Topic 4 communication

Primary groups

Small, close groups with emotional ties

Secondary groups

Larger, more formal groups focused on accomplishing a goal

Task groups

Groups formed to do a task

Social groups

Groups providing social interaction

learning/educational groups

Groups designed for learning

Self-help groups

Focused of mutual support

Groupthink

Dysfunctional group dynamic where the desire for harmony leads to poor decision making

Examples of groupthink

Stereotyping outsiders-viewing them as fools

Belief in inherent morality-thinking the group’s decisions are morally correct

Illusion of unanimity-assuming everyone agrees because no one objects

what are the phases of group development

Forming-Getting to know each other

Storming-members assert opinions

Norming-Establishing norms

Performing-functions towards achieving goals

Adjourning-Group disbands after achieving a goal

What are the roles and functional behaviors in small groups

Initiator, information seeker, opinion seeker, clarifier, evaluator, recorder

Initiator

Propose ideas/solutions

Information seeker

request facts/clarification

Opinion seeker

Ask for others' opinions

Clarifier

Explains an idea

Evaluator

Assesses group ideas

Recorder

Keep notes

What are the social roles

Encourager, harmonizer, gatekeeper, observer

Encourager

Offers praise and support

Harmonizer

Reduces tension

Gatekeeper

Encourages participation from all members

Observer

Provides feedback on group process

What are the individual roles (Which can disrupt progress)

Aggressor, Blocker, recognition seeker, dominator

Aggressor

Criticizes others

Blocker

Opposes ideas

Recognition seeker

Calls attention to self

Dominator

Tries to control group

What are the types of leadership styles

Autocratic, democratic, laissez-faire

Autocratic

Leader makes decisions alone

Democratic

Leader involves group members in decision making

Laissez-faire

Leader offers little guidance (good for skilled/motivated groups)

What are types of management styles

Task-oriented, relationship-oriented, situational leadership

Task-oriented

Focused on getting the job done

relationaship-oriented

Focused on building relationships

Situational leadership

Adjusting leadership style based on groups needs