Communication in Small Groups Chapter 8

Group Consultation Scenario

Consultation Scenario Read scenario out loud in group Discuss questions together Write recommendation Each group presents recommendations Together, we discuss differences in advice

Four ways of abiding by group norms Means of Group Influence Convince through Substantive Discussion Sway through Social Pressure Result of Influence Full Commitment to Group Norm Consensus: Internalizing group’s values to make them one’s own. Most enduring because the new norms shape one’s core attitudes and general behavior. Conformance: Identification with norms to secure relationships with group members. Activated whenever relationships are salient, so long as other members behave consistently. Follows Norm But Uncommitted Convergence: Conditional acceptance based on information, incentives, or argument. Least enduring because dependent on ephemeral opinions or provisional cost/benefit analyses. Compliance: Norms followed to demonstrate submission to authority or pressure. Only operates when the group or supervisor applies steady pressure and monitors behavior. * An adapted blend of Jahoda (1956), p. 236, and Hare (1976), pp. 55-7.

Socialization to Group Norms

Newcomer adheres, then rejects

Newcomer infuses commitment

Accommodating the newcomer

Newcomer sparks ambivalence

Social Identity Theory and the Contact Hypothesis

Intergroup Contact Theory People with different collective/group identities need to be placed in situations where relevant authorities/institutions permit ingroups and outgroups to work together cooperatively, as equals, to achieve a common goal. Most effective when participants choose to take part activities are intensive (e.g., sports, projects) meeting all of the underlined conditions above maximizes the effect

Embedded System Framework Summary

ESF Model of Norms/Symbols/Identity Inter-group conflicts with other local groups Organizational socialization practices Institutional support for inter-group contact Task requires intra- and/ or inter-group cooperation vs. competition Equality of member status relationships Nature and strength of group norms Salience of different social identities (and primary group identity) Confidence in one’s independent judgment Participants’ diverse identities and allegiances (including to other groups) Socialization to conform with/ adapt prototypical norms Distribution and management of deviance (rejection, norm adjustment) Symbolic conflict and convergence Dialogue and storytelling Group cohesion Subjective assessment of group’s qualities Increase/reduction in inter-group stereotypes and prejudices Exclusion/ departure from the group Pool of social identities, group archetypes, and salient symbols or dramatic narratives Individualist/ collectivist cultural orientations