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Small Group Communication. What is Small-Group Communication?. 3-9 people Over 10 -Several members don’t participate -Sub-groups Ideal Group Size -4.6 people . ( Hackman and Vidmar , 1970). Small Group Functions. Small Group Types. Task-oriented groups Relationship-oriented groups
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What is Small-Group Communication? 3-9 people Over 10 -Several members don’t participate -Sub-groups Ideal Group Size -4.6 people. (Hackman and Vidmar, 1970)
Small Group Functions Small Group Types • Task-oriented groups • Relationship-oriented groups • Assigned groups • Emergent groups
What is Leadership? A process of using communication to influence the behaviors and attitudes of others to meet group goals
Types of Leaders • Types of Small Group Leaders • Appointed leaders • Emergent leaders
How Leaders Emerge • Initiative • Rising to occasion • Expectations • Cultural norms • Experience/Position • Age • Gender • Personality
How Leaders Maintain • Reward • Punishment • Charisma • Trustworthiness • Skill • Knowledge
Leadership Styles • Democratic leaders • Laissez-faire leaders • Autocratic leaders
Group Culture • Norms • Informal rules for interaction • Member Roles • Formal Roles • Vice Presidents • Historian • Behavioral Roles • Task functions • Maintenance functions • Self-centered functions
Task Roles Accomplish goals Examples of Task Roles 1. Leader - helps the group define and achieve goals.2. Initiator - contributor: Offers ideas and suggestions.3. Opinion seeker – requests info4. Information giver5. Secretary – recorder6. Devil’s advocate – prevents “group think” 7. Worker Bee – ready to follow
Maintenance Roles Maintain morale Examples of Maintenance roles 1. Encourager – provides emotional warmth, praise and acceptance2. Harmonizer – help people connect and help resolve social conflicts3. Feeling Expresser – monitors feelings and moods of the group and gives feedback. 4. Morale Builder – maintains positivity through socializing and outlook.
Self-Serving Roles Negatively affect group Examples of Self-Serving Roles1. Stagehog – recognition seeker2. Isolate – withdraws from the group3. Clown – horseplay, practical jokes, comic routines that goes beyond tension reliever.4. Blocker/Cynic – opposes everything new/displays sour outlook5. Fighter – starts arguments, bullying.
Stages of Group Development • The group knows its purpose and roles well and it’s nearly 2nd nature. • Normal behaviors are starting • Conflict over purpose, leadership, roles, norms • Awkward • No clear leaders or rolesd
Group Pros and Cons Pros - More ideas = Better ideas • Can speed process up • Unity, Accountability Cons • More ideas = Standstill • Can slow process down • Groupthink