GROUP COMMUNICATION UNIT

How is group communication defined?

* Group communication is:* 3 or more persons interacting with one another

so each person influences and is influenced by each other (Shaw)

5 characteristics of a groupl Shared perceptionsl Common goal or motivationl Organization (of roles: leader/follower)l Interdependency (common goal)l Interaction- communication

When might you have to communicate in a group?

At a job Meeting with boss Meeting with other co-workers Congress

At school English class: making a presentation Lab in science In a club meeting (student council) Oral Comm class! Team Committee

School Board Meeting Religious study groups Planning a surprise party for your parents with your

siblings

What are the different types of group communication?

CommitteeRound-table DiscussionPanelSymposium

Committee

• A small subgroup of a larger organization that has been given a specific task or set of tasks to perform

- Examples: Government usually breaks up into committees, like Senate Committee on Government Affaires.

Student Council breaks into committees to plan school events, like collecting change for the Friendship Home.

Round-table Discussion

Round-table Discussion

• King Arthur’s knights at a circular table* Everyone has equal say* The discussion is produced by the

people in the group- Examples:

A book club meeting to discuss the latest book.

Groups in OC.

Panel

Discussion of topics in front of an audience.

- Examples: College classesSports press conferencesIn Careers class

Symposium

* 1 member of the group gives a short, uninterrupted speech, which is followed by a speech from the next member, and so on.

- There is no interaction between members.

- Examples: Congress

Tensions

Tensions: Primary vs. Secondary

Primary:focused on the self; social or initial unease

EX: worried about how to behavior what to say

dangers of too much= individual goals take precedence, ask extreme, group won’t come together if everyone has this; won’t share b/c there’s no TRUST

Good= self-aware of how you can help the group

Secondary:Focused on others

Tension b/t 2 or the whole group

Occurs when differences of opinion arise or jocking for leadership

Joking/lauging helps

Primary Vs. Secondary Tensions

We’re more worried about primary tension than 2nd, b/c conflict (in the secondary) is okay.

At the start, defuse the primary tension by having open communication, make sure the goal is clear, and know strengths & weaknesses of each member. Introduce each other Talk about the goal Be open about strengths

Task Messages vs. Maintenance Messages

You’ve heard these in groups:

“Can’t we stay focused on the assignment?”

“Can we get back to the assignments?”

“Stop goofing off!”“So-and-so is talking to people on the

other side of the room.”“Let’s take a vote.”

Task Messages

* Designed to help the group achieve its goals or complete its task.

• Initiating the goals/task• Clarify information• Summarize• Consensus testing• Seeking information or opinions

Have you heard these?

“What do you think, so-and-so?”“Everyone’s opinion counts. Let’s hear

everyone out.”“I agree with so-and-so.”“I was wrong. I think that’s a better

idea.”

Maintenance Messages

* Purpose of keeping relationships among the group members harmonious so there is a positive climate in the group.

• Harmonizing• Gate keeping• Encouraging• Compromising

What factors affect group work?

Size of Group

* 5-7* Vote w/ odd #* Too large & not everyone can partake

Cliques Within a Group

A few people in the group separate from the larger group.

Personal Goals of Members

• When people have their own agenda (goals) that don’t match the groups.

• Examples: • When more than one person wants to be

the leader.• When a person wants to be the “funny

guy” more than the group’s common goal.

Physical Environment

* Temperature* Visual distractions * Noise

Seating Arrangement

• See everyone

• Not too close

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Time for Discussion

• Best when everyone’s alert.• Before or after lunch isn’t good.• Enough time.• Breaks if meeting

is lengthy.

Outcomes of Discussion

Outcomes of Discussion

ConsensusAll members of the group agree on solution or decision.

CompromiseEach member gives up part of the solution or decision they want.

Majority VoteOver half of the group favors the solution or decision. (2/3 Vote)

False Consensus

Members keep serious disagreement to themselves & “go along.”

Groupthink- Illusion of agreement- Avoid conflict

Groupthink

1. Read the articles.2. Small group discussion.

Groupthink

1. Illusion of invulnerability2. Collective rationalization3. Illusion of inherent morality4. Stereotype views of opposition5. Pressure of dissenting members6. Self-censorship7. Illusion of unanimity8. Mind-guarding

Groupthink prevention (C. Braithwaite)

1. Leader shouldn’t reveal preferences right away

2. Assign devil’s advocate(s)3. Form sub-groups to further

explore ideas4. Use outside experts &

information5. Allow ideas to “incubate”

Life Cycle of Groups

Life Cycle of Groups

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Forming

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Forming• Initial coming together: you explain

your reason for being in the group, & your hopes

• Everyone listens to everyone• Look for leadership• Like infancy, awkward

• Once similarity of goals and personalities is established you move to the next step… storming.

Storming• Individuals try to challenge differences of

goals and approaches as part of an effort to express their own individuality & to gain power over the group

• Leadership may be challenged• Try to create order• Confront & resolve conflict• Like adolescence, most difficult

• Once the group begins to resolve conflicts over who is to exert influence and procedures you move to the next step… Norming.

Norming

• The group is a cohesive unit, ready to tackle its task

• They trust each other• They’re ready to work• They share leadership & ideas

• Once the group begins to trust each other… Performing.

Performing

• (Final stage)• Trust & even affection for each other

grows• Strong bond b/c each feels they’re a

part of a unique group• The group now can effectively &

harmoniously complete their tasks.

Goals of a Group

Clear & Elevating Goal

Clear & Elevating Goal

1. Read the chapter.2. Be able to define a clear and

elevating goal.3. Understand its importance.

Handling Conflict in Groups

When you get in a conflict follow these steps.

1. Identify the warrants of the opposition. Warrants are the reasons for your position, not your position.

2. Explain the warrants of your position.3. Respect your opponents’ interests. Don’t

attack the person. Respect their opinion.4. Work for a reasonable solution, one that

both sides like.5. Maintain dialogue. Don’t shut off and

give up. Keep working it out verbally until a solution or compromise can be met.