Communicating in Small Groups

What is a Group?

A small group is: At least 3, but not more than 15 people, Who interact and communicate with one

another; Who share a common purpose or goal; Who have group norms and values; Who feel a sense of belonging; and Who exert influence on each other.

Why do people join groups?

Synergy The idea that two heads are better than one

Support and Commitment People are more willing to take on larger

commitments with a group

Interpersonal Needs Affection – relationships Inclusion – establish identity with others Control – exercise leadership and prove abilities

Group Dynamics

Rules Specific guidelines related to specific

issues; often written down formally Example – HHS dress code states that

pants should not sag below the waist Norms

Standards that govern behavior; rarely written down, just understood

Example – Most teachers at HHS allow students to get away sagging pants

Group Dynamics

Roles Consistent ways you communicate with

others in a group Types

Task Social Individual / Self-Centered

Role Types in Groups

Task A set of behaviors that helps the group accomplish

the task, solve a problem or address an issue

Social A set of behaviors that helps establish and

maintain positive, cooperative relationships among members

Individual / Self-Centered A set of behaviors that meet the needs of an

individual while harming the task or social dimension of the group

**See Handout

Balance is the Key

Structure

Manage the task

Is achieved through organization, enforcement of rules and norms

One person may dominate at times

Interaction

Manage relationships and reactions to the task

There is considerable give and take discussion

There is much talk and participation from group members

Group Cohesiveness

The degree of attraction that members of a group feel toward one another and the group. The longer the length of the group, the

more important cohesiveness is to the survival of the group

Characteristics of Cohesive Groups

Emphasize “we” rather than “I” Set clear goals Encourage participation and traditions Celebrate accomplishing goals Stress teamwork and collaboration over

individual accomplishment

Communicating in Groups

Communication Network – a pattern that describes or identifies the flow of communication within a group (who talks to whom and how much)

Types of Communication Networks Chain Wheel Open

Chain Network

A network in which members pass messages from one person to another “up or down” the chain, but there is no communication among

member’s except for talking to the person next to you

Wheel Network

A network in which there is a single person through whom all messages are sent.

Open Network

A network where everyone has an equal opportunity to communicate with everyone

else in the group. The ideal network!

Problem Solving in Groups

Identify and Define the Problem Set scope!

Develop Criteria for a Potential Solution Identify needs and set limits

Generate Possible Solutions Brainstorming

Select the Best Solution or Combination Consensus – a solution all members can be

satisfied with Implement the Solution

Groupthink

A tendency in groups to become more focused on reaching a solution than exploring the problem fully (Challenger)

How to avoid Groupthink Encourage critical thinking Don’t agree with someone just because of

status Consider third-party evaluation Assign a devil’s advocate Consider pros and cons of solutions

Stages in Group Communication

Forming – coming together for a purpose Norming – establishing and discovering

group norms (happens throughout) Storming – brainstorming about problem Conforming – coming to consensus about

problem; also conforming to established group norms and rules

Performing – presenting finished process

Types of Leadership

AuthoritarianA leader who makes the decisions, gives the orders and generally

controls all activities. Has little concern for group consensus, they are very dictatorial and very “in control.”

Strengths: -Tasks get accomplished easily-Group is usually focused on task-Leadership is clear – no confusion-One person in charge

Weaknesses: -Members do not feel valued-Members may become resentful-Members have no motivation to stay involved, all decisions are already made

Types of Leadership

DemocraticA leader who motivates followers to participate in decision making in an effort to get the majority to agree and commit to decisions. If members

disagree, then this leader tries to resolve the problem.

Strengths: -Group members feel valued and included in decision making process-Group is usually very cohesive-All issues are considered-Members are usually more pleased with the decisions

Weaknesses:-Group often takes a long time to reach a decision-Group may lack objectivity because ofpersonal connections-Members may not be satisfied when theiridea does not get chosen

Type of Leadership

Laissez- FaireA leader who sits back and lets the group figure things out. They

take a very laid back, “hands off” approach to group leadership and members may not even know who the leader is.

Strengths: -All group members feel like equals-Group has a “laid back” feel-Decisions made by this group are not reached out of pressure, usually they are “stumbled upon”

Weaknesses: -Group may never make decisions-Members might be confused about who the leader is-Group may lack personal relationships-Group may have a hard time staying ontask

Leadership Theories Trait Approach – good leaders are born with certain

traits that predispose them to being leaders (intelligence, confidence, social skills, charisma, good looks, etc.)

Situational Approach – leaders emerge depending on the situation; so different situations call upon different leadership styles

Contextual Approach – a combination that states that while there are certain traits that make people “born leaders,” their actual rise to positions of leadership depends also on the situation, other group members, norms, task and group pressure.

Types of Power

Legitimate - being elected, appointed, or selected to lead the group

Referent - being well liked or having likeable qualities

Expert - a member’s knowledge and information not possessed by other members

Coercive - the ability to punish another

Reward - providing rewards for desired behavior

Indicators of Power

General Indicators of Power Titles - who is defined, who defines whom Decision making - whose decisions are followed, who decides Opposition/Resistance - who opposes change, who can speak out

Verbal Indicators of Power Dominance - who dominates the conversation Time - who gets to talk Interruption - presumptuousness

Nonverbal Indicators of Power Space - who gets the most, special space, reserved spaces Posture and general communication Touch Eye Contact Objects and Tangible Material - best pen, computer, desk, etc.