Chapter 7: Small Group Communication (Lessons 15 & 16)

Question 1

What are some benefits of groups?

Answer 1

-easier to complete tasks
-establish bonds
-create, maintain, change our sense of self

Question 2

What can lead to negative group interactions?

Answer 2

lack of knowledge about group communication

Question 3

Dyadic Communication

Answer 3

applied in two person interactions

Question 4

Small Group Communication

Answer 4

interactions among three or more people connected through a common purpose

Question 5

Internal Influences on Small Groups

Answer 5

-member characteristics (ie. roles)

Question 6

External Influences on Small Groups

Answer 6

-group size, task, resources

Question 7

How do size and structure affect group communication?

Answer 7

-the more people, the more scheduling and communication issues

Question 8

Reachability

Answer 8

how one member is or is not connected to other group members

Question 9

Decentralized Group Structure

Answer 9

-each group member is connected by to others
-makes coordination easy

Question 10

Centralized Group Structure

Answer 10

-the central person is reachable by all group members

Question 11

Shared group identity

Answer 11

formed around a shared goal and previous accomplishments

Question 12

Instrumental Needs of Groups

Answer 12

-provide security and protection through increased numbers and accessible resourcces

Question 13

Interpersonal Needs of Groups

Answer 13

-met by giving us inclusion, control, and support

Question 14

Identity Needs of Groups

Answer 14

-reference for social comparison
-beliefs, attitudes, values, or cultural identities

Question 15

Task-oriented Groups

Answer 15

-formed to solve problems, promote a cause, generate ideas or information
-ie. committee or study group

Question 16

Types of task-oriented groups

Answer 16

groups can be used for production (ie. event group), discussion (ie. clinical group), problem solving (ie. debate team)

Question 17

Relational-oriented groups

Answer 17

formed to promote interpersonal connections and focus on quality interactions

Question 18

Teams

Answer 18

-task-oriented
-members are loyal to the task and other members
-have a clear goal/purpose
-clear roles
-coordinated efforts
-results driven
-external support
-ethical leadership

Question 19

Groups

Answer 19

-goal, purpose, roles are not always clear

Question 20

Virtual Groups

Answer 20

-work together using a video-conferencing program
-overcomes geographical struggles

Question 21

Advantages of Small Groups

Answer 21

-shared decision making, resources
-synergy
-exposure to diversity
-expand social networks

Question 22

Synergu

Answer 22

the potential for gains in performance or heightened quality of interactions

Question 23

Disadvantages of Small Groups

Answer 23

-when highly specialized skills or knowledge are needed
-slowed decision making process
-coordination and planning conflicting schedules
-selfishness

Question 24

In teams, tasks and goals usually can’t be achieved by __________ due to….

Answer 24

an individual due to constraints on time and resources

Question 25

What are some examples of teams?

Answer 25

sports, healthcare, orchestras

Question 26

Forming Stage

Answer 26

-group members reduce the uncertainty associated with new relationships or tasks -foundation laid -group cohesion formed

Question 27

Group Cohesion

Answer 27

members' commitment to the purpose of the group and the degree of attraction among the group

Question 28

Storming Stage

Answer 28

-conflict emerges as people begin to perform their roles and negotiating where they fit in the group -can lead to growth

Question 29

Norming Stage

Answer 29

-the practices and expectations of the group are solidified -leads to stability, productivity, cohesion -vital for smooth operation

Question 30

Group Norms

Answer 30

bring a sense of predictability and stability that allow the group to more on to the performing stage

Question 31

Performing Stage

Answer 31

-group members work relatively smoothy toward completing a task or achieving a purpose

Question 32

Adjourning Stage

Answer 32

when a group dissolves because it has completed its purpose or goal

Question 33

Group Climate

Answer 33

the relatively enduring tone and quality of group interaction experienced

Question 34

Task Cohesion

Answer 34

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

Question 35

Social Cohesion

Answer 35

the attraction and liking among group members

Question 36

Advantages of Good Cohesion

Answer 36

-set goals easily -high commitment -more productive -fewer attendance issues -group perseverance -satisfied members -support and constructive criticism -less anger and tension

Question 37

Participation

Answer 37

members feel better when including in discussion and functioning

Question 38

Messages

Answer 38

confirmation builds relational dimensions

Question 39

Feedback

Answer 39

contributes to group climate

Question 40

Equity

Answer 40

participation is managed equally

Question 41

Clear and accepted roles

Answer 41

satisfaction with hierarchy and acceptance of roles

Question 42

Motivation

Answer 42

activated by connection to goals and purpose

Question 43

Symbolic Convergence

Answer 43

group consciousness that develops through non-task-related communication (ie. jokes)

Question 44

Conformity

Answer 44

-a group pressure -resistance due to disagreement or valid argument

Question 45

Groupthink

Answer 45

a negative group phenomenon characterized by lack of critical evaluation of proposed ideas

Question 46

What causes groupthink?

Answer 46

high cohesion and conformity pressure

Question 47

Ways to avoid groupthink:

Answer 47

-divide decision-making power -discussion -reward minorities -ideas submitted before discussion -decisions reviewed by outside party

Question 48

Procedural Conflict

Answer 48

-emerges from disagreements or trouble with operations -differ in "how" beliefs -can be resolved via vote

Question 49

Substantive Conflict

Answer 49

-differing beliefs, attitudes, values, ideas related to a group task

Question 50

Primary Tension

Answer 50

-when group first comes together -based on uncertainty -ice-breaker needed

Question 51

Secondary Tension

Answer 51

-emerges after forming stage -less reserved and polite behaviour -lower tolerance threshold

Question 52

Ways to manage small group conflict

Answer 52

-decision-making procedures -third-party mediation -leader facilitation

Question 53

Tips for Conflict Management

Answer 53

-clarify the issue -create a positive discussion -discuss needs rather than solutions -set boundaries -"we" language