Chapter 13: Small Group

primary groups

Our family and friends are considered primary groups, or long-lasting groups that are formed based on relationships and include significant others.

Feedback

Positive, constructive, and relevant feedback contribute to group climate.

Relational-oriented groups

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

Task-oriented groups

are formed to solve a problem, promote a cause, or generate ideas or information (McKay, Davis, & Fanning, 1995).

Teams

are task-oriented groups in which members are especially loyal and dedicated to the task and other group members (Larson & LaFasto, 1989).

group fantasies

are verbalized references to events outside the "here and now" of the group, including references to the group's past, predictions for the future, or other communication about people or events outside the group (Griffin, 2009).

storming stage

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

Substantive conflict

focuses on group members' differing beliefs, attitudes, values, or ideas related to the purpose or task of the group.

Small group communication

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

Social cohesion

refers to the attraction and liking among group members.

Task cohesion

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

Group cohesion

refers to the commitment of members to the purpose of the group and the degree of attraction among individuals within the group (Hargie, 2011).

Synergy

refers to the potential for gains in performance or heightened quality of interactions when complementary members or member characteristics are added to existing ones (Larson Jr., 2010).

Group socialization

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

Group climate

refers to the relatively enduring tone and quality of group interaction that is experienced similarly by group members.

Symbolic convergenc

refers to the sense of community or group consciousness that develops in a group through non-task-related communication such as stories and jokes.

Virtual groups

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

norming stage

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

secondary groups

which are characterized by less frequent face-to-face interactions, less emotional and relational communication, and more task-related communication than primary groups (Barker, 1991).

Equity

Aside from individual participation, group members also like to feel as if participation is managed equally within the group and that appropriate turn taking is used.

Messages

Confirming messages help build relational dimensions within a group, and clear, organized, and relevant messages help build task dimensions within a group.

Participation

Group members feel better when they feel included in discussion and a part of the functioning of the group.

Clear and accepted roles

Group members like to know how status and hierarchy operate within a group. Knowing the roles isn't enough to lead to satisfaction, though—members must also be comfortable with and accept those roles.

social loafing

Group members may take advantage of the anonymity of a group and engage in social loafing, meaning they contribute less to the group than other members or than they would if working alone (Karau & Williams, 1993).

Motivation

Member motivation is activated by perceived connection to and relevance of the group's goals or purpose.

Secondary tension

emerges after groups have passed the forming stage of group development and begin to have conflict over member roles, differing ideas, and personality conflicts. These tensions are typically evidenced by less reserved and less polite behavior than primary tensions.

Interpersonal conflict

emerges from conflict between individual members of the group.

Procedural conflict

emerges from disagreements or trouble with the mechanics of group operations.

forming stage

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.

performing stage

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

Groupthink

is a negative group phenomenon characterized by a lack of critical evaluation of proposed ideas or courses of action that results from high levels of cohesion and/or high conformity pressures (Janis, 1972)

interdependence

meaning they share a common purpose and a common fate. If the actions of one or two group members lead to a group deviating from or not achieving their purpose, then all members of the group are affected.

adjourning stage

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.

primary tension

which is tension based on uncertainty that is a natural part of initial interactions. It is only after group members begin to "break the ice" and get to know each other that the tension can be addressed and group members can proceed with the forming stage of group development.