Joann Keyton, Ph.D. University of Kansas Communicating in Groups: Building Relationships for Group Effectiveness Joann Keyton, Ph.D. University of Kansas Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press
Chapter 1 The Basics of Group Communication Both task and relational communication Each group is unique One group is never exactly like another We are members of many groups Work, community, civic, friendship, and family It’s difficult to avoid groups Objective: to better analyze a group and your role and interactions in it Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press
Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press What is a group? Five characteristics central to defining a group Group size Interdependence of group members Group identity Group goal Group structure Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press
Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press Group Size Minimum number of members is 3 Coalition formation Hidden communication Maximum depends on other characteristics Size affects how members interact Size should be appropriate for task or activity Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press
Interdependence of Members Outcomes influenced by others’ actions Each group member is influenced by what other group members say and do Group task is difficult or impossible for one person to complete Superordinate goal Requires role interdependence among members Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press
Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press Group Identity Members must know and act as if they are members of the group Identify with other group members Identify with the group goal Group identity fully achieved when members Behave as a group Believe they belong to a group Like the group Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press
Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press Group Goal Agreed-upon task/activity Clarity about the task/activity Gives the group direction Motivates members Should be cooperative Integrates the interests of all members Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press
Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press Group Structure Emerges from group rules and norms Patterns of behavior others come to expect Emerges from members’ formal and informal roles Structure may change over the life of the group Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press
Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press Group Definition Three or more people who work together interdependently on an agreed-upon activity or goal Members identify themselves as belonging to the group Members develop structure Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press
A Group’s Connection to Its Context Bona fide group perspective Permeable and fluid boundaries Connectivity Embeddedness Time and space of group interaction History or duration of group Frequency and duration of tasks and activities Group’s use of space Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press
Interdependence of Task and Relational Dimensions Task dimension What the group does Relational dimension Social and emotional support among members All groups have both dimensions Dimensions are interdependent Both dimensions must be addressed Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press
Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press