Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 1 Chapter 6 Building Relationships in Groups Being dependent on other members Being interdependent with other members Building relationships with other group members enhances group interdependence

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 2 Group Communication Climate Atmosphere created through verbal, nonverbal and listening skills Tone, mood, or character of the group’s interaction Defensive climate Supportive climate All groups need some level of supportive climate

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 3 Six Categories of Climate Evaluation  Description Control  Problem Orientation Strategy  Spontaneity Neutrality  Empathy Superiority  Equality Certainty  Provisionalism

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 4 Changing the Group’s Climate Help a group develop a more supportive climate Adopt more positive behaviors Monitor your reactions to the interactions of other Identify group’s communication habits Accept your role in creating the existing climate

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 5 Group Cohesiveness Degree to which members desire to remain in the group Psychological closeness Based on attraction to members, tasks, coordination of effort, or opportunity to work on behalf of group Signals commitment to the group Heightens interdependence more 

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 6 Group Cohesiveness Improve cohesiveness Give members opportunity to talk Do members complement one another? Cohesiveness influences group performance Depends on level of interdependence required Yet cohesiveness not sufficient to ensure quality performance

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 7 Group Member Satisfaction Degree to which members feel fulfilled or gratified Satisfaction is different from dissatisfaction Satisfiers Group is moving along expected path Dissatisfiers Group experiences process problems more 

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 8 Group Member Satisfaction Can be based on Interpersonal elements Task elements Some combination How conflict is handled Satisfied members try harder to communicate more effectively

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 9 Improving Satisfaction and Cohesiveness Encourage a positive climate Celebrate successes Base rewards on group output Give members opportunity for input into developing group goals and tasks

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 10 Cautions about Satisfaction and Cohesiveness High cohesiveness and satisfaction do not ensure acceptable output High cohesiveness can detract from a group’s task and lower satisfaction Satisfaction based on relationships can detract from a group’s task Larger group makes it more difficult for cohesiveness and satisfaction to develop

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 11 Trust Based on positive expectation of another group member Helps members predict behaviors of others Develops over time with each group member as relationships unfold Based on honesty, openness, consistency, respect Difficult if group is working under pressure

Copyright c 2006 Oxford University Press 12 Building Trust Be aware of your communicator style Use supportive climate interaction characteristics Use appropriate self-disclosure Develop positive and collaborative climate with all group members Monitor your interaction