2. Chapter 9 Objectives
Define small-group communication and state why it is important
Recognize different types of groups
Define leadership and explain its relevance to small-group communication
Explain how culture develops in small groups

3. Chapter 9 Objectives
Identify steps in the small-group decision-making process
Discuss how technology can be used to facilitate small-group communication
Utilize skills necessary for effective and ethical group communication
Recognize strategies for ethically managing group conflict

4. Why Should You Learn About Small Groups?
To meet our need for inclusion, affection and control
Groups are everywhere
To learn a highly valued skill
To become an effective group member
To participate in the democratic process

5. What is Small-Group Communication?
The interaction between three to nine people who are working together to achieve an interdependent goal

6. Types and Functions of Small Groups
Task-oriented groups
Secondary groups
Relationship-oriented groups
Primary groups
Assigned groups
Emergent groups

7. What is Leadership?
A process of using communication to influence the behaviors and attitudes of others to meet group goals

8. The Role of Leadership in Small Groups
Types of Small Group Leaders
Designated leaders
Elected or appointed to a leadership position
Emergent leaders
Becomes an informal leader by exerting influence

9. The Role of Leadership in Small Groups
Power and Group Leadership
Distributive power
Integrative power
Designated power

10. The Role of Leadership in Small Groups
Sources of Power in Groups
Reward power
Punishment power
Coercion
Referent power
Expert power

11. Three Approaches to Effective Leadership
Leadership Styles
Democratic leaders
Encourage member participation
Laissez-faire leaders
Take no initiative for structuring group discussion
Autocratic leaders
Maintain strict control over the group

12. Three Approaches to Effective Leadership
Leadership as Communication Competence
Focus is on communicative behaviors used to exercise influence
Two competencies used by leaders
Task
Interpersonal

13. Three Approaches to Effective Leadership
Leadership as Planning
Know the task at hand
Know the people
Collect information
Distribute leadership
Organize the discussion

14. Establishing Culture in Small Groups
Group Norms
Informal rules for group interaction

15. Establishing Culture in Small Groups
Group Norms
Role Structure
Formal and informal roles
Behavioral functions
Task functions
Maintenance functions
Self-centered functions

16. Establishing Culture in Small Groups
Group Norms
Role Structure
Group Cohesiveness
Trust, supportiveness, cohesiveness
Groupthink

17. Establishing Culture in Small Groups
Group Norms
Role Structure
Group Cohesiveness
Group Diversity
Within-group diversity
Gender diversity
Cultural diversity

18. Problem Solving and Decision Making
Characteristics of group problem solving
Multiple perspectives
Takes longer
Well suited for conjunctive tasks
More effective when the process is systematic and organized

19. Problem Solving and Decision Making
Effective group problem solving
Wording the discussion question
Is it a question of fact, value, or policy?
Is it stated clearly?
Is it measurable?
Does it focus on the problem?

20. Problem Solving and Decision Making
Effective group problem solving
Wording the discussion question
Discussing criteria for judging solutions
Absolute criteria
Important criteria

21. Problem Solving and Decision Making
Effective group problem solving
Wording the discussion question
Discussing criteria for judging solutions
Identifying alternatives
Brainstorming

22. Problem Solving and Decision Making
Effective group problem solving
Wording the discussion question
Discussing criteria for judging solutions
Identifying alternatives
Evaluating alternatives

23. The Functions of Group Work
Solving problems
Making decisions
Negotiating conflict
Fostering creativity
Maintaining ties to stakeholders

24. Technology and Group Communication Processes
Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS)
Advantages
Anonymous and efficient
Disadvantages
Expensive and impractical

25. Making Your Small Group Communication Effective
Relate your statements to preceding remarks
Use conventional word arrangements
Speak concisely
State one point at a time

26. Being an Ethical Group Member
Be trustworthy and supportive
Be honest and truthful
Be thorough and unbiased when evaluating information
Behave with integrity
Manage group conflict ethically