Copyright (c) Allyn & Bacon 2008 Essentials of Human Communication, 6/e Chapter Eight: This multimedia product and its contents are protected under copyright law. The following are prohibited by law: Any public performance or display, including transmission of any image over a network; Preparation of any derivative work, including the extraction, in whole or in part, of any images; Any rental, lease, or lending of the program Small Group Communication

Copyright (c) Allyn & Bacon 2008 Chapter Eight Goals Communicate in groups with an understanding of the unique nature of the small group Communicate in groups with an understanding of the unique nature of the small group Brainstorm more creatively and effectively Brainstorm more creatively and effectively Learn and teach in groups more effectively Learn and teach in groups more effectively Solve or manage problems more efficiently and effectively Solve or manage problems more efficiently and effectively

Copyright (c) Allyn & Bacon 2008 Small Group Characteristics  Small number—usually 5–12 related individuals  Share a common purpose  Connected by organizing rules

Copyright (c) Allyn & Bacon 2008 The Purposes of Small Groups Social/Relational Serves to reinforce affiliation, affirmation, and affection needs of people Tasks/Projects Groups are created to accomplish tasks, solve specific problems, and are dissolved once the goal is completed

Copyright (c) Allyn & Bacon 2008 Small Group Stages Opening Opening Feedforward Feedforward Business Business Feedback Feedback Closing Closing Emphasis shifts from people to task to people

Copyright (c) Allyn & Bacon 2008 Small Group Formats Round Table Round Table Panel Panel Symposium Symposium Symposium- Forum Symposium- Forum

Copyright (c) Allyn & Bacon 2008 Small Group Channels  Face-to-face  Online  Mail lists   Instant chat or messaging

Copyright (c) Allyn & Bacon 2008 Small Group Cultures Implicit and explicit norms Implicit and explicit norms Individual and group norms often differ according to local cultures and subcultures Individual and group norms often differ according to local cultures and subcultures Group norms are more acceptable when one feels a sense of belongingness to the group and members appear cohesive Group norms are more acceptable when one feels a sense of belongingness to the group and members appear cohesive

Copyright (c) Allyn & Bacon 2008 Small Group Apprehension  Dependent upon the nature of group and task  Affected by membership and make-up of group  Belongingness directly affects a person’s willingness and ability to contribute  Individual communication apprehension can influence member interaction

Copyright (c) Allyn & Bacon 2008 Small Group Brainstorming “An activity of idea generation, analysis, and problem-solution processing” Rules No evaluations in early stages Quantity, not quality, is goal Combinations and extensions of ideas are encouraged Freewheeling thought is desired After a set period of brainstorming time, ideas are then evaluated according to relevance, workability

Copyright (c) Allyn & Bacon 2008 Information Sharing Groups Educational/Learning Groups: Acquire new skills and knowledge Educational/Learning Groups: Acquire new skills and knowledge Focus Groups: In- depth interviewing with a small population of people Focus Groups: In- depth interviewing with a small population of people

Copyright (c) Allyn & Bacon 2008 Problem Solving Groups  Meet to solve particular problems or make a decision about some issue  Members must possess knowledge about the problem  Members must adhere to a set of norms, expectations

Copyright (c) Allyn & Bacon 2008 John Dewey’s Problem Solving Sequence Define and analyze the problem Establish criteria for evaluating solutions Identify solutions Evaluate solutions Select best solution

Copyright (c) Allyn & Bacon 2008  Authority  Majority  Consensus Primary Decision Making Methods

Copyright (c) Allyn & Bacon 2008 Putting Solutions to the Test Poll Affected Persons Analyze early results If effective, maintain the course If ineffective, return to problem solving process

Copyright (c) Allyn & Bacon 2008 Problem Solving at Work o Nominal Group Technique—limited discussion, secret ballot o Delphi method—numerous questionnaires sent to field experts, returned completed, each narrowing to solution(s) o Quality Circles—utilizing workers to investigate and improve organizational functions of environment, procedures