Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 1 Chapter 5 Building Group Communication Competence College students report— Ideal group member Competent communicator Possess desirable relational skills Participates in group interaction Common group member deficiencies Ability to create relationships with other group members Ability to work cooperatively and productively on tasks
Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 2 The Effect of your Communication How you communicate in a group affects How others evaluate your worth as a group member How your identity and role develops within the group
Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 3 Team Member Competencies Knowledge, skills, and abilities Task relevant knowledge, technical skill Communication competence Values, beliefs, and attitudes Degree to which member values teamwork Member’s like or dislike of working in groups Personality traits, cognitive and behavioral styles Extraversion, cognitive complexity, aggresiveness
Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 4 Your Group Interaction Style Each group member brings unique set of communication skills 1. Interpersonal needs 2. Communication competence 3. Communication apprehension 4. Attitude towards groups 5. Communicator style
Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 5 Interpersonal Needs Three basic needs 1. Inclusion 2. Control 3. Affection Evident in group interaction 1. Can be expressed by you (sender role) 2. Can be wanted by you (receiver role)
Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 6 Need Compatibility Achieved when there is a balance among group members Who want to express a need Who want to receive a need Number of members expressing and wanting does not need to be equal Incompatibility must be worked through
Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 7 Communication Competence Ability and willingness to participate responsibility Effectiveness Goal is achieved Appropriateness Do not violate behavioral expectations or other members’ self-esteem
Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 8 Achieving Competence 1. Can you comprehend the group situation and its dynamics? 2. Are you sensitive to the feelings of others? 3. Do your verbal and nonverbal skills contribute to the group’s conversation
Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 9 Communication Apprehension Fear or anxiety about communicating Real or anticipated May be perceived as shy or reticent Apprehension affects Participation in the group Others’ evaluation of contributions Self-perceptions
Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 10 Your Attitude Toward Groups Grouphate Negative feelings that cause an individual to dislike working with others in group settings Captures the tension between an individual’s preference for working alone and working with others Can be minimized when members have positive group experiences
Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 11 Communicator Style Your verbal and nonverbal impression Sends signals about how to interpret message content Each characteristic can be effective or ineffective What’s your predominant communicator style? How effective are you? How flexible are you?
Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 12 Communicator Style Characteristics Animated Attentive Contentious Dominant Dramatic Friendly Open Precise Relaxed
Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 13 Ethical Group Membership Caring Concerned about the well-being of other members Responsibility Group members share responsibility for group outcomes You are responsible for and to every other group member
Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 14 Communicating in Diverse Groups Differences create variety and multiple perspectives Individuals differ on multiple dimensions Not all types of diversity affect group interaction in the same way All differences are not differences that stem from diversity
Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 15 Overcoming Diversity Problems Problems Unequal participation Deny diversity matters Practicing segregation Solutions Monitor your communication Use decision procedures Build cohesion Focus on goal Explore similarities Emphasize personal identity
Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 16 Principles of Ethical Group Membership Be candid and frank Maintain valued relationships vs. saying what’s on your mind Give information without distortion or exaggeration Do not cut off other members from speaking more
Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 17 Principles of Ethical Group Membership Be trustworthy and extend trust Avoid coercion and manipulation in decision making Be responsible for defending decisions of the group to others