Chapter 1: Small Group Communication

Small Group Communication

1) Communication among a small group of people who share a common purpose.
2) Feel a sense of belonging to the group
3) Assert influence on one another

Communication

The process of acting on information, however information is NOT communication. Communication does NOT operate in a linear, input-output process. What you send is rarely what others understand.

Symbols

Something that represents a thought, concept, object or experience. Non verbal symbols such as our use of gestures, posture, tone of voice, clothing and jewelry communicate emotions.

Transactional Communication

Live, in-personal communication. Meaning when we communicate we send and receive information simultaneously.

Key Elements of Communication

1) Source- the originator of the ideas and feelings expressed
2) Message- the information being communicated
3) Receiver- the person(s) who interpret the message
4) Channel- the means by which the message is expressed

Mediated Setting

The setting in which the channel of communication is a phone line, fiber optic cable or internet.

Small Group

Consist of at least 3 people

Dyad

Two people

Team

A coordinated group of individuals organized to work together to achieve a specific, common goal.

Group vs. Team

Groups: 1) Goals may be discussed in general terms
2) Rules and responsibilities may be discussed
but not always explicitly defined or developed
3) Rules and expectations are often not formally
developed and evolve based on group needs
4) Group members in

Group vs. Team

Teams: 1) Clear, elevating goals drive all aspects of teams
accomplishments.
2) Rules and responsibilities are explicitly
developed and discussed
3) Rules and operating procedures are clearly
discussed and developed to help the team
work together
4) Team

Characteristics of an Effective Team

1) Clear, Elevating Goals- having a common, well-defined
goal is the single most important attribute of an effective
team
2) Results-Driven Structure- Need to have an efficient
system or method of organizing how they work together
3) Competent Team Member

Characteristics of Effective Team Members

1) Experience- Effective team members have practical
experience in managing the problems and issues they
face
2) Problem Solving Ability- Analyzing problems and issues
while staying focused on the problem and possible
solution
3) Opennes- Team members nee

Enhancing Team Effectiveness

1) Clarify group expectations; Set team gound rules
2) Learn the strengths of each team member
3) Identify barriers that prevent accomplishing team goals
4) Develop a plan and put it into action
5) Evaluate the plan and team procedures

Advantages vs. Disadvantages

Advantages:
1) Groups and Teams have more information than
individuals do.
2) Groups and Teams stimulate creativity
3) You remember what you discussed
4) More likely to be satisfied with a decision you helped
make
5) You gain a better understanding of you

Advantages vs. Disadvantages

Disadvantages:
1) Group members may pressure others to conformto the majority opinion in order to avoid conflict
2) An individual group or team member may dominate the
discussion
3) Some group members may rely too much on others to
get the job done.
4) Wo

Individualistic Cultures

Value individual acheivement of one's potential over group
group success.
1) United States
2) Britain
3) Australia

Collectivistic Cultures

Value group or team acheivement over individual acheivement.
1) Japan
2) China
3) Taiwan
4) Venezuela
5) Columbia
6) Pakistan

Primary Groups

A groups who's main purpose is to give people a way to fulfill their basic need to associate with others. The family is the best illustration of this kind of group.

Secondary Groups

Exists to accomplish a task or acheive a goal. Most of the
groups we belong to in work or school are secondary

Kinds of Secondary Groups

1) Problem-Solving- exist to overcome some unsatisfactory situation or obstacle to achieving a goal.
2) Decision-Making- exist to make a choice among several
alternatives. Although all group problem solving involves
making a decision, not all group decisi

Competent Group Communicator

A person who is able to interact appropriately and effectively with others in small groups and teams. Be nice

The Essence of Communication Competence

1) Motivation- an internal drive to achieve a goal. A strong
desire to do your best even when periods of fatigue and
frustration occur.
2) Knowledge- the information you need to competently
do what needs to be done.
3) Skill- an effective behavior that ca

Characteristics and Coordinating Mechanisms of small groups

Three principals characteristics define small groups 1)interdependence-interactivity 2)the number of interactions 3)synergy