Communicating in Small Groups

What is a Group? A small group is: At least 3, but not more than 15 people, Who interact and communicate with one another; Who share a common purpose or goal; Who have group norms and values; Who feel a sense of belonging; and Who exert influence on each other.

Why do people join groups? Synergy The idea that two heads are better than one Support and Commitment People are more willing to take on larger commitments with a group Interpersonal Needs Affection – relationships Inclusion – establish identity with others Control – exercise leadership and prove abilities

Group Dynamics Rules Specific guidelines related to specific issues; often written down formally Example – HHS dress code states that pants should not sag below the waist Norms Standards that govern behavior; rarely written down, just understood Example – Most teachers at HHS allow students to get away sagging pants

Group Dynamics Roles Consistent ways you communicate with others in a group Types Task Social Individual / Self-Centered

Role Types in Groups Task A set of behaviors that helps the group accomplish the task, solve a problem or address an issue Social A set of behaviors that helps establish and maintain positive, cooperative relationships among members Individual / Self-Centered A set of behaviors that meet the needs of an individual while harming the task or social dimension of the group **See Handout

Balance is the Key Structure Manage the task Is achieved through organization, enforcement of rules and norms One person may dominate at times Interaction Manage relationships and reactions to the task There is considerable give and take discussion There is much talk and participation from group members

Group Cohesiveness The degree of attraction that members of a group feel toward one another and the group. The longer the length of the group, the more important cohesiveness is to the survival of the group

Characteristics of Cohesive Groups Emphasize “we” rather than “I” Set clear goals Encourage participation and traditions Celebrate accomplishing goals Stress teamwork and collaboration over individual accomplishment

Communicating in Groups Communication Network – a pattern that describes or identifies the flow of communication within a group (who talks to whom and how much) Types of Communication Networks Chain Wheel Open

Chain Network A network in which members pass messages from one person to another “up or down” the chain, but there is no communication among member’s except for talking to the person next to you

Wheel Network A network in which there is a single person through whom all messages are sent.

Open Network A network where everyone has an equal opportunity to communicate with everyone else in the group. The ideal network!

Problem Solving in Groups Identify and Define the Problem Set scope! Develop Criteria for a Potential Solution Identify needs and set limits Generate Possible Solutions Brainstorming Select the Best Solution or Combination Consensus – a solution all members can be satisfied with Implement the Solution

Groupthink A tendency in groups to become more focused on reaching a solution than exploring the problem fully (Challenger) How to avoid Groupthink  Encourage critical thinking  Don’t agree with someone just because of status  Consider third-party evaluation  Assign a devil’s advocate  Consider pros and cons of solutions

Stages in Group Communication Forming – coming together for a purpose Norming – establishing and discovering group norms (happens throughout) Storming – brainstorming about problem Conforming – coming to consensus about problem; also conforming to established group norms and rules Performing – presenting finished process

Types of Leadership Authoritarian A leader who makes the decisions, gives the orders and generally controls all activities. Has little concern for group consensus, they are very dictatorial and very “in control.” Strengths: -Tasks get accomplished easily -Group is usually focused on task -Leadership is clear – no confusion -One person in charge Weaknesses: -Members do not feel valued -Members may become resentful -Members have no motivation to stay involved, all decisions are already made

Types of Leadership Democratic A leader who motivates followers to participate in decision making in an effort to get the majority to agree and commit to decisions. If members disagree, then this leader tries to resolve the problem. Strengths: -Group members feel valued and included in decision making process -Group is usually very cohesive -All issues are considered -Members are usually more pleased with the decisions Weaknesses: -Group often takes a long time to reach a decision -Group may lack objectivity because of personal connections -Members may not be satisfied when their idea does not get chosen

Type of Leadership Laissez- Faire A leader who sits back and lets the group figure things out. They take a very laid back, “hands off” approach to group leadership and members may not even know who the leader is. Strengths: -All group members feel like equals -Group has a “laid back” feel -Decisions made by this group are not reached out of pressure, usually they are “stumbled upon” Weaknesses: -Group may never make decisions -Members might be confused about who the leader is -Group may lack personal relationships -Group may have a hard time staying on task

Leadership Theories Trait Approach – good leaders are born with certain traits that predispose them to being leaders (intelligence, confidence, social skills, charisma, good looks, etc.) Situational Approach – leaders emerge depending on the situation; so different situations call upon different leadership styles Contextual Approach – a combination that states that while there are certain traits that make people “born leaders,” their actual rise to positions of leadership depends also on the situation, other group members, norms, task and group pressure.

Types of Power Legitimate - being elected, appointed, or selected to lead the group Referent - being well liked or having likeable qualities Expert - a member’s knowledge and information not possessed by other members Coercive - the ability to punish another Reward - providing rewards for desired behavior

Indicators of Power General Indicators of Power Titles - who is defined, who defines whom Decision making - whose decisions are followed, who decides Opposition/Resistance - who opposes change, who can speak out Verbal Indicators of Power Dominance - who dominates the conversation Time - who gets to talk Interruption - presumptuousness Nonverbal Indicators of Power Space - who gets the most, special space, reserved spaces Posture and general communication Touch Eye Contact Objects and Tangible Material - best pen, computer, desk, etc.