Chapter 8 Communicating in Groups. List the characteristics and types of groups and explain how groups develop Understand how group size affects communication.

Chapter 8

Communicatingin Groups

• List the characteristics and types of groups and explain how groups develop

• Understand how group size affects communication

• Identify the influence of networks in groups

Chapter Objectives

• Analyze aspects that determine a group’s effectiveness

• Define the roles individuals play in a group

• Identify other issues affecting group communication

Chapter Objectives

Understanding Groups

• A collection of more than two people

• Share some kind of relationship

• Communicate in an interdependent fashion

• Collaborate toward a shared purpose

Characteristics of Groups

• A shared identity• Common goals

–Specific or general–Shared sense of purpose

• Interdependent relationshipsThe behavior of each member

affects the behavior of every other member

Group Types

• Primary groups(Family and friends)

• Support groups• Problem-solving groups• Study groups• Focus groups• Self-directed work

teams

Group Development

• Forming Stage–Who will be in charge–Group’s goals

• Storming Stage–What roles will members play–Conflict may occur

Group Development

• Norming Stage–Establish agreed norms

governing expectationsNorms: Recurring patterns of behavior or thinking that become the “usual” way of doing things in the group

–Roles solidify–Leader emerges

Group Development

• Performing StageMembers work together to

achieve goals and overcome hurdles

• Adjourning Stage–Members reflect on

accomplishments and failures–Determine next steps as a

group

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

Group Size and Communication

Size, Cliques, and Coalitions

• The larger the group…–Cliques (Coalitions) emerge

Small subgroups of individuals who have bonded together within a group

–Countercoaltions can developSubgroups that are positioned against each other on issues

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

Group Networks

• Patterns of interaction governing who speaks with whom in a group and about what

• Two features–Centrality– Isolation

Group Networks

• Types of Networks

Additional Factors Affecting Group Communication

• Interdependence• Cohesion

The degree to which group members have bonded and consider themselves one entity

• Group ClimateGroup temperament

Additional Factors Affecting Group Communication

• Norms• Roles

–Task Roles–Social Roles–Antigroup Roles–Role Conflict

• Clarity of Goals

Additional Factors Affecting Group Communication

• Groupthink and ConflictA situation in which group

members strive to minimize conflict by demonstrating loyalty

• Individual Differences–Cultural factors–Communication apprehension