group communication. small group communication what is a group? a collection of people with a...
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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.TRANSCRIPT
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