CHAPTER-8-GROUP-AND-TEAM-COMMUNICATION

Module Overview: Purposive Communication 1

Objectives

  • Make the connection between group communication and other types of communication.

  • Avoid the disadvantages and limitations of group communication.

  • Utilize technology to communicate effectively in groups.

Quote

  • "Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision..." - Andrew Carnegie

Definition of a Group

  • A group is more than just a collection of individuals; it consists of:

    • Individuals influencing each other.

    • A common purpose.

    • Defined roles within the group.

    • Interdependence and interaction among members.

  • Example: People waiting for a bus do share a goal but do not constitute a group due to lack of interdependence and defined roles.

Characteristics of a True Group

  1. Frequent interaction among members.

  2. Importance of the group to its members.

  3. Common goals and outcomes shared by members.

  4. Similarity among members in important ways.

Small-Group Communication

  • Involves interaction among a small number (ideally 5-7) of individuals.

  • Requires communication skills such as:

    • Honesty

    • Flexibility

    • Assertiveness

    • Enthusiasm

    • Tolerance for others' views

  • Importance of input from every group member and willingness to discuss differing opinions.

Reasons for Joining Groups

  • Perceptions: Members make an impression on one another.

  • Motivation: Presence of rewards for group membership.

  • Goals: Shared objectives among members.

  • Organization: Defined roles or tasks for each member.

  • Interdependence: Reliance on others for success.

  • Interaction: Sufficient members to allow for comprehensive communication.

Benefits of Group Membership

  1. Satisfies psychological and social needs (e.g. belonging).

  2. Facilitates achieving goals that may be difficult alone.

  3. Offers diverse sources of information and knowledge.

  4. Provides security in numbers (safety against threats).

  5. Enhances individual positive social identity and self-concept.

Disadvantages of Group Membership

  1. Restriction of personal freedom due to expected roles.

  2. Demand on time, energy, and resources from members.

  3. Potential for disagreement and conflict among members.

  4. Perception of inefficiency and time consumption in group efforts.

Types of Groups

Primary Groups

  • Focus on social or interpersonal relationships.

  • Fulfill primary needs like belonging or affection.

  • Typically long-term relationships (family, close friends).

Secondary Groups

  • Formed to achieve specific tasks or goals.

  • Examples:

    • Problem-Solving Groups: Addressing unsatisfactory situations (common in business).

    • Decision-Making Groups: Evaluating alternatives to make choices.

    • Study Groups: Facilitating learning and information sharing.

    • Therapy Groups: Providing support through personal challenges.

    • Committees: Task-specific groups, either standing or ad hoc.

    • Quality Circles: Focus on improving workplace quality and morale.

    • Focus Groups: Gathering opinions for better understanding of topics.

Communication Competence

Key Elements

  1. Motivation: Internal drive to achieve communication goals.

  2. Knowledge: Understanding necessary information to communicate effectively.

  3. Skill: Ability to apply knowledge and act effectively in communication scenarios.

Important Points to Remember in Groups or Teams

  1. Collaborate to benefit from shared knowledge and perspectives.

  2. Embrace diversity for effective problem-solving and decision-making.

  3. Recognize essential ingredients for group effectiveness:

    • Clear goals

    • Cooperative environment

    • Competent members

  4. Understand the dynamics of group discussions and avoid domination by a few.

  5. Pursue personal growth and learning from group interactions.

  6. Balance participation while assuming responsibility for tasks.

  7. Accept the inherent time required for group tasks.

Virtual Small Group Communication

  • Involves communication among group members separated by distance.

  • Connected through technology (e.g., phone, internet).

  • Types of interaction conditions:

    1. Same time, same place.

    2. Same time, different place.

    3. Different time, same place.

    4. Different time, different place.

Technology in Virtual Communication

  1. Telephone Conferences: Allows simultaneous discussions among remote members but lacks visual cues.

  2. Electronic Mail (E-Mail):

    • Synchronous: Real-time conversations.

    • Asynchronous: Delayed responses, benefits include flexibility in response time.

  3. Video Conferences: Combines audio/visual cues, facilitates long-distance interaction, captures nonverbal expressions.