GROUP COMMUNICATION UNIT

How is group communication defined? * Group communication is: * 3 or more persons interacting with one another so each person influences and is influenced by each other (Shaw) 5 characteristics of a group 1. Shared perceptions 2. Common goal or motivation 3. Organization (of roles: leader/follower) 4. Interdependency (common goal) 5. Interaction- communication

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 Senate Committee on Government Affaires. Student Council breaks into committees to plan school events, like collecting change for the Friendship Home.

Committee

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

Panel

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

Symposium

Tensions

Tensions : Primary vs. Secondary Primary:focused on the self; social or initial unease EX: worried about how to behavior what to say dangers of too much= individual goals take precedence, ask extreme, group won’t come together if everyone has this; won’t share b/c there’s no TRUST Good= self-aware of how you can help the group Secondary: Focused on others Tension b/t 2 or the whole group Occurs when differences of opinion arise or jocking for leadership Joking/lauging helps

Primary Vs. Secondary Tensions We’re more worried about primary tension than 2 nd, b/c conflict (in the secondary) is okay. At the start, defuse the primary tension by having open communication, make sure the goal is clear, and know strengths & weaknesses of each member. Introduce each other Talk about the goal Be open about strengths

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

What factors affect group work?

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

Cliques Within a Group Clique: A few people in the group separate from the larger group. WHY BAD?

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. WHY BAD?

Physical Environment * Temperature * Visual distractions Noise WHY BAD?

Seating Arrangement See everyone Not too close Comfortable WHY BAD?

Time for Discussion Everyone’s alert Before or after lunch not good Enough time Breaks if meeting is lengthy. WHY BAD?

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.”

Groupthink

1. Read the articles. 2. Small group discussion.

Group think is… Illusion of agreement Avoid conflict

Groupthink 1. Illusion of invulnerability 2. Collective rationalization 3. Illusion of inherent morality 4. Stereotype views of opposition 5. Pressure of dissenting members 6. Self-censorship 7. Illusion of unanimity 8. Mind-guarding

Groupthink prevention (C. Braithwaite) 1. Leader shouldn’t reveal preferences right away 2. Assign devil’s advocate(s) 3. Form sub-groups to further explore ideas 4. Use outside experts & information 5. Allow ideas to “incubate”

Life Cycle of Groups

Forming

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

Storming

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 Like adolescence, most difficult 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.

Goals of a Group Clear & Elevating Goal

1. Read the chapter. 2. Be able to define a clear and elevating goal. 3. Understand its importance.

Handling Conflict in Groups

When you get in a conflict follow these steps. 1. Identify the warrants of the opposition. Warrants are the reasons for your position, not your position. 2. Explain the warrants of your position. 3. Respect your opponents’ interests. Don’t attack the person. Respect their opinion. 4. Work for a reasonable solution, one that both sides like. 5. Maintain dialogue. Don’t shut off and give up. Keep working it out verbally until a solution or compromise can be met.