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Understanding and Communicating in Groups

Explore the characteristics of groups, the stages of group development, the impact of group size on communication, the formation of cliques and coalitions, and the factors influencing group communication.

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Understanding and Communicating in Groups

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  1. Chapter 9 Communicating in Groups

  2. Understanding Groups • A collection of more than two people • Share some kind of relationship • Communicate in an interdependent fashion • Collaborate toward a shared purpose

  3. Characteristics of Groups • A shared identity • Common goals • Specific or general • Shared sense of purpose • Interdependent relationships The behavior of each member affects the behavior of every other member

  4. Group Types • Primary groups (Family and friends) • Support groups • Problem-solving groups • Study groups • Focus groups • Self-directed work teams

  5. Group Development • Forming Stage • Who will be in charge • Group’s goals • Storming Stage • What roles will members play • Conflict may occur

  6. Group Development • Norming Stage • Establish agreed norms governing expectations Norms: Recurring patterns of behavior or thinking that become the “usual” way of doing things in the group • Roles solidify • Leader emerges

  7. Group Development • Performing Stage Members work together to achieve goals and overcome hurdles • Adjourning Stage • Members reflect on accomplishments and failures • Determine next steps as a group

  8. Group Size and Communication • The larger the group… • Interaction is more formal • Each member has limited opportunities to contribute • Communication is less intimate • Interactions are more time consuming • The relationships are more complex

  9. Group Size and Communication

  10. Size, Cliques, and Coalitions • The larger the group… • Cliques (Coalitions) emerge Small subgroups of individuals who have bonded together within a group • Countercoaltions can develop Subgroups that are positioned against each other on issues

  11. Group Size and Social Loafing • The larger the group… • The more likely social loafing is to occur • Failing to invest the same level of effort in the group that you would put in if working alone • Affects participation and communication in groups • The more difficult it is to assess individual contributions to the group

  12. Group Networks • Patterns of interaction govern who speaks with whom in a group and about what • Two features • Centrality • Isolation

  13. Group Networks • Types of Networks

  14. Additional Factors Affecting Group Communication • Interdependence • Cohesion The degree to which group members have bonded and consider themselves one entity • Group Climate Group temperament

  15. Additional Factors Affecting Group Communication • Norms • Roles • Task Roles • Social Roles • Antigroup Roles • Role Conflict • Clarity of Goals

  16. Additional Factors Affecting Group Communication • Groupthink and Conflict A situation in which group members strive to minimize conflict by demonstrating loyalty • Individual Differences • Cultural factors • Communication apprehension

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