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Chapter 8: Small Group Communication. Interpersonal. If two heads are better than one, then …. Groups. Five heads are better than two, right?. Importance of Studying Groups. Groups are the setting in which most tasks take place 75% of employees say they “always” “Often” work in groups
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Interpersonal • If two heads are better than one, then …
Groups • Five heads are better than two, right?
Importance of Studying Groups • Groups are the setting in which most tasks take place • 75% of employees say they “always” “Often” work in groups • Studies show that in effective groups results are better than if reached by individuals alone
Criteria For Groups • Definition: • a small group of people who interact with each other, usually face to face, over time in order to reach goals • Size- • at least three people (coalitions), between 7 and 20 • each member knows and reacts to every other member; • Best size: “The smallest number of people who are capable of performing the task at hand effectively.” • Interaction- • communicate verbally and nonverbally; includes internet
Interdependence – • one person’s behavior affects the others’; • known as “ripple effect” • Time – • long enough to develop group rules and norms • Goals: • Individual – motives of individuals • Group – desired group outcome • “hidden agendas” - individual goals that differ or interfere with group goals
Characteristics of Groups • Rules- • explicit, officially stated guidelines that tell members how to act and what to do • Norms – • unstated rules of how to act such as values, beliefs, behaviors and procedures
Roles - • Formal – captain, coach, leader • Informal -functional roles • Task – • help the group accomplish its goals • Social or maintenance - • help the group interactions run smoothly; maintain relationships • Dysfunctional – • prevent a group from working effectively
Types of Groups • Learning Groups: • Increase knowledge or skill • Tae-kwon-do • Problem Solving • attempt to resolve a mutual concern of members • Fundraising, • Social Groups – • fulfill needs such as affection, inclusion, control; • supper clubs, couples, clique • Growth Groups • focus on teaching members more about themselves • marriage workshops; AA, Life Support,
Value of Groups • Advantages • Allows Pooling of resources • Increases Accuracy • Increases Commitment
Disadvantages • Conflict leads to deadlock • Unequal distribution of work • Groupthink • Dissent is discouraged which leads to faulty decisions • Unequal Power Influences • Decisions take longer to reach
Use Groups When… • Task is too much for one person • Individual tasks are interdependent • Multiple solutions are available • Approval is needed from various areas