Small Group Communication

1. Small Group Communication

2. What is a group? A collection of individuals who influence one another, have a common purpose, take on roles, are interdependent and interact with others. MacManus Brothers

3. Why do people form groups? Psychological and social needs. Achieve goals. Fun Run Provide information. Meet the need for security. Create positive social identity Draco

4. Group Size Many small group experts recommend that groups have no fewer than three and no more than nine. And for decision making groups, it is recommended that you have an odd number.

5. Group Norms Expected and shared ways in which group members behave are called norms. Norms can be implicit or explicit.

6. Small Group Elements Ripple Effect Dwight Synergy Bunk Beds Cohesiveness Dentist Office

7. Stages of Group Development Forming: Initial stages of group development, where they first come together and get to know each other. Norming: This is when conflict begins to occur and groups tend to create norms and rules. Storming: When members start to figure out their roles and discussing plans for the task to be accomplished. Performing: When the group completes and presents their task or product.

8. Forming • Why do people form groups? • Interpersonal attraction • Attraction to group activities • Attraction to group goals • Establish meaning and identity • Fulfillment of needs outside the group • Remember The Titans

9. Storming • TENSION! • Primary Tension – Getting to know members, awkwardness, small talk. • "I Don't Speak Monkey.” • Meet Megan • Secondary Tension – Jockeying for position leadership/roles • Peeta

10. Norming • Phase where work happens • NORMS: • Explicit Norms – Rules that are spelled out • The First Rule Is... • On Wednesdays, We Wear... • We Don't Observe Trash Day • Implicit Norms – Implied norms – how the group functions • No Grocery Bag • Rules of Feminism

11. Performing/Adjourning • Performing • Presentations • Games • Performance • Be A Man • Adjourning • The end of the group • Don't You Forget About Me • Can be happy or sad

12. Leadership Styles Democratic Autocratic Laissez-Faire

13. Democratic Shares Control Involves members in setting policy and making decisions; does not make any decisions without consulting team. May guide but helps divide work.

14. Autocratic Keeps Complete Control Sets policy and makes all the decisions for the group Defines tasks and assigns them to members.

15. Laissez-Faire Gives up control Gives total freedom to group members to make policies and decisions, gets involved only when called on. Completely avoids participation

16. Group Roles Task Roles Get the job done Chester Copperpot Maintenance Roles Keep harmony Disruptive Roles Cause Problems Jim Vs. Dwight Mouth and Rosalita Formal & Informal Formal and Informal