Group Communication Notes

Definition of a Group

  • Definition 1 (Devito, 2021): A group is a collection of individuals who are connected to one another by some common purpose, are interdependent, have some degree of organization, and see themselves as a group. (Devito, 2021)

  • Definition 2 (Julia, 2017): Three or more people who interact over time, are interdependent and follow shared rules of conduct to reach a common goal. (Julia, 2017)

Features of Group Communication

  • 1. Collection of Individuals: Consists between 3 and 12 people; few enough for communication to take place.

  • 2. Common Purpose: All members are connected with the same purpose and goal.

  • 3. Interdependence: Members are interdependent in tasks, emotions, and roles.

  • 4. Organizing Rules: Rules help to ensure harmony of the group and guide the do's and don'ts.

  • 5. Self Perception: A sense of belonging in the group and enhances motivation to work together.

Listening in Groups

  • Listening types:

    • People-oriented listener

    • Content-oriented listener

    • Time-oriented listener

    • Action-oriented listener (task-oriented)

  • Listening is an active, complex process that includes being mindful, physically receiving messages, selecting and organizing information, interpreting communication, responding, and remembering.

  • Action oriented listening note: During emergencies, action oriented listeners want to know what to do rather than why.

  • The process steps of listening:

    • Mindful

    • Physically receiving messages

    • Selecting and organizing information

    • Interpreting communication

    • Responding

    • Remembering

Managing Problems in Group Communication

  • Step 1: Define the problem

    • Having a clear goal is essential so that group members know precisely what problem they are trying to solve

    • To help a group reach a clear statement of the problem it is helpful to phrase the problem as a question and to clarify the problem

  • Step 2: Analyze the problem

    • Analyzing a problem well is an important prerequisite to finding an effective solution

    • To analyze something is to break it down into smaller pieces

    • To analyze a problem is to consider its causes, effects, symptoms, history, and other information that will inform the group about how to best solve the problem

  • Step 3: Establish criteria

    • Before deciding the solution to the problem, criteria should be developed

    • Criteria are standards for an acceptable solution to a problem

    • Identifying clear criteria can help spot a good solution when you see one

    • Sample criteria for solutions include the following: The solution should be inexpensive, relevant, clear, precise, feasible and practical

  • Step 4: Consider the solutions

    • Now, by having a set of criteria, the group can now list all possible solutions that are available

  • Step 5: Decide on the solution

    • The next step is to evaluate the list of possible solutions to determine which ones best meet the criteria the group identified

    • Choose the best solution available

  • Step 6: Implement the solution

    • Now, the group may implement the selected solution

    • A pilot study can be conducted to test its effectiveness before implementing it on a larger scale