reasons. A group in an
organisation consists of two or more
people who work together to fulfill a
particular task or to achieve a goal”.
Dwyer, J. (2002). Communication in business: Strategies and skills. Sydney:
Pearson Education. p. 433
3
Value of group discussion
1.
Ideas can be generated so that better decisions can be made
2.
3.
4.
Objectives can be clarified more effectively
Group members become committee to the objectives
All members can potentially improve their knowledge and
understand of the tasks and one another
5.
Group cohesion (bonding together) is fostered
Adapted from an AUT University Communication Studies Dept teaching resource
4
What are group dynamics
Group dynamics is the study of behaviours in groups
– The way a group is led
– Influences of various members
– The degree of conflict
Adapted from an AUT University Communication Studies Dept teaching resource
5
Factors that affect a group
SIZE: the number of people in the group can have an effect
LEADERSHIP: Is the leader authoritarian, democratic…?
MEMBERS: Are there too many process people, or task,
destructive?
STRUCTURE: Is there a hierarchy? Is this a good thing? Is anyone the leader?
COHESIVENESS: How well do you ‘get-along’
GROUPTHINK: Do participants think for themselves?
CLIMATE: Is the climate of the group stressful, harmonious,
industrious?
Adapted from Dwyer, J. (2002). Communication in business: Strategies and skills.
(2nd ed.). Sydney: Pearson.
6
Leadership styles
The authoritarian leader: “holds the greatest control over the group…”
– Not considered a good way to lead
– Does have its advantages e.g. If the leader is an expert
The laissez-faire leader: “…does very little actual leading…”
– Does not facilitate or delegate
– Can lead to unstructured group interaction
The democratic leader: “ …is one who lets all points of view be heard.”
– Considered the most desirable
– This leader facilitates, offers suggestions, empowers others
Direct quotes cited from Hybel, S., & Weaver, R. (2001). Communicating effectively.
(6th ed). New York: Mc-Graw-Hill. p. 327-329.
7
Decision making styles
Naturally, the following decision-making styles apply to certain types of
Leadership:
•
Decisions by AUTHORITY:
– Decisions made without participation from the group members
– Can be quick; does not let everyone take part though in the choice made
•
Decisions by MAJORITY
– A majority vote decides the choice made
– Can also be quick; can leave some feeling disgruntled by the decision
•
Decisions by COMPROMISE
– A middle ground is found
– Often used because it can be a quick way to make a decision
– Neither sides are 100% happy with the choice made
Adapted from Dwyer, J. (2002). Communication in business: Strategies and skills.
(2nd ed.). Sydney: Pearson.
8
Consensus
•
Consensus decision-making is the other form of decision making.
•
This method is often seen as superior to the others as it enlists the
participation of ALL in order to make a choice
•
The potential for everyone being satisfied is high
•
But it can take time
•
…and it can be very difficult to facilitate effectively
Adapted from Dwyer, J. (2002). Communication in business: Strategies and skills.
(2nd ed.). Sydney: Pearson.