Transcript Slide 1
Chapter 9 Communicating in Groups Understanding Groups • A collection of more than two people • Share some kind of relationship • Communicate in an interdependent fashion • Collaborate toward a shared purpose Characteristics of Groups • A shared identity • Common goals – Specific or general – Shared sense of purpose • Interdependent relationships The behavior of each member affects the behavior of every other member Group Types • Primary groups (Family and friends) • • • • • Support groups Problem-solving groups Study groups Focus groups Self-directed work teams Group Development • Forming Stage – Who will be in charge – Group’s goals • Storming Stage – What roles will members play – Conflict may occur Group Development • Norming Stage – Establish agreed norms governing expectations Norms: Recurring patterns of behavior or thinking that become the “usual” way of doing things in the group – Roles solidify – Leader emerges Group Development • Performing Stage Members work together to achieve goals and overcome hurdles • Adjourning Stage – Members reflect on accomplishments and failures – Determine next steps as a group Group Size and Communication • The larger the group… – Interaction is more formal – Each member has limited opportunities to contribute – Communication is less intimate – Interactions are more time consuming – The relationships are more complex Group Size and Communication Size, Cliques, and Coalitions • The larger the group… – Cliques (Coalitions) emerge Small subgroups of individuals who have bonded together within a group – Countercoaltions can develop Subgroups that are positioned against each other on issues Group Size and Social Loafing • The larger the group… – The more likely social loafing is to occur • Failing to invest the same level of effort in the group that you would put in if working alone • Affects participation and communication in groups – The more difficult it is to assess individual contributions to the group Group Networks • Patterns of interaction govern who speaks with whom in a group and about what • Two features – Centrality – Isolation Group Networks • Types of Networks Additional Factors Affecting Group Communication • Interdependence • Cohesion The degree to which group members have bonded and consider themselves one entity • Group Climate Group temperament Additional Factors Affecting Group Communication • Norms • Roles – Task Roles – Social Roles – Antigroup Roles – Role Conflict • Clarity of Goals Additional Factors Affecting Group Communication • Groupthink and Conflict A situation in which group members strive to minimize conflict by demonstrating loyalty • Individual Differences – Cultural factors – Communication apprehension