Chapter 8 Communicating in Groups

List the characteristics and types of groups and explain how groups develop Understand how group size affects communication Identify the influence of networks in groups Chapter Objectives

Analyze aspects that determine a group’s effectiveness Define the roles individuals play in a group Identify other issues affecting group communication Chapter Objectives

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 governing 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