Small Group Communication

What is Small-Group Communication? The interaction between three to nine people who are working together to achieve an interdependent goal

The Types and Functions of Small Groups Task-oriented groups – completing tasks Task-oriented groups – completing tasks –Secondary groups Relationship-oriented groups – inclusion/affection Relationship-oriented groups – inclusion/affection –Primary groups Assigned groups – appointed hierarchy Assigned groups – appointed hierarchy Emergent groups – environmental conditions Emergent groups – environmental conditions

Group Pros and Cons Pros - More ideas = Better ideas -Can speed process up -Unity, Accountability Cons -More ideas = Standstill -Can slow process down -Groupthink

What is Leadership? Influencing the behaviors and attitudes of others to meet personal or, hopefully, group goals.

The Role of Leadership in Small Groups Types of Small Group Leaders Types of Small Group Leaders –Designated leaders - appointed –Emergent leaders - environmental

How Leaders Get Power Initiative Initiative Other Sources of Power Other Sources of Power –Reward –Punishment – withhold needs –Coercion – hostile tactics –Referent - loyalty –Expert power - knowledge

Leadership Styles –Democratic leaders –Laissez-faire leaders –Autocratic leaders

Establishing Culture in Small Groups Group Norms Group Norms –Informal rules for interaction Role Structure Role Structure –Formal (positional) and informal (behavioral) roles –Behavioral functions  Task functions  Maintenance functions  Self-centered functions

Roles Examples of Task Roles 1. Leader - helps the group define and achieve goals. 2. Initiator - contributor: Offers ideas and suggestions. 3. Opinion seeker – requests info 4. Information giver 5. Secretary – recorder 6. Devil’s advocate – prevents “group think” 7. Follower – Obeys commands and listens to others. Examples of Maintenance roles 1. Supporter – encourager – provides emotional warmth, praise and acceptance 2. Harmonizer – tension reliever – promotes group peace, uses humor, reconciles conflict 3. Gatekeeper – controls channels of communication and flow of information using openness and supportiveness 4. Feeling expresser – monitors feelings and moods of the group and gives feedback. Examples of Self-Serving Roles 1. Stagehog – recognition seeker 2. Isolate – withdraws from the group 3. Clown – horseplay, practical jokes, comic routines that goes beyond tension reliever. 4. Blocker – opposes everything new. 5. Fighter – starts arguments, bullying. 6. Cynic – displays sour outlook, destroys morale.

Stages of Group Development

Conflict Management Styles