Group Communication Chapter 7 (Exam 2)

Climate

relatively enduring tone and quality of group interation that is experienced similarly by group members

Task Cohesion

commitment of group members to the purpose and activities of the group

Social Cohesion

attraction and liking among group members

Participation

Group members feel better when they feel included in the discussion and a part of the group's functioning

Confirming Messages

Help build relational dimensions within a group; clear, organized, and relevant messages help build task dimensions within a group

Disconfirming Messages

Subtle and damaging; message can make someone feel disrespected, invalidated, or unheard

Feedback

positive, constructive, and relevant feedback contributes to the group's climate

Equity

participation is managed equally within a group and appropriate turn-taking is used

Clear and Accepted Roles

knowing your role is not enough; group members must accept their roles and be comfortable with them

Motivation

activated by perceived connection to and relevance of the group's goals or purpose

Symbolic Convergence Theory (Bormann, 1972)

explains how people create a shared identity and group consciousness through the sharing of narratives and fantasies

Group Fantasies

verbalized references to events outside of the "here and now" of the group, including references to the group's past, predictions for the future, or other communication about people or events outside of the group (Examples: "war stories", inside jokes, catchphrases)

Chain Reactions

verbalized fantasies picked up on and used by other group members

Symbolic Convergence

sense of community or group consciousness that develops in a group through non-task-related communication. (Examples: stories, jokes)

Defensive Climate (Negative)

negative atmosphere that can occur when people feel threatened in a group (Examples: weak communication VC & NV, toxic environment, inequitable workload)

Supportive Cimates (Positive)

where group members feel heard, included, and valued (Examples: strong communication VC & NV, constructive criticism, similar interests)

Evaluation vs. Description

Evaluative language judges, quantifies, or accuses. ("you" language) ("Well, you screwed up for being so late")

Descriptive language focuses on the problem as separate from the other persons. ("I felt let down when you were late")

Certainty vs. Provisionalism

Certainty communication is when someone believes they are right and will not listen to others. ("No way. That definitely won't work.")
Provisional communication is when someone is willing to acknowledge that they may not be right; open to other points of view. ("Can you explain...)

Strategy vs. Spontaneity

Strategy communication is often used to describe messages that hide ulterior motives (manipulates others for personal gain)
Spontaneity communication is characterized by being honest and genuine (non-manipulative)

Control Orientation vs. Problem Orientation

Control orientation is when someone imposes their views on another without regard for the other person's needs or feelings ("I'm paying, so you'll be there)
Problem orientation is when the focus is on finding a solution that satisfies everyone involved ("Let's find a time that works"

Superiority vs. Equality

Superiority communication is a defensive behavior that conveys the message that the speaker is better than the listener ("We can't all be organized)
Equality communication shoes that all people have equal worth ("Organization is a strength of mine, but I struggle with listening)