Exam 1 (Small Group Communication)

When the problem is complex, there are multiple solutions, and there is sufficient time to complete, but an acceptance of the solution by those affected is crucial.

When are groups a good choice as problem solvers?

When there is one best or correct solution by a skilled person, rapidly changing conditions, time constraints, and individuals have high levels of “group hate”.

When are groups NOT a good choice as problem solvers?

Groups

Three or more individuals who have a common purpose, interact with each other, influence each other, and are interdependent.

Small Groups

A group of at least three people that is small enough for for individual members to perceive one another as individuals during interaction. Usually 3-7 members is ideal range, 5 often optimal if members possess needed knowledge and skills.

Communication

The process of creating, sending, receiving, and interpreting signals between people.

Small Group Communication

Group members simultaneously send and receive verbal and nonverbal messages - words, facial expressions, and so forth - to and from one another.

Primary and secondary groups

What are the classifications of groups?

Primary Groups

Formed to meet primary needs of inclusion and openness.

Secondary Groups

Formed to meet needs for control and problem-solving.

1. Communication and sharing ideas, information, and perspectives.

2. Treating other members with respect and consideration.

3. Using critical thinking skills in a thorough and unbiased way.

4. Demonstrating commitment to the group.

What is involved in being an ethical group member?

Participant-Observer Perspective

Someone who is a regular member of the group, and at the same time, actively observes the group and adapts to its processes and procedures.

Ludwig von Bertalanffy created a system whose parts are related to each other, even while they are changing continuously.

What are the basics of the General Systems Theory and who is its originator?

System

A set of elements that function as a whole because of interdependent relationships.

1. Inputs

2. Throughput Processes

3. Outputs

4. Environment

What are the four major components of a system?

Inputs

All the elements of a system that are present at the outset; initial “raw materials”.

Throughput Processes

Influences on the system that result from actual activities within the group as it goes about its business.

Outputs

Those tangible and intangible products or achievements of the group system emerging from throughput processes.

Environment

The multiple surroundings or contexts within which systems are embedded.

1. Members’ attitudes

1. Abilities and experiences

2. Information or items brought from outside.

3. Group’s purpose

What are examples of inputs?

1. Activities within the group.

1. How roles, rules, and leadership develop.

2. How members handle conflict.

3. How members evaluate information.

4. Verbal and nonverbal behaviors in group.

What are examples of throughput processes?

1. The results

1. A final paper or presentation

2. Members’ feelings about the group/process.

What are examples of outputs?

1. Open

2. Closed

3. Interdependence

4. Feedback

5. Multiple causes

6. Multiple paths

7. Nonsummativity

What are the characteristics of systems?

Open System

Inputs and outputs flow back and forth between the system and its environment, a free exchange of information.

Closed System

Limited flow of information between the system and its environment.

Interdependence

Each element of the system simultaneously influences and is influenced by the other elements.

Feedback

When a system output returns as a system input.

Multiple Causes

Many factors come together to produce a single outcome.

Multiple Paths

More than one appropriate way to reach a particular objective.

Nonsummativity

A system is not the sum of its parts. A system has the ability to take on an identity separate from its individual elements (positive and negative synergy).

1. Symbolic (abstract and arbitrary representations)

2. Personal

3. Transactional (not a thing or state but a simultaneous, multidirectional process that group members work toward together to reach a mutual understanding).

4. Human communication is both a sender and a receiver phenomenon and is the responsibility of all members.

5. All messages involve content (what) and relational (how) dimensions.

What are the five major characteristics of communication?

Listening

A complex process involving perceiving, interpreting, deciding what a message means, and responding to that message.

1. People

2. Action

3. Content

4. Time

What are the four listening preferences?

People-Oriented

Focused on how listening behaviors impact relationships.

Action-Oriented

Pays attention to details of the task.

Content-Oriented

Drawn to high credible sources and enjoys analyzing.

Time-Oriented

Focused on time, time constraints, and efficiency.

Active Listening

Listening to first understand another’s message before critically judging the message. Paraphrase and confirm understanding before stating evaluations.

1. Pseudolistening

2. Silent arguing

3. Assuming meaning

4. Focusing on irrelevancies

5. Sidetracking

6. Defensive responding

What are the six habits or poor listeners?

Leadership

Any person in the group who uses interpersonal influence to help the group achieve its goals.

1. Legitimate

2. Reward and Punishment

3. Expert

4. Referent

5. Information

6. Ecological

What are the six types of power?

1. Designated

2. Emergent

What are the two broad types of leaders?

1. Leadership is a personality trait that individuals possess in varying degrees.

2. There is an ideal leadership style, no matter what the situation.

3. Leaders get other people to do the work for them.

What are myths about leadership?

Designated Leader

Holds a title that identifies his or her specific position in the group and is elected by the group or can be appointed by someone else, such as a manger or teacher.

Model of Situational Leadership

Helps you adapt and match your leadership style to the readiness level of the followers.

1. Initiating

2. Coordinating

3. Summarizing

4. Elaborating

What are the four leader behaviors?

1. Establish the group’s goal and make sure the group starts in the right direction.

2. Mold the group members into a team with a collaborative climate for working together.

3. Never lose sight of the group’s task and its progress toward completion of that task.

4. Consistent with the leadership approaches that develop their members’ talents by encouraging them to assume leadership responsibilities for the group.

5. Do not take their leadership for granted.

What are the five actions that good leaders do?

1. Perform administrative duties.

2. Lead group discussions.

3. Develop the group.

What are the three major duties that leaders are expected by the group members to perform?

Planning for meetings, following up on meetings, and managing the group’s written communication (agenda and minutes).

What are the actions that fall within administrative duties?

Initiating and structuring discussions, equalizing opportunity to participate, stimulating creative and critical thinking, and fostering meeting-to-meeting improvement.

What are the actions that fall within leading group discussions?

Establish a climate of trust and develop teamwork and promoting cooperation.

What are the actions that fall within developing the group?

1. Call to order.

2. Introduction of new members.

3. Reading, correction, and approval of minutes.

4. Unfinished business

5. New business

6. Announcements

7. Adjournment

What are the elements of an agenda (in correct order)?

It is the record of what was discussed during the meeting and by whom. The action taken on each issue is also recorded.

Why is it so important that group minutes are accurate and approved?

1. Each group member can and should provide leadership services to a group.

2. Leadership is a property of the group.

3. All group members are capable of performing the functions a group needs.

4. No one person can supply everything needed.

What are some examples of the suggestions for effectively leading a group with distributed leadership?

1. Do not lie or intentionally send deceptive or harmful messages.

2. Place your concern for the group/others ahead of your own personal gain.

3. Be respectful of and sensitive to others.

4. Stand behind the others when they carry out policies and actions approved by the leader and the group.

5. Treat members with equal respect, regardless of sex, ethnicity, social background, politics, ect.

6. Establish clear policies that all group members are expected to follow.

7. Follow the group rules, just as you expect the others to do.

What are the ethical guidelines of group leaders?

Emergent Leader

Starts out with the same status as other members in a group and gradually becomes an informal leader.