Communications 10.1-10.2

Small group communication: refers to interactions among three or more people who are connected through a common purpose, mutual influence, and a shared identity.

Example of small groups are A college learning community focused on math and science, a campaign team for a state senator, and a group of local organic farmers.

A small group requires a minimum of three people.

Small groups that add too many members increase the potential for group members to feel overwhelmed or disconnected.

Structure of small groups

Internal: member characteristics play a role in initial group formation.

External: such as group size, task, and resources also affect group structure.

Group structure is also formed though formal and informal networks connections

Formal: networks, groups may have clearly-defined roles and responsibilities or a hierarchy that shows how members are connected.

External: may influence the group’s formal network, leaving the group little or no control over its structure

Size and structure also play a major role

Size: he more people in a group, the more issues with scheduling and coordination of communication

Structure can increase or decrease the flow of communication.

Interdependence: meaning they share a common purpose and a common fate.

Ex: If the actions of one or two group members lead to a group deviating from or not achieving its purpose, then all members of the group are affected.

Shared identity

Group identity is often formed around a shared goal and/or previous accomplishments, which adds dynamism to the group as it looks toward the future and back on the past to inform its present.

Shared identity can also be exhibited through group names, slogans, songs, handshakes, clothing, or other symbols

we join groups because they function to help us meet instrumental, interpersonal, and identity needs.

Groups meet interpersonal needs

Group membership meets interpersonal needs by giving us access to inclusion, control, and support

Group meet identity needs

Some people join groups to be affiliated with people who share similar or desirable characteristics in terms of beliefs, attitudes, values, or cultural identities.

Likewise, people may join sports teams, professional organizations, and honor societies for the sense of achievement and affiliation

Types of small groups

most common distinction made between types of small groups is that of task-oriented and relational-oriented groups

task-oriented:are formed to solve a problem, promote a cause, or generate ideas or information

production tasks: are asked to produce something tangible from their group interactions such as a report, design for a playground, musical performance, or fundraising even

discussion tasks: are asked to talk through something without trying to come up with a right or wrong answer.

problem-solving: tasks have to devise a course of action to meet a specific need.

Relational-oriented groups: are formed to promote interpersonal connections and are more focused on quality interactions that contribute to the well-being of group members

Primary groups: long-lasting groups that are formed based on relationships with significant others

secondary groups: which are characterized by less frequent face-to-face interactions, less emotional and relational communication, and more task-related communication than primary groups

Teams: are task-oriented groups in which members are especially loyal and dedicated to the task and other group members

Virtual groups: take advantage of new technologies and meet exclusively or primarily online to achieve their purpose or goal

Advantages and disadvantages of small group

Advantages of a small group: include shared decision making, shared resources, synergy, and exposure to diversity

Synergy: refers to the potential for performance gains or heightened quality of interactions when complementary members or member characteristics are added to existing ones

Disadvantage of working in a small group: In some cases, one person can be just as or more effective than a group of people

Group members may take advantage of the anonymity of a group and engage in social loafing which is the tendency for some members of small groups to contribute less to the group than other members or than they would if working alone.

Forming: group members begin to reduce uncertainty associated with new relationships and/or new tasks through initial interactions that lay the foundation for later group dynamics.

Group cohesion: refers to the commitment of members to the purpose of the group and the degree of attraction among individuals within the group

Storming:conflict emerges as people begin to perform their various roles, have their ideas heard, and negotiate where they fit in the group’s structure.

Norming: the practices and expectations of the group are solidified, which leads to more stability, productivity, and cohesion within the group.

Performing: stage of group development, group members work relatively smoothly toward the completion of a task or achievement of a purpose.

Adjourning: stage of group development occurs when a group dissolves because it has completed its purpose or goal, membership is declining and support for the group no longer exists, or it is dissolved because of some other internal or external caus