GROUP COMMUNICATION UNIT

How is group communication defined? * Group communication is: * 3 or more people * Common goal - Meet to solve a common problem, arrive at a decision, or answer a question of mutual interest - Cooperation

When might you have to communicate in a group? At a job Meeting with boss Meeting with other co-workers Congress At school English class: making a presentation Lab in science In a club meeting (student council) Oral Comm class! Team Committee School Board Meeting Religious study groups Planning a surprise party for your parents with your siblings

What are the different types of group communication? Committee Round-table Discussion Panel Symposium

Committee * A small subgroup of a larger organization that has been given a specific task or set of tasks to perform - Examples: Government usually breaks up into committees, like Commission of Fine Arts, Commission on the Intelligence Capabilities of the United States Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction, Japan-United States Friendship Commission. Student Council breaks into committees to plan school events, like collecting change for the Friendship Home.

Round-table Discussion

Round-table Discussion King Arthur’s knights at a circular table * Everyone has equal say * The discussion is produced by the people in the group - Examples: A book club meeting to discuss the latest book. Groups in OC.

Panel Discussion of topics in front of an audience. - Examples: College classes Sports press conferences In Careers class

Symposium * 1 member of the group gives a short, uninterrupted speech, which is followed by a speech from the next member, and so on. - There is no interaction between members. - Examples: Congress

Appointed Leader vs. Emergent Leader

Leaders APPOINTED: Elected by the group EMERGENT: Not voted, leader will organically arise to the function. People with naturally leadership qualities will be more apt to want to fill this job.

Task Messages vs. Maintenance Messages

You’ve heard these in groups: “Can’t we stay focused on the assignment?” “Can we get back to the assignments?” “Stop goofing off!” “So-and-so is talking to people on the other side of the room.” “Let’s take a vote.”

Task Messages Designed to help the group achieve its goals or complete its task. Initiating the goals/task Clarify information Summarize Consensus testing Seeking information or opinions

Have you heard these? “What do you think, so-and-so?” “Everyone’s opinion counts. Let’s hear everyone out.” “I agree with so-and-so.” “I was wrong. I think that’s a better idea.”

Maintenance Messages * Purpose of keeping relationships among the group members harmonious so there is a positive climate in the group. Harmonizing Gate keeping Encouraging Compromising Standard setting & testing

What factors affect group work?

Size of Group * 5-7 * Vote w/ odd # * Too large & not everyone can partake

Cliques Within a Group A few people in the group separate from the larger group.

Personal Goals of Members When people have their own agenda (goals) that don’t match the groups. Examples: When more than one person wants to be the leader. When a person wants to be the “funny guy” more than the group’s common goal.

Physical Environment * Temperature * Visual distractions * Noise

Seating Arrangement See everyone Not too close Comfortable

Time for Discussion Best when everyone’s alert. Before or after lunch isn’t good. Enough time. Breaks if meeting is lengthy.

Outcomes of Discussion

Outcomes of Discussion Consensus All members of the group agree on solution or decision. Compromise Each member gives up part of the solution or decision they want. Majority Vote Over half of the group favors the solution or decision. (2/3 Vote) False Consensus Members keep serious disagreement to themselves & “go along.”

Life Cycle of Groups

Life Cycle of Groups

Forming

Forming Like infancy, awkward Initial coming together: you explain your reason for being in the group, & your hopes Everyone listens to everyone Look for leadership Once similarity of goals and personalities is established you move to the next step… storming.

Storming Like adolescence, most difficult Individuals try to challenge differences of goals and approaches as part of an effort to express their own individuality & to gain power over the group Leadership may be challenged Try to create order Confront & resolve conflict Once the group begins to resolve conflicts over who is to exert influence and procedures you move to the next step… Norming.

Norming The group is a cohesive unit, ready to tackle its task They trust each other They’re ready to work They share leadership & ideas Once the group begins to trust each other… Performing.

Performing Final stage Trust & even affection for each other grows Strong bond b/c each feels they’re a part of a unique group The group now can effectively & harmoniously complete their tasks.

Handling Conflict in Groups

When you get in a conflict follow these steps. Identify the warrants of the opposition. Warrants are the reasons for your position, not your position. Explain the warrants of your position. Respect your opponents’ interests. Don’t attack the person. Respect their opinion. Work for a reasonable solution, one that both sides like. Maintain dialogue. Don’t shut off and give up. Keep working it out verbally until a solution or compromise can be met.