1. Small Group Communication
An Introduction
11/22/2018
Small Group Communication

2. Small Group Communication
Course Overview
Leadership
Influences
Analytical Tools
Communication Skills
11/22/2018
Small Group Communication

3. Small Group Communication
1. What is a group?
Perceptions
Motivation
Goals
Organization
Interdependency
Interaction
11/22/2018
Small Group Communication

4. Small Group Communication
2. A Working Definition
Formation Issues – Motivation, Goals
Consequence Issues – Roles, Status, Norms
Essence Issue – “2 or more persons who interact in such a manner that each influences and is influenced by each other person”
Endure for a reasonable amount of time
Have goals (stated and/or unstated)
Developed a rudimentary group structure
11/22/2018
Small Group Communication

5. Small Group Communication
3. Types of Groups
Primary (affiliation)
Therapy or Encounter
Study or Learning
Problem-solving
Activity
Committees
Ad Hoc
Standing
Conference
Public Discussion
Panel
Public Interview
Forum (Town hall)
Symposium (speeches on 1 topic)
11/22/2018
Small Group Communication

6. 4. Factors impacting groups
Network
Size
Messages
Roles
Status
Interaction
Environment
Time
Relationships
11/22/2018
Small Group Communication

7. 5. Characteristics of effective Groups
Input Variables
Shared values
Proper size
Resources
Clear Mission
Proper Environment
Output Variables
Goal attainment
Satisfaction
Cohesiveness
Consensus on roles/leadership
Process Variables
Appropriate comm.
All-channel net
Agreed upon roles, procedures, & goals
Proper problem-solving & decision-making processes
11/22/2018
Small Group Communication

8. 6. Theoretical Perspectives
Field theory
Interaction theory
Activity
Interaction
Sentiment
Systems
Socio-metric (choice-driven)
Psychoanalytic
General psychological
Empirical/Stats
Formal Models
11/22/2018
Small Group Communication

9. Small Group Communication
7. Methods of Study
Field Studies
Surveys
Observations
Laboratory Experiments
Computer Simulations
11/22/2018
Small Group Communication

10. Effective Group Members
Communication Skills
Listening
Creativity
Meeting Management
Effective Group Members
Conflict
Management
Problem-solving
11/22/2018
Small Group Communication