Small Group Communication CHAPTER 9 Communication: Embracing Difference Dunn & Goodnight

Small-Group Communication What is Small-Group Communication? We are working on our group project for COM 114 ( ( ( ( ( ( What is Small-Group Communication? Comprised of 3 to 8 people People who share a common goal or objective Who usually interact face to face ( (

Types of Small Groups Knowledge-gaining Problem solving Personal growth Types of Small Groups Knowledge-gaining: People come together to learn or experience new things. Personal growth: Groups focus on individual or personal well being. Social: People come to interact on an informal basis and to maintain interpersonal relationships. Problem solving: People come together to answer a question or provide a solution to a problem. Social

Variables within Small Groups Norms Roles Cohesiveness Commitment Arrangement Norms: Rules that dictate how group members ought to behave Roles: A set of expected behaviors members of the group must follow Cohesiveness: Demonstrated sense of purpose within the group. Commitment: The motivation of members to meet the goals of the group. Arrangement : The physical placement of the individuals within the group.

Types of Roles Task Roles Maintenance Roles Dysfunctional or Negative Roles Task Roles Person is concerned about the group meeting the goal or objective the group was assigned. Maintenance Roles: Person is concerned with the relationships within the group, a positive climate is strived for. Dysfunctional or Negative Roles: Person hinders the group’s ability to meet its goal or objective, usually interfere with other positive roles.

Small Group Discussion Phases Orientation Phase Emergence Phase Reinforcement Phase Orientation Phase The beginning of the discussion, members are usually concerned about establishing a comfortable and supportive social climate. Conflict Phase Ideas begin to surface regarding the decision-making and tension begins to surface as well, disagreement is natural. Emergence Phase Discussion continues, group grows anxious to reach a decision. Reinforcement Phase Final phase of decision-making process, a consensus is achieved. Conflict Phase

Decision Making Methods Decision by the Leader The leader makes all the decisions The rest of the group members have no say Decision by Majority Vote A decision is made when the entire group individually votes for the outcome in which they prefer. The outcome with the most votes is picked. Decision by Consensus The group members come to a genuine agreement that an appropriate decision has been made. Consensus can lead to GROUPTHINK… What is Groupthink? Decision by the Leader Is appropriate when “time is of the essence” or for routine decisions, may cause resentment or less cohesiveness amongst the group. Decision by Majority Vote Is the most democratic method, decision is made by the most votes. Decision by Consensus Is the genuine agreement among members that an appropriate decision has been made, peer pressured decisions does not make a true consensus.