Diversity in Groups

Importance of Diversity Group diversity can increase member satisfaction and group performance among other benefits

Obstacles to Productive Interactions In diverse groups, the following obstacles can prevent members from interacting productively and achieving goals: Ethnocentrism Stereotypes Prejudice Discrimination (-isms)

Leadership in Groups

Leader vs. Leadership Leader: title given to a person Leadership: ability to make strategic decisions & use communication effectively to mobilize group members toward achieving a common goal

Designated: selected by group members or an outside authority Emergent: gradually achieve leadership Designated vs. Emergent

Leadership Theories Situational Leadership 5 M Model

Situational Leadership Leaders adapt their leadership style to the level of member readiness. As a group’s readiness increases, leaders should rely more on relationship behavior than task behavior. – –The Telling Stage: Low Readiness – –The Selling Stage: Moderate Readiness – –The Participating Stage: Moderate to High Readiness – –Delegating Stage: High Readiness

5 M Model of Leadership Model leadership Motivate members Manage group process Make decisions Mentor members

Verbal & Nonverbal Communication in Groups

Defining Verbal & Nonverbal Communication Verbal communication: the use of words & language Nonverbal communication: message components other than words that generate meaning

Team Talk Language that group members should use as they work together to achieve the group goal Identification Interdependence Minimal power differentiation Social equality Conflict management Negotiation

“I” “You” & “We” Language I Take responsibility for feelings and actions, but don’t overuse and appear self- centered. You Don’t shift responsibility from yourself to others. Appropriate if expressing positive judgments. We Use inclusive plural pronouns; share credit for group achievements.

Importance of Using Clear Language Abstract vs. concrete language Bypassing Jargon

Key Nonverbals in Groups Personal Appearance Facial Expression and Eye Contact Vocal Expression Physical Expression Environment

Seating Arrangements

Nonverbal Communication & Gender Women tend to Use more facial expressionUse more facial expression Smile moreSmile more Use more eye contactUse more eye contact Use more expressive movementsUse more expressive movements Touch others moreTouch others more Notice nonverbal behavior moreNotice nonverbal behavior more Men tend to Use more expansive movementsUse more expansive movements Appear more relaxedAppear more relaxed Appear less involvedAppear less involved Touch others lessTouch others less Shake hands moreShake hands more Use a larger personal distanceUse a larger personal distance

Defensive & Supportive Communication Defensive: – –Evaluation – –Control – –Neutrality – –Superiority – –Certainty – –Strategy Supportive: – –Description – –Problem Orientation – –Empathy – –Equality – –Provisionalism – –Spontaneity