Group Communication: Types, Advantages, Disadvantages, and Process - Prof. K. Filbel, Study notes of Communication

Download Group Communication: Types, Advantages, Disadvantages, and Process - Prof. K. Filbel and more Study notes Communication in PDF only on Docsity! Chapter 1 Exam 1 October 13, 2014 Introduction to Group Communication A. Succeeding in Groups B. Defining Group Communication -Group Communication: as the interaction of three or more interdependent members working to achieve a common goal. a. Group of friends & corporate team are both the same when it comes to diligent, organization and productiveness. a. Key Elements of Group Communication i. Three or More Members 1. Recognizes that a conversation between two people is fundamentally different from a three-person discussion. 2. As the size of a group increases, the number of possible interactions (and potential misunderstandings) increases even faster. ii. Interaction 1. Requires communication among group members who use verbal and nonverbal messages to generate meanings and establish relationships. 2. Communication allows members to share information and opinions, make decisions and solve problems, and develop interpersonal relationships. iii. Interdependence 1. Means that each group member is affected and influenced by the actions of other members. 2. Every member is responsible for doing his or her part. 3. There are not many tasks that can be accomplished by a group without information, advice, support, and assistance from all interdependent members. iv. Working 1. The physical or mental effort you use when trying to accomplish something. 2. Focuses on the ways in which members work with one another to achieve a common goal. 3. We work effectively in groups, we join others in a productive and motivating experience in which members combine their talents and energy to achieve a worthy goal. v. Common Goal 1. It is the purpose or objective toward which group work is directed. 2. The label – goal, objective, purpose, mission, assignment, or vision doesn’t matter. 3. Whatever the circumstances, effective groups work to accomplish a common goal. b. Types of Groups {diverse characteristics and goals} i. Primary Chapter 1 Exam 1 October 13, 2014 1. Purpose: To provide members with affection, support, and a sense of belonging. 2. Membership: Family members, best friends ii. Social 1. Purpose: to share common interests in a friendly setting or participate in social activities 2. Membership: Athletic team members, hobbyists, sorority and fraternity members iii. Self-Help 1. Purpose: To support and encourage members who want or need help with personal problems 2. Membership: therapy group members, participants in programs such as Weight Watchers or Alcoholics Anonymous iv. Learning 1. Purpose: to help members gain knowledge and develop skills 2. Membership: classmates, book club members, participants in a ceramics workshop or dance class, stock investing clubs v. Service 1. Purpose: to assist worthy causes that help other people outside the group 2. Membership: Members of Kiwanis, Police Athletic League, charity groups vi. Civic 1. Purpose: to support worthy causes that help people within the group 2. Membership: members of the PTA, labor unions, veterans’ groups, community associations vii. Work 1. Purpose: to achieve specific goals on behalf of a business or organization 2. Membership: Members of work-related project management teams, committees, task force members, management team viii. Public 1. Purpose: to discuss important issues in front of or for the benefit of the public 2. Membership: Members of open-to-the-public panel discussions, forums, and governance groups c. Virtual groups: uses technology to communicate, often across time, distance, and organizational boundaries d. Synchronous Communication: occurs simultaneously and in real time e. Asynchronous Communication: electronic communication that does not occur simultaneously or in real time C. Advantages and Disadvantages of Working in Groups - Smaller groups in our day-to-day circumstances to make decisions and solve problems. Chapter 1 Exam 1 October 13, 2014 a. Def.: verbal or nonverbal responses or reactions to a message that help members assess how well others receive and interpret their messages b. Group Ex.: 6. Noise a. Def.: any external (sounds, room conditions) or internal (attitudes, beliefs, and values) factors that interfere with how well members express themselves or interpret the messages of others b. Group Ex.: c. Balance: The Guiding Principle of Group Work -Balance: describes a state of equilibrium in which no significant factor dominates or interferes with other factors. - Effective groups balance factors such as the group’s task and social functions, individual and group needs, and the responsibilities of leadership and followership. i. Groups in Balance {pg. 14} 1. ii. Group Dialectics 1. Individual Goals <-> Group Goals a. Members’ personal goals are balanced with the group’s common goal 2. Conflict <-> Cohesion a. The value of constructive conflict is balanced with the need for unity and cohesiveness 3. Conforming <-> Nonconforming a. A commitment to group norms and standards in balanced with a willingness to differ and change 4. Task Dimensions <-> Social Dimensions a. The responsibility and motivation to complete tasks are balanced with promoting member relationships 5. Homogeneous <-> Heterogeneous a. Member similarities are balanced with member differences in skills, roles, personal characteristics, and cultural perceptiveness 6. Leadership <-> Followership a. Effective and ethical leadership is balanced with committed and responsible followership 7. Structure <-> Spontaneity a. The need for structured procedures is balanced with the need for innovative and creative thinking 8. Engaged <-> Disengaged a. Member energy and labor are balanced with the group’s need for rest and renewal. 9. Open System <-> Closed System Chapter 1 Exam 1 October 13, 2014 a. External support and recognition are balanced with internal group solidarity and rewards E. Ethics Group Communication - Ethics requires an understanding of whether behaviors meet agreed-upon standards of right and wrong a. Ethics in Balance b. Credo for Ethical Communication