CMN 102: Group Communication

What is small group cx

interaction between 3-12 people

-share common goal

-sense of belonging

-exert influence on one another

working in small groups

advantages: more information, stimualtes creativity, remmeber more, greater satisfaction, better understanding of self

disadvantages: pressure to conform, dominante teammates, dependent on teammates, takes more time

why enter a group?

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: psychological needs, safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization

group formation: factors influencing group selection

activities, goals, esteem, network opportunities

Tuchman’s approach

forming, storming, norming, performing

forming

team assembled, task assigned, time spent planning/collect information, bonding

storming (conflict)

team begins tasks

different ideas/solutions

conflict can arise

norming

group works in harmony

agreed upon roles and values

establish individual rules

performing

final stage

peak levels of independence and collaboration

respect among team members

crane and hall 5 central roles

Task leader: visionary of the group, delegates tasks, holds people accountable, makes sure tasks are done correctly, and handles conflict.

social emotional leader: read room, empathy, perspective take, helps create effective discussions

information provider: expert in the room

tension releaser: tension releaser, comedian, makes people feel comfortable

central negative: person that explains flaws in everything, will be hated by the group

three leadership styles

authoritarian: expert, feels superior, makes decision (example: surgery, doctor)

democratic: everyone involved but leader makes final decision

laissez-faire: group makes the decision

group think and how to avoid it

group think=conformity

how to avoid: leader encourage critical thinking, leader sensitive to status differences, invite external consultant, assign central negative, critique suggested solution, use technology

Aggie bonfire incident

12 people died during bonfire

challenger incident

7 people died in rocket ship

decision-making: methods of decision making

experts, individual rankings, random choice, majority vote, decision by minority, consensus

five steps to make decision

1. identify and define problem: who? what? when? where? why? how?

2. analyze problem: causes, effect, cause contributors

3. generate several solutions: nominal group technique=write down ideas indivdually, share, discuss solutions, rank solutions, discuss results

4. select solution: pros and cons (t-chart)

5. test and implement solution: action chart

issues with making good decisions

improper analysis of situation, unclear goals, bad information, not utilizing all members

what is conflict

argument, fight, quarrel 

myths about conflict

conflict should always be avoided

all conflict is due to misudnerstanding

all conflict is resolvable

types of conflict

pseudo conflict: asl for clarification, active listening. due to miscommunication feels like your in a conflict but your really in-agreement

simple conflict: focus on issue, pov taking

ego conflict: descriptive, not emotional, common ground.