Group Communication
Group: Three or more individuals who interact over time,
depend on each other, and follow shared rules of conduct in
order to reach a common goal.
Ideal size: 4-7
Team: Special type of group characterized by different
and complementary resources of members and a strong
sense of collective identity.
Group Communication
Strengths:
Limitations:
Greater Resource
Time Constraints
More Thorough
Conformity Pressures
(Groupthink)
Greater Creativity
Greater Commitment
Group Communication
Factors that affect Group Communication
1. Cohesion
2. Group Size
3. Power Relationships
4. Interaction Patterns
Chain
Wheel
All-Channel
5. Group Norms: Rules v. Norms
6. Cultural Differences
7. Leadership Styles: Democratic,
Autocratic, Laissez Faire
Group Communication
Types of Group Communication
•Task
•Procedural
•Climate
•Egocentric
Group Communication
Types of Groups
Learning
Group
ProblemGrowth Solving
Group Group
Social
Group
Group Communication
Decision Making in Groups
•Consensus: Win-Win
•Voting: Win-Lose
•Compromise: Lose-Lose
•Authority Rule/Group Ratification
Group Communication
Agenda for Decision Making
Define the Problem
Analyze the Problem
Establish Criteria
Generate Solutions
Select Best Solution
Implement Decision
Action Plan to Monitor
and Fine-tune
Group Communication
Roles in Groups
FUNCTIONAL ROLES
DYSFUNCTIONAL ROLES
Content and Relational
Relational
Initiator/Contributor
Blocker
Information Seeker
Aggressor
Opinion Seeker
Deserter
Elaborator/Clarifier
Dominator
Coordinator
Recognition Seeker
Diagnostician
Evaluator/Critic
Supporter
Tension Reliever
Harmonizer
Follower
Joker
Cynic