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Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press
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Communicating in Groups:Building Relationships for Group Effectiveness
Joann Keyton, Ph.D.University of Kansas
Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press
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Chapter 1
The Basics of Group Communication
Both task and relational communication Each group is unique
• One group is never exactly like another We are members of many groups
• Work, community, civic, friendship, and family
• It’s difficult to avoid groups Objective: to better analyze a group and
your role and interactions in it
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What is a group?
Five characteristics central to defining a group1. Group size
2. Interdependence of group members
3. Group identity
4. Group goal
5. Group structure
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Group Size
Minimum number of members is 3• Coalition formation
• Hidden communication Maximum depends on other
characteristics Size affects how members interact Size should be appropriate for task or
activity
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Interdependence of Members
Outcomes influenced by others’ actions• Each group member is influenced by what
other group members say and do
Group task is difficult or impossible for one person to complete• Superordinate goal
• Requires role interdependence among members
Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press
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Group Identity
Members must know and act as if they are members of the group• Identify with other group members
• Identify with the group goal
Group identity fully achieved when members • Behave as a group
• Believe they belong to a group
• Like the group
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Group Goal
Agreed-upon task/activity Clarity about the task/activity Gives the group direction Motivates members Should be cooperative
• Integrates the interests of all members
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Group Structure
Emerges from group rules and norms• Patterns of behavior others come to expect
Emerges from members’ formal and informal roles
Structure may change over the life of the group
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Group Definition
Three or more people who work together interdependently on an agreed-upon activity or goal • Members identify themselves as belonging to
the group
• Members develop structure
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A Group’s Connection to Its Context
• Bona fide group perspective • Permeable and fluid boundaries
• Connectivity
• Embeddedness
Time and space of group interaction• History or duration of group
• Frequency and duration of tasks and activities
• Group’s use of space
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Interdependence ofTask and Relational Dimensions
Task dimension• What the group does
Relational dimension• Social and emotional support among
members
All groups have both dimensions• Dimensions are interdependent
• Both dimensions must be addressed
Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press
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