Ch.5 Group Communication and Development Models

Socioemotional concern

Developing dependable, harmonious relationships that give it stability.

Task concern

Focusing on the assignment.

Primary Tension

Anxiety arising early in a group's formation, as members work out their relationships and roles.

Secondary Tension

Task-related tension that stems from differing opinions about the substantive work of the group.

Tertiary Tension

Tension that stems from power and status struggles in a group.

Tuckman's model for group development

A model that includes five stages: Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning.

Forming

Occurs when members first meet, they make initial impressions of one another and try to avoid conflict or disagreement.

Storming

Members start working on the task, important issues and feelings start to surface.

Norming

Members have established the rules and norms of how it will operate, appreciate one another's skills and abilities.

Performing

Members can now work smoothly and effectively together, there is high group identity and interdependence.

Adjourning

Members prepare to disband.

Group Socialization

The process by which new and/or established members learn to fit together through communication. Includes 5 stages.

Antecedent Stage

The stage in group socialization during which members bring previous group experiences, attitudes, beliefs, motives, and communication traits to the process.

Anticipatory Stage

The stage in group socialization describing individual and group initial expectations of each other.

Encounter Stage

The stage in group socialization in which members' expectations meet with reality as members adjust and fit with each other.

Assimilation Stage

The stage in group socialization in which group members show full integration.

Exit Stage

The stage in group socialization in which individuals leave a group or the group disbands.

Role

The part a member plays in a group.

Formal Role (positional)

Based on a member's official position or title.

Informal Role (behavioral)

Based on a person's personality, traits, habits and behaviors.

Role functions in small groups

task, maintenance, and individual

Task Roles

Roles that encompass behaviors that contribute directly to accomplishment of a group's task.

Maintenance Roles

Roles that encompass behaviors that help a group maintain harmonious relationships and contribute to a cohesive interpersonal climate.

Individual Roles

Roles that encompass self-centered behaviors that place the individual's need ahead of the group's needs.

Rules and Norms

Standards of behavior and procedures by which group members operate.

Norms

Are not written down. Are enforced by peer pressures and even rejection. Can be changed through informal discussion.

Rules

Formally written in minutes or by-laws. Are enforced by designated leader. Can be changed by voting.

What develops Group Norms?

Behaviors, Explicit Statements, Critical Events, taken from every member’s Culture.

What develops Group Climate?

Arises from interaction and behavior. Is experienced by all group members.

Dimentions of Group Climate

Trust, Cohesiveness, and Supportiveness

Trust

General belief that members can rely on each other

Cohesiveness

Attachment members feel towards each other, the group, and the task.

Supportiveness

Climate where members encourage each other, care about each other, and treat each other with respect.