1. Communicating in Small Groups

2. 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.

3. 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

4. Group Dynamics Rules Norms
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 GHS allow students to get away sagging pants

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

6. Role Types in Groups Task Social Individual / Self-Centered
A set of behaviors that helps the group accomplish the work, 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

7. Group Types Structure Formal (A committee at work; a jury)
Structured
Clear rules
Official roles and duties (president, chairperson)
Official name / title
Usually designed to last a specific length of time
Informal (your group of friends)
Flexible
Fewer formal rules and roles, but sometimes more norms
Less structured
Smaller in size
Often satisfy interpersonal needs

8. Group Types (cont.) Function Task Social Combination
Purpose is to accomplish a specific task
Social
Purpose is to satisfy need for relationships and friendships
Combination
Serve both functions – sometimes they exist for the relationships, but sometimes the group needs to accomplish a task

9. Balance is the Key Structure Interaction 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

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

11. Characteristics of Cohesive Groups
Emphasize “we” rather than “I”
Reinforce good attendance
Establish group traditions
Set clear goals
Encourage participation
Celebrate accomplishing goals
Stress teamwork and collaboration over individual accomplishment

12. 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

13. 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

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

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

16. Problem Solving in Groups
Identify and Define the Problem
Set scope!
Develop Criteria for a Potential Solution
Identify needs
Set Limits
Generate Possible Solutions
Brainstorming
Nominal group technique
Select the Best Solution
Consensus – a solution all members can be satisfied with
NO Groupthink
Implement the Solution

17. Groupthink
A tendency in groups to become more focused on reaching a solution than exploring the issues at hand
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

18. 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