Small Group Communication

Group Size and Cohesiveness

  • Group size is the first number, cohesiveness is the second.
  • Cohesiveness is also known as "chemistry".

Cohesiveness/Chemistry in Groups

  • Chemistry: Connection between people; applies to interpersonal relationships.
  • Elusive term, but some groups have it; defies logic.
  • Willingness to sacrifice: Not just in it for yourself.
  • Emotional commitment: It means something to you.
  • Cohesiveness keeps you in the group; you don't quit.
  • Tolerate periods of dissatisfaction (similar to later stages of Knapp's model).
  • Satisfaction and performance are positively correlated with cohesiveness.
    • Cohesive groups report higher satisfaction.
    • They perform better (sports teams win more, businesses make more money).
    • Artistic performances are judged better.
  • Willingness to sacrifice is important for group success.

Examples of Sacrifice

  • Hodor in Game of Thrones: Held the door to allow others to escape. This illustrates a cohesive group, willing to sacrifice.
  • Fighting force: Willing to die for the group.
  • Restaurant job: Working two eight-hour shifts back to back.
  • Unpleasant tasks: Mopping floors, handling grease, dealing with difficult customers, taking ice from the ice machine

Importance of Cohesiveness

  • Managers and group leaders know cohesive groups can accomplish nearly anything.
  • Without cohesiveness, people question their roles and responsibilities.
  • Cohesiveness breeds dedication and a willingness to work hard.
  • It's a hard-to-create "secret ingredient" for successful CEOs and coaches.
  • Cohesiveness contributes to the synergistic effect (1 + 1 = 3).
  • It's difficult to convince people to sacrifice personally for the group good, which is a leadership challenge.

Network Characteristics

  • Network characteristics: Who in the group is authorized to communicate with other members.
  • Chain of command is a phrasing of network characteristics.

Types of Communication Networks

  • All Channel Network:
    • Anyone may speak to anybody else.
    • No restrictions or rules.
    • Common in social groups.
  • Circle:
    • Communicate with adjacent members only.
    • Equal capability for each person.
      *Note: The dots represent a person. A line connecting two people represents a pathway of open communication. There are many more than five communication networks.

Decentralized vs. Centralized Networks

  • Decentralized Networks: (All Channel, Circle)
    • No central member; no identifiable leader through communication patterns.
  • Centralized Networks: (Wheel, Chain, Y)
    • Have a central member.
    • The central member of the wheel sits in the very center.
    • Examples:
      • Y network: Manager, regional manager, marketing supervisor, assistant manager, associate.

Chain of Command

  • Chain of command: Don't go directly to the top person with a problem.
  • Upward communication: Sending a message up the chain of command.
  • Downward communication: Sending a message down the chain of command.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Networks

  • All Channel:
    • Most freedom but least efficient.
    • Takes the longest to get business done.
  • Centralized Networks:
    • High efficiency for simple tasks (saves time).
    • Takes advantage of a competent leader.
    • Leaders tend to be satisfied.
  • Negatives of Centralized Networks:
    • Decreases cohesiveness and satisfaction.
    • Decreases inventiveness and creativity.
    • Leader-dependent.
  • Decentralized Networks: * Increases satisfaction. * Increases inventiveness and creativity. * Better performance on complex tasks.
    • Take a lot of time.

Chained Network

  • Chain of command: Why do I have to follow the chain of command?
  • Chained Network: Indirect communication somewhere in the network; to speak to certain members, you have to go through someone else.
    • All channel is the only network that does not have a chain element.
    • Chain Network: Used to reduce unnecessary participation by specialized members.
      *Reduces unnecessary participation by specialized members.
      *Potential for miscommunication is high.
      *Peripheral members are often less satisfied.

Influence and Persuasion in Groups

  • Influence is similar to persuasion.
  • How do you get someone in your group to do what you want?
    *Example: Convincing group members to change the project topic.
    *Leader's role: How to get group members to follow their lead.

Normative Influence

  • Relies on group norms; avoiding upsetting the group's equilibrium.
  • Cousin of peer pressure; some bullying/shaming; just do it.
    *When is this likely to happen in a small group?

When Tasks Tasks Are Judgemental

  • Tasks are judgmental: No objective right answer.
  • When consensus is required. Consensus is where everyone must agree before moving on.

When Positions Are Public

  • When positions are public: Other people know your vote or preference.
  • Private voting counters this.

When Leaders Are Authoritarian

  • Leaders are Authoritarian: "My way or the highway."
    • Powerful if members want to stay in the group.

Informational Influence

  • Use of facts, evidence, logic, and argument to inform decision-making.
  • Convincing people the task is objective.

Methods to Gain Informational Influence

  • Majority vote: Only need most votes.
    *Majority leads more to informational influence.
  • Private positions: No one knows your position.
    *Focus more on logic rather than pressure.
  • Democratic leaders: Leaders believe in democratic decision-making.
    *Members have a vote.