Chapter 9- Communicating in Small Groups Flashcards
What is a small group?
-3-20 people, working interdependently to accomplish a task
characteristics of a small group
- distinguished by their size
- interdependent
- cohesive- task cohesion and social cohesion
- enforce rules and norms
- include individual roles
- have their own identities
- have distinctive communication practices
- often interact online
functions of small groups
- small groups focus on discrete tasks
- examples include a jury and the US senate finance committee
- many such groups disband after their tasks are complete
small groups evaluate and advise
- examples include a focus group and the presidents cabinet
- such groups provide feedback and advice as requested
small groups create art and ideas
- examples include a band and a brainstorming group
- such groups generate artistic expression and/or innovative ways of thinking
small groups provide service and support
- examples include a support group and a local service organization
- groups can provide material and emotional support
small groups promote social networking
- examples include internet chat rooms and facebook groups
- the purpose of such groups is to facilitate interpersonal communication
small groups compete
- examples include a wrestling team and a quiz bowl team
- such groups train and rehearse a set of skills and then compete with similar groups
small groups help us learn
- examples include a study group and a workshop
- research shows that taking part in learning groups enhance critical thinking skills
why do we join small groups
- need to belong
- desire for protection
- to improve our effectiveness
- due to pressure to join- doesnt mean its a bad group
5 phases of socializing into small groups
- people are socialized into small groups via 5 phases
- antecedent phase- perceptions before you know anything about the group
- anticipatory phase- phase when you make judgments/ assumptions ab what you except -> what are the guidelines, how often do we meet
- encounter phase- first time you meet as a group
- assimilation phase- accept the groups culture
- exit phase- when you leave voluntary/involuntary
advantages of small group communication
- communicating in small groups present some specific advantages
- small groups provide resources
- small groups experience synergy
- small groups expose us to diversity
challenges of small group communication
- small groups requires sacrifices -> some members might be social loafers
- social loafer- one person isnt doing anything -> group has to pick up the slack
- small groups experience conflict (more than large groups)
- small groups can be difficult to coordinate
becoming a better small group communicator
-socialize new members constructively -> welcome new members and become socialized into anew group yourself
when adding new members, remember the following
- recruit good members
- create a group orientation
- include new members in activates
- be a mentor
