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1 What is a group. “ A group is a special kind of entity. It is a collection pf individuals who, as a result of interacting with one another over time, become interdependent, developing shared patterns of behavior and a collective identity”.
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1What is a group “A group is a special kind of entity. It is a collection pf individuals who, as a result of interacting with one another over time, become interdependent, developing shared patterns of behavior and a collective identity”. Trenholm, S. (2005). Thinking through communication: An introduction to the study of human communication. (4th ed.). Boston: Pearson Education. p. 174.
2What is a group “Within an organisation, groups or teams are formed for the achievement of organisational goals, fop self interest or for social reasons. A group in an organisation consists of two or more people who work together to fulfill a particular task or to achieve a goal”. Dwyer, J. (2002). Communication in business: Strategies and skills. Sydney: Pearson Education. p. 433
3Value of group discussion • Ideas can be generated so that better decisions can be made • Objectives can be clarified more effectively • Group members become committee to the objectives • All members can potentially improve their knowledge and understand of the tasks and one another • Group cohesion (bonding together) is fostered Adapted from an AUT University Communication Studies Dept teaching resource
4What are group dynamics Group dynamics is the study of behaviours in groups • The way a group is led • Influences of various members • The degree of conflict Adapted from an AUT University Communication Studies Dept teaching resource
5Factors that affect a group SIZE: the number of people in the group can have an effect LEADERSHIP: Is the leader authoritarian, democratic…? MEMBERS: Are there too many process people, or task, destructive? STRUCTURE: Is there a hierarchy? Is this a good thing? Is any-one the leader? COHESIVENESS: How well do you ‘get-along’ GROUPTHINK: Do participants think for themselves? CLIMATE: Is the climate of the group stressful, harmonious, industrious? Adapted from Dwyer, J. (2002). Communication in business: Strategies and skills. (2nd ed.). Sydney: Pearson.
6Leadership styles The authoritarian leader: “holds the greatest control over the group…” • Not considered a good way to lead • Does have its advantages e.g. If the leader is an expert The laissez-faire leader: “…does very little actual leading…” • Does not facilitate or delegate • Can lead to unstructured group interaction The democratic leader: “ …is one who lets all points of view be heard.” • Considered the most desirable • This leader facilitates, offers suggestions, empowers others Direct quotes cited from Hybel, S., & Weaver, R. (2001). Communicating effectively. (6th ed). New York: Mc-Graw-Hill. p. 327-329.
7Decision making styles Naturally, the following decision-making styles apply to certain types of Leadership: • Decisions by AUTHORITY: • Decisions made without participation from the group members • Can be quick; does not let everyone take part though in the choice made • Decisions by MAJORITY • A majority vote decides the choice made • Can also be quick; can leave some feeling disgruntled by the decision • Decisions by COMPROMISE • A middle ground is found • Often used because it can be a quick way to make a decision • Neither sides are 100% happy with the choice made Adapted from Dwyer, J. (2002). Communication in business: Strategies and skills. (2nd ed.). Sydney: Pearson.
8Consensus • Consensus decision-making is the other form of decision making. • This method is often seen as superior to the others as it enlists the participation of ALL in order to make a choice • The potential for everyone being satisfied is high • But it can take time • …and it can be very difficult to facilitate effectively Adapted from Dwyer, J. (2002). Communication in business: Strategies and skills. (2nd ed.). Sydney: Pearson.