group communication

Understanding Communication in Groups and Teams

Group: More than two people who interact over time; interdependent; follow shared rules of conduct to reach a common goal.

Team: A special kind of group characterized by different and complementary resources of members.
Notable for a strong sense of collective identity.
Key Point: All teams are groups, but not all groups are teams.

Time: Groups may take longer to reach decisions due to discussion and deliberation.
Suppress Individuals: Individual voices may be drowned out or ignored in group settings.
Encourages Conformity: Pressure to conform can stifle unique ideas and perspectives.
Social Loafing: Members may put in less effort when working in a group compared to working individually.

Greater Resources: Access to a wider range of skills, knowledge, and experiences.
More Thorough Thought: Diverse views lead to more comprehensive analysis of problems.
Heightened Creativity: Collaboration can spark innovative ideas and solutions.
Enhanced Commitment to Decisions: Group decisions often result in increased buy-in from members.

Cohesion: The bonds and relationships that connect group members, fostering a sense of unity.
Group Size: Impacts dynamics; smaller groups often facilitate better communication.
Power Structure: Refers to the ability of individuals or a few members to influence group actions and decisions.
Interaction Patterns: The ways in which group members communicate and engage with each other.
Group Norms: The accepted standards of behavior and rules within the group that guide interactions.