Small Group Communication

Why Should You Learn About Small Groups?

 To meet needs  Groups are everywhere  To learn a highly valued skill  To become an effective group member  To participate in the democratic process

What is Small-Group Communication?

The interaction between three to nine people who are working together to achieve an interdependent goal

The Types and Functions of Small Groups  Task-oriented groups – completing tasks – Secondary groups  Relationship-oriented groups – inclusion/affection – Primary groups  Assigned groups – appointed hierarchy  Emergent groups – environmental conditions

What is Leadership?

A process of using communication to influence the behaviors and attitudes of others to meet group goals

The Role of Leadership in Small Groups  Types of Small Group Leaders – Designated leaders - appointed – Emergent leaders - environmental

The Role of Leadership in Small Groups  Power and Group Leadership – Distributive power - leader – Integrative power interdependence – Designated power - relational  Sources of Power – Reward – Punishment – withhold needs – Coercion – hostile tactics – Referent - loyalty – Expert power - knowledge

Theoretical Approaches to Group Leadership  Style Approaches – Democratic leaders – Laissez-faire leaders – Autocratic leaders  Contingency Approaches – Different contingencies (situations) require different leadership styles

Theoretical Approaches to Group Leadership  Communication Competencies Approach – What do effective leaders do?

 The Distributed Leadership Approach – Each member is expected to help the group move forward

Establishing Culture in Small Groups

 Group Norms – Informal rules for interaction  Role Structure – Formal (positional) and informal (behavioral) roles – Behavioral functions    Task functions Maintenance functions Self-centered functions

Establishing Culture in Small Groups

 Group Cohesiveness – Trust, supportiveness, cohesiveness – Groupthink  Diversity and Cognitive Paradigms – Observable diversity (physical characteristics) – Implicit diversity (worldview)

Problem Solving and Decision Making  Characteristics of Group Problem Solving – Multiple perspectives – Takes longer – Well suited for conjunctive tasks (all members have some info, no one has all) – More effective when the process is systematic and organized

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?

– Discussing criteria for judging solutions   Absolute criteria (must be met) Important criteria (should be met)

Problem Solving and Decision Making – Identifying alternatives  Brainstorming – Evaluating alternatives

The Functions of Groups in a New Era  Making decisions  Effecting change  Negotiating conflict  Fostering creativity  Maintaining ties to stakeholders

Technology and Group Communication Processes  Group Decision Support System (GDSS) – Brainstorming – Evaluation of alternatives – Anonymous – Efficient

How Should You Communicate in Small Groups?

 Relate your statements to preceding remarks  Use conventional word arrangements  Speak concisely  State one point at a time

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

 Questions?

 Comments from TAs  Head to recitation.