Small Group Communication

Question 1

What needs are met in groups? (3)

Answer 1

Inclusion
Affection
Control

Question 2

What is group failure caused by? (4)

Answer 2

Ineffective leaders
Poorly outlined goals
Lack of efficiency
Outgroups

Question 3

Name the 2 types of groups and their characteristics? (2)

Answer 3

Assigned:
- task-oriented
- formal/positional

Emergent:
- relationship oriented
- informal/behavioural

Question 4

Name Tuckman’s 5 stages of group development

Answer 4

1. Forming
2. Storming
3. Norming
4. Performing
5. Adjourning

Question 5

Name the 4 stages of Fisher’s Model of group progression

Answer 5

1. Orientation
2. Conflict
3. Emergence
4. Reinforcement

Question 6

What does group climate rely on? (3)

Answer 6

Trust
Supportiveness
Cohesiveness

Question 7

What factors cause groupthink? (7)

Answer 7

• Group feels invulnerable
• Strong belief in group’s principles
• Wrong decisions are rationalized
• Other groups are viewed in a negative manner
• Consensus is paramount
• Group insulation
• Members with low self-esteem

Question 8

Distinguish between a designated leader (3) and an emergent leader

Answer 8

Designated:
- officially recognized in role
- appointed/elected
- beneficial to group

Emergent:
- gained status and respect through engagement with group

Question 9

Name the 5 types of power

Answer 9

Reward
Coercive
Legitimate
Referent
Expert

Question 10

Name and distinguish between the 3 types of leaders

Answer 10

Democratic - value inclusion and consensus

Laissez-faire - lack of structure

Autocratic - highly controlling and directive

Question 11

Explain the force-field analysis by Lewin (3)

Answer 11

visualizing and evaluating the forces that affect a situation/problem

driving forces - causing the problem
restraining forces - maintaining the problem

Question 12

What is legitimate power?
Give an example

Answer 12

power that produces real belief change and has strong unconscious influence

e.g., judges

Question 13

What is referent power?
Give an example

Answer 13

power caused by persuasion, charisma, being attractive, or being famous

e.g., the popular girls in class

Question 14

What is expert power?
Give an example

Answer 14

power of informational influence

e.g., doctors

Question 15

Distinguish between process feedback and decision feedback

Answer 15

Process feedback - checking up on how the group is doing during a task to avoid problems

Decision feedback - members of a group need to know if the group decision made was the right one