Chapter 12: Small Group Communication Flashcards
interactions among three or more people who are connected through a common purpose, mutual influence and a shared identity
Small group communication
groups share a common purpose and a common fate
Interdependence
groups formed to solve a problem, promote a cause, or generate ideas or information
Task-oriented groups
groups formed to promote interpersonal connections and are more focused on quality interactions that contribute to the well-being of group members
Relational-oriented groups
long-lasting groups that are formed based on relationships and include significant others
Primary groups
characterized by less frequent face-to-face interactions, less emotional and relational communication, and more task-related communication than primary groups
Secondary groups
task-oriented groups in which members are especially loyal and dedicated to the task and other group members
Teams
groups that take advantage of new technologies and meet exclusively or primarily online to achieve their purpose or goal
Virtual groups
the potential for gains in performance or heightened quality of interactions when complementary members or member characteristics are added to existing ones
Synergy
when a group member contributes less to the group than the other members do or than they would if working along
Social loafing
forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning
Stages of group development
group members begin to reduce uncertainty associated with new relationships and/ or new tasks through initial interactions that lay the foundation for later group dynamics
Forming stage
the commitment of members to the purpose of the group and the degree of the attraction among individuals in the group
Group cohesion
conflict emerges as people begin to perform their various roles, have their ideas heard, and negotiate where they fit in the group’s structure
Storming stage
the practices and expectations of the group are solidified, which leads to more stability, productivity, and cohesion within the group
Norming stage
group members work relatively smoothly toward the completion of a task or achievement of a purpose
Performing stage
occurs when a group dissolves because it has completed its purpose or goal, membership is declining and support for the group no longer exists, or it is dissolved because of some other internal or external cause
Adjourning stage
the relatively enduring tone and quality of the group interactions that determines how cohesive the group is
Group climate
the commitment of group members to the purpose and activities of the group
Task cohesion
the attraction and liking among group members
Social cohesion
the process of teaching and learning the norms, rules, and expectations associated with group interaction and group member behaviors
Group socialization
a negative group phenomenon characterized by a lack of critical evaluation of proposed ideas or courses of action that result from high levels cohesion and/or high conformity pressures
Groupthink
conflict that emerges from disagreements or trouble with the mechanics of group operations
Procedural conflict
conflict that focuses on group members’ differing beliefs, attitudes, values, or ideas related to the purpose or task of the group
Substantive conflict
conflict between individual members of the group
Interpersonal conflict
