Small Group comms mid term

set of 3-12 or 20 people meeting together with common purpose, sense of belonging and influence on one another

3

12-20

- more resources
-stimulates creativity
- supports learning from others
- fosters commitment and satisfaction with decisions
-enhances feedback and self-understanding

-pressure to conform (group think)
- some members may dominate others
-dependent on others competence and commitment
- takes more time

Family and friend groups whose main purpose is to meet the human need to relate to others

task or goal oriented groups

Emphasizes complex totality, organic processes of group;
Openness to environment
Interdependence
Input variables
Process variables
Output variables
Synergy
Equifinality
Entropy

Motivations to participate in groups;
rewards-costs=profits

Fantasy theme
Creative interpretation of events - shared by group, Group stories, Inside jokes and Code words

Fantasy chain
A string of connected stories that revolve around common theme
("Chaining out" - a sign of developing or well-developed group consciousness)

Evolution of group structure out of individuals' contributions;
How behaviors contribute to evolving group patterns and how rules and resources in turn structure behavior

A more prescriptive theory
Processes by which task groups accomplish their function (goal)

Group Members . . .
Attempt to meet task requirements
Use communication to overcome constraints
Take time to review the process
Assess choices

1: Self Actualization
2: Esteem
3: Belongingness
4: Safety
5: Physiological

Inclusion, affection, and controls are what motivate people to participate in groups

Be upfront with the rest of the group about personal goals and concerns because when these issues can become part of an open conversation about how to establish mutuality of concern and hidden agendas are avoided

Attraction to Individuals:
Similarity
Complementarity
Proximity/Contact/Interaction
Physical Attractiveness
To Group:
Activities (common interests)
Goals (common cause)
Membership (=status)

Coordinator
Orienter
Evaluator-critic
Energizer
Procedural technician
Recorder
Initiator-contributor
Information seeker
Opinion seeker
Information giver
Opinion giver
Elaborator

Inclusion, control and affection

because the person seems to be a central figure in routinely having negative things to say about the leader's ideas or other group members' suggestions.

- Are seen in group behaviors but are less formally verbalized than rules
-Originate from culture, personality, previous group experience, and early stages of group functioning
- is more likely to be followed when it is clearly understood and members strongly identify with the group

goes both ways and delegating & responses are happening at the same time

five senses & social media

Essential for effective group outcomes

Common Purpose
Sense of Belonging
Exert Influence (direct & indirect influence)

more of a bonding for a small group building a connection, while a team uses particular ways

All teams are small groups, but not all small groups are teams

Coordinated Group
Organized to Work Together
Specific Common Goal
Goals
Roles
Rules
Methods

Clear, Elevating Goal
Results- Driven Structure
Competent (Reliable) Members
Unified Commitment
Collaborative Climate
Standards of Excellence
External Support
Principled Leadership

Experience
Problem-Solving Skills
Openness
Supportiveness
Action Oriented (getting things done)
Positive Personal Style
Positive Team Perceptions
Team Learning and Adapting

More Info
Stimulate Creativity
Remember Discussions
Decision Satisfaction
Better Understanding of Self

Limited Time
Expert Has Answers
Info readily available
Unmanageable Conflict

Individualistic vs. Collectivistic (either one isn’t better than the other)

Emotional expression restricted
Nonverbals are “Filtered Out” of text
Less likely to use text-based media

Time
Asynchronous
Synchronous
Social Presence
Anonymity Variation (Anonymous)
Deception Potential (Easier to lie