Chapter 1

Question 1

Group communication

Answer 1

the interaction of three or more interdependent members working to achieve a common goal.

Question 2

Interaction

Answer 2

verbal and nonverbal messages allow people to share. Does more than reveal group dynamics, it creates them.

Question 3

Ideal Group Size

Answer 3

5-7. fewer results in lack of diversity of opinions needed for problem solving. As groups grow larger individual satisfaction often decrease.

Question 4

Interdependence

Answer 4

Mutually dependent. Spokes on a wheel.

Question 5

Importance of a common goal

Answer 5

Defines and unifies the group( gives direction), must be clear.

Question 6

Communication process

Answer 6

Members, messages, channels, feedback, context, and noise.

Question 7

System

Answer 7

a collection of interacting interdependent elements working together to form a complex whole that adapts to a changing environment.

Question 8

Holism

Answer 8

must be understood as a whole. cant study components in isolation.

Question 9

Key points concerning systems theory

Answer 9

systems function in a particular environment in which they recieve input and produce output, components are interdependence, have a purpose or goal, unpredictable, and try to maintain balance in their environment.

Question 10

Primary Group

Answer 10

Purpose: to provide members with affection, support, and a sense of belonging. Membership: Family members, best friends.

Question 11

Social Group

Answer 11

Purpose: to share common interest in a friendly setting or participate in social activities. Membership: Athletic teams, frats.

Question 12

Self-Help group

Answer 12

Purpose:to support and encourage member who want or need help with personal problems. Members: Therapy group members, AA.

Question 13

Learning group

Answer 13

Purpose: to help members gain knowledge and develop skills. Members: classmates.

Question 14

Service group

Answer 14

Purpose: to assist worthy causes that help other people outside the group. Members: charity groups.

Question 15

Civic group

Answer 15

Purpose: to support worthy cause that help people within the group. Members: labor unions, veterans groups.

Question 16

Work group

Answer 16

Purpose: to achieve specific goals on behalf of a business or organization. Members: committees, work related.

Question 17

Public Groups

Answer 17

Purpose: to discuss important issues in front of or for the benefit of the public. Members: forums, discussions, governance groups.

Question 18

Relational Dialectic Theory

Answer 18

claims that relationships are characterized by ongoing, dialectic tensions between the multiple contradictions, complexities, and changes in human experiences.

Question 19

Advantages of working in groups

Answer 19

Superior performance, greater member satisfaction, learning, cultural sensitivity, creative thinking, and civic engagement.

Question 20

Disadvantage of working in groups

Answer 20

the amount of time, energy, and resources expended by groups; the potential for interpersonal conflicts and people problems.

Question 21

Ethics and Group Communication

Answer 21

National communication association credo for ethical communication sets forth guiding principles to assess how well communication behaviors meet agreed-upon standards of right and wrong.

Question 22

Goal

Answer 22

purpose of objective toward which group work is directed.

Question 23

Work

Answer 23

physical or mental effort you use when trying to accomplish something.

Question 24

Virtual Group

Answer 24

uses technology to communicate, often across time, distance and organizational boundaries.

Question 25

Synchronous communication

Answer 25

occurs simultaneously and in real time.

Question 26

Asynchronous communication

Answer 26

electronic communication that doesn't occur simultaneously or in real time.

Question 27

Synergy

Answer 27

term that describes the cooperative interaction of several factors that result in a combined effect greater than the total of all individual contributions. WHOLE IS GREATER THAN SUM OF INDIVIDUAL PARTS. synergos-working together

Question 28

theory

Answer 28

statement that tries to explain or predict events and behavior. Help to understand what and why stuff goes on in groups.

Question 29

strategy

Answer 29

method, guideline, or technique for dealing with the issues and problems that arise in groups. Effective= based on theories

Question 30

skill

Answer 30

in context of group work, is a specific ability that helps a group carry out or achieve its common goal.

Question 31

Balance

Answer 31

a state of equilibrium in which no significant factor dominates of interferes with other factors.

Question 32

Group dialectics

Answer 32

as the contradictory tensions groups experience as they work toward a common goal.

Question 33

dialectics

Answer 33

the way in which successful groups balance competing pressure.

Question 34

Both/and approach

Answer 34

used by successful groups. i.e. you may both enjoy warm friendships with some members and effectively cope with members who are difficult.

Question 35

Ethics

Answer 35

requires an understanding of whether behaviors meet agreed-upon standards of right and wrong.

Question 36

Empowerment

Answer 36

describes a shift in power and authority in a group so that members assume responsibility for their work.

Question 37

Four characteristics for effective Empowerment

Answer 37

potency, meaningfulness, autonomy and impact.

Question 38

potency

Answer 38

group believes it has the power and ability to achieve its common goal.

Question 39

meaningfulness

Answer 39

group believes that its common goal is important, valuable, and worth while.

Question 40

autonomy

Answer 40

group is optimistic about achieving its goal because it has the freedom to make decisions and implement those decisions.

Question 41

Impact

Answer 41

group believes that its work produces significant benefits for other people and organizations.

Question 42

Optimal Group experience

Answer 42

when a group is totally caught up in what you were doing, wholly focused on it and performing at a high level.