Small Group Communication

1. Team For Small Group Communication Grace Geng Tom Kwasa Alex Halvaty Tao Ji

2. Outlines

3. SmallGroup Communication andProblem Solution

4. Definition of a Small Group

5. Use and Value of Teams in the Effective Organization

6. Characteristics of Effective Problem-Solving Teams • Well organized • Receive periodic training • Examine assumptions and opinions • Evaluate possible solutions • Avoid groupthink • Manage cultural diversity • Operate virtually

7. Effective Teams Are Well Organized

8. Effective Teams Receive Periodic Training • Group productivity Group training • Training can dispel a variety of prejudices people have about teams.

9. Effective Teams Evaluate Possible Solutions Compare the solution to predetermined criteriaExample: select employee

10. Effective Teams Manage Cultural Diversity • Not all cultures view or solve problems in the same way.

11. Manage Cultural Diversity cont.

12. Effective Teams Operate Virtually Face to face meetings Computer-mediated communication (CMC)

13. The Basic Problem-Solving Procedure

14. Selecting the Group Format

15. Have A Break

16. ParticipationAndLeadershipInTeams

17. Effective Team Participants Have Good Communication Skills • Active Listening: • Receives, interprets, checks, repeat • Open-mindedness • Reach a decision that benefits group as a whole

18. Effective Team Participants Have Good Communication Skills • Effective Personality Types (big five) • Extroversion • Agreeableness • Conscientiousness • Emotional Stability • Openness to Experience

19. Effective Team Participants Perform Needed Task and Maintenance Roles

20. Group Task Roles • Initiate • Give information • Seek information • Give Opinions • Seek Opinions • Elaborate on ideas • Energize the group • Review and summarize the discussions • Record group suggestions

21. Group Maintenance Roles • Encourage • Harmonize • Relieve tension • Gatekeep

22. Dysfunctional Behaviors • Blocking • Aggression • Story Telling • Recognition Seeking • Dominating • Confessing • Special Interest Pleading • Distracting • Withdrawing

23. Handling Dysfunctional Behaviors

24. Effective Team Leadership • Behavior Theories: • Trait • Two-dimension • Function • Three-dimension • Situational Theories: • Situational Contingency • Path-Goal • Recent Theories: • Normative decision • Transformational

25. Leader Responsibilities Face-To-Face Meetings • Inform about meeting location. • Select a meeting place conducive to effective discussion. • Check the facilities prior to meeting • Welcome attendants • Start and end on time. • Preview and stick to the agenda. • Keep minutes (recorder or secretary) • Ask questions • Listen carefully • Summarize • See to tasks and maintenance • Thank participants • Inform stakeholders.

26. Leader Responsibilities Virtual Meetings • Select team members carefully • Avoid micro management • Provide detailed training • Encourage regular and extensive communications.

27. Conclusion • What is a small group? What are the advantages of teams, and why? How does onesolve problems in small group? • How do youmake team participants effective? How to be an effective team leader?

28. Questions

29. Thank You All very much!----Grace Geng, Tom Kwasa, Alex Halvaty, Tao ji Team For