Chapter 12: Small Group Communication

Question 1

interactions among three or more people who are connected through a common purpose, mutual influence and a shared identity

Answer 1

Small group communication

Question 2

groups share a common purpose and a common fate

Answer 2

Interdependence

Question 3

groups formed to solve a problem, promote a cause, or generate ideas or information

Answer 3

Task-oriented groups

Question 4

groups formed to promote interpersonal connections and are more focused on quality interactions that contribute to the well-being of group members

Answer 4

Relational-oriented groups

Question 5

long-lasting groups that are formed based on relationships and include significant others

Answer 5

Primary groups

Question 6

characterized by less frequent face-to-face interactions, less emotional and relational communication, and more task-related communication than primary groups

Answer 6

Secondary groups

Question 7

task-oriented groups in which members are especially loyal and dedicated to the task and other group members

Answer 7

Teams

Question 8

groups that take advantage of new technologies and meet exclusively or primarily online to achieve their purpose or goal

Answer 8

Virtual groups

Question 9

the potential for gains in performance or heightened quality of interactions when complementary members or member characteristics are added to existing ones

Answer 9

Synergy

Question 10

when a group member contributes less to the group than the other members do or than they would if working along

Answer 10

Social loafing

Question 11

forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning

Answer 11

Stages of group development

Question 12

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

Answer 12

Forming stage

Question 13

the commitment of members to the purpose of the group and the degree of the attraction among individuals in the group

Answer 13

Group cohesion

Question 14

conflict emerges as people begin to perform their various roles, have their ideas heard, and negotiate where they fit in the group’s structure

Answer 14

Storming stage

Question 15

the practices and expectations of the group are solidified, which leads to more stability, productivity, and cohesion within the group

Answer 15

Norming stage

Question 16

group members work relatively smoothly toward the completion of a task or achievement of a purpose

Answer 16

Performing stage

Question 17

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

Answer 17

Adjourning stage

Question 18

the relatively enduring tone and quality of the group interactions that determines how cohesive the group is

Answer 18

Group climate

Question 19

the commitment of group members to the purpose and activities of the group

Answer 19

Task cohesion

Question 20

the attraction and liking among group members

Answer 20

Social cohesion

Question 21

the process of teaching and learning the norms, rules, and expectations associated with group interaction and group member behaviors

Answer 21

Group socialization

Question 22

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

Answer 22

Groupthink

Question 23

conflict that emerges from disagreements or trouble with the mechanics of group operations

Answer 23

Procedural conflict

Question 24

conflict that focuses on group members’ differing beliefs, attitudes, values, or ideas related to the purpose or task of the group

Answer 24

Substantive conflict

Question 25

conflict between individual members of the group

Answer 25

Interpersonal conflict