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Small Group Communication. What is Small-Group Communication?. The interaction between three to nine people who are working together to achieve an interdependent goal. The Types and Functions of Small Groups. Task-oriented groups – completing tasks Secondary groups
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What is Small-Group Communication? The interaction between three to nine people who are working together to achieve an interdependent goal
The Types and Functions of Small Groups • Task-oriented groups – completing tasks • Secondary groups • Relationship-oriented groups – inclusion/affection • Primary groups • Assigned groups – appointed hierarchy • Emergent groups – environmental conditions
Group Pros and Cons Pros - More ideas = Better ideas • Can speed process up • Unity, Accountability Cons • More ideas = Standstill • Can slow process down • Groupthink
What is Leadership? Influencing the behaviors and attitudes of others to meet personal or, hopefully, group goals.
The Role of Leadership in Small Groups • Types of Small Group Leaders • Designated leaders - appointed • Emergent leaders - environmental
How Leaders Get Power • Initiative • Other Sources of Power • Reward • Punishment – withhold needs • Coercion – hostile tactics • Referent - loyalty • Expert power - knowledge
Leadership Styles • Democratic leaders • Laissez-faire leaders • Autocratic leaders
Establishing Culture in Small Groups • Group Norms • Informal rules for interaction • Role Structure • Formal (positional) and informal (behavioral) roles • Behavioral functions • Task functions • Maintenance functions • Self-centered functions
Roles 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. Follower – Obeys commands and listens to others. Examples of Maintenance roles 1. Supporter – encourager – provides emotional warmth, praise and acceptance2. Harmonizer – tension reliever – promotes group peace, uses humor, reconciles conflict3. Gatekeeper – controls channels of communication and flow of information using openness and supportiveness4. Feeling expresser – monitors feelings and moods of the group and gives feedback. 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 – opposes everything new.5. Fighter – starts arguments, bullying.6. Cynic – displays sour outlook, destroys morale.
