1. University of Northern IA
Presentation prepared by:
Marilyn Shaw
University of Northern IA
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2. Chapter 15 Group and Team Communication
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3. Small Group Communication: Making the Connection
What Is a Group?
Formation and Development of Groups
Cultural Influences on Group Formation
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4. What is a group? Collection of people who have: Common purpose Roles
Interdependence
Interaction

5. Why We Join Groups Psychological and social needs Achieve goals
Information and knowledge
Security
Positive social identity

6. Purposes and Types of Groups
Primary group is a group that focuses on social and interpersonal relationships
Secondary group is a group that exists to accomplish tasks or achieve goals: Information Sharing, Committees, Therapy, Decision – making, and Problem Solving
Project teams are individuals representing different specialties who are assigned to coordinate the successful completion of an assigned task.
A work team is a group of people responsible for an entire work process or a segment of the process that delivers a product or service to an internal or external customer.
Social Media Groups are changing the way we work in groups
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7. Virtual Groups Teleconferencing Videoconferencing
Interactive computer conferencing
Social Media grouping – Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn

8. Establishing a Group Culture
Group culture refers to the pattern of values, beliefs, norms, and behaviors that is shared by group members and that shapes a group’s individual personality. Group size refers to the number of participants. Group norms are the expected and shared ways in which group members behave.
Photo chapter 15, p, 414
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9. Characteristics of Small Groups
Commitment
Cohesiveness
Group size
Interdependence
Group norms
Group culture
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10. Overcoming Disadvantages of Working in Small Groups
Going Along to Get Along
Groupthink—harmony more important than new ideas
Overestimation of the group’s power and morality
Closed-mindedness
Pressures toward uniformity
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11. Ways to Reduce Groupthink
Assign “devil’s advocate”
Prevent leaders from expressing their opinions first
Encourage everyone to voice opinions/express disagreements
Use technology for problem solving
Invite outside experts

12. Disadvantages (Continued)
Time-Consuming Nature of Group Work
Group work takes more time.
Varying Interaction
In most groups, it is not possible for all group members to take part.
Unfair Workloads
Social-loafing, the tendency for individuals to lower their work effort, may occur.
Pressure to Fail
Group members just want to get it done and not excel.
Grouphate Phenomenon
A dislike for groups.
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