GROUP CLIMATE What is Group Climate? A group climate is the emotional atmosphere, the enveloping tone that is created by the way we communicate in groups. What is a Positive Group Climate? A positive group climate exists when individuals perceive that they are valued, supported, and treated well by the group? What is a Negative Group Climate? A negative climate exists when members do not feel supported or respected and trust is minimal.

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT Research and find an organization like IDEO, that exemplifies a positive climate to report on in the next class. Research and find an organization that exemplifies a negative climate such as Ron Allen at Delta.

WIN AS MUCH AS YOU CAN An Exercise DIRECTIONS For each round, you and your partners will choose either an X or Y. The pay-off for each round depends upon the pattern of choices made in your group. STRATEGY You are to confer with your partners on each round and make a joint decision. Once you make your decision, record it and don’t change it under any circumstances. 4Xs Lose $1 3Xs Win $1 each 1Y Lose $3 2Xs Win $2 each 2Ys Lose $2 each 1X Win $3 3Ys Lose $1 each 4Ys Win $1 each

WIN AS MUCH AS YOU CAN SOME LEARNING POINTS Helps define the difference between group and team Trust – Open, honest communication Cooperation versus competition (Healthy versus Non-health Competition) Working together for the good of the larger group Answers the question Who is “You”? (The Big Picture) What do we mean by effective communication? Overcome communication organizational barriers “We” orientation, not a “Me” orientation (Them versus Us) Ethical Values come into play (Honesty, Respect, Fairness, Choice, Responsibility) Need a win/win strategy not a win/lose strategy The only way everyone wins is to consistently go “Y” Small wins is the only way to go

COMPETITION AND COOPERATION FOCUS QUESTIONS 1. Is competition ever constructive? 2. What is the relationship between communication competence and competition/cooperation? 3. Does competition increase motivation to succeed? 4. Does competition improve achievement and performance?

DEFINITIONS:CONCEPTUAL CLARITY What is the definition of Competition ? Competition is a mutually exclusive goal attainment process. - Necessitates the failure of the many for the success of the few What is the definition of Cooperation? Cooperation is a mutually inclusive goal attainment process. - Group works together, not against each other to achieve the goal

MORE DEFINITIONS What is the definition of Individual Achievement? It is the attainment of a personal goal without having to defeat another person. It is often mistakenly referred to as “competing with oneself.” What is the definition of Hypercompetiveness? The excessive emphasis on defeating others to achieve one’s goals - Hypercompetitiveness, not competition itself, poses the greatest challenge to establishing a positive group climate of trust, openness, directness, supportiveness and accomplishment.

MORE DEFINITIONS What is Constructive Competition? Constructive competition occurs when competition produces a positive, enjoyable experience and generates increased efforts to achieve without jeopardizing positive interpersonal relationships and personal well-being.

GENDER AND HYPERCOMPETITIVENESS Read case study on page 114 in your text. Questions for Thought 1. Do you believe that women have become increasingly competitive to succeed in a hypercompetitive society? Explain. 2. How should you deal with the Conqueror mentality in a workplace, for example, when you would rather be more cooperative? 3. Is there any advantage to adopting the Conqueror mentality at work? Is it ethical?

UNDER WHAT CONDITIONS IS COMPETITION CONSTRUCTIVE? Under certain conditions, competition can be constructive and won’t create a negative group climate, these conditions are: 1. When winning is relatively unimportant 2. When opponents are equally matched 3. When there are clear, specific rules that ensure fairness

COMMUICATION AND GROUP CLIMATE What is Defensiveness? Defensiveness is a reaction to a perceived attack on our self-concept and self-esteem. - Negative evaluations include criticism, contempt and blame. - Positive evaluations include praise, recognition and flattery. What is Description? Description is a first-person report of how an individual feels, what the individual perceives to be true, and what behaviors have been observed in a specific context.

REACTIONS TO DEFENSIVE AND SUPPORTIVE COMMUNICATION Do the exercise on page 125 in your text and score it.

MANIPULATION VERSUS ASSERTIVENESS What is Manipulation? To influence with intent to deceive What is Assertiveness? The ability to communicate the full range of your thoughts and emotions with confidence and skill

INDIFFERENCE VERSUS EMPATHY What is meant by Indifference? Making little or no effort to listen to what a member of your group has to say exhibits indifference and treats the communicator as a nonperson. What is Empathy? Thinking and feeling what you perceive another to be thinking and feeling.

SUPERIORITY VERSUS EQUALITY What is Superiority? Communicating superiority sends the message that one is me-deep in self-importance. It can be a tremendous turnoff for most people. What is does Equality mean? Equality from the standpoint of group climate means that we give everyone an equal opportunity to succeed. We accord group members respect.

CERTAINTY VERSUS PROVISIONALISM What is meant by Certainty? Someone who thinks he/she is certainly right in any discussion and anyone else who thinks otherwise is probably stupid. Dogmatism is the belief in the self-evident truth of one’s opinion. What is meant by Provisionalism? Provisionalism means you qualify statements, avoiding absolutes. It is reflected in the use of qualifying terms such as possibly, probably, perhaps occasionally, maybe, might, and sometimes.

DEFENSIVE VERSUS SUPPORTIVE COMMUNICATION PATTERNS Defensive 1. Evaluation 2. Control 3. Manipulation 4. Indifference 5. Superiority 6. Certainty Supportive 1. Description 2. Problem orientation 3. Assertiveness 4. Empathy 5. Equality 6. Provisionalism

COMPETITIVE AND NONCOMPETITIVE LISTENING: SHIFTING AND SUPPORTING How much time do we spend listening to others? Do you think we are good listeners in general? What is Active Listening? What is shifting response? What is support response? What is competitive interrupting? What is ambushing? What is paraphrasing?

“Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” VIDEO CASE STUDY

“Remember the Titans” VIDEO CASE STUDY