Chapter 9: Group Communication
study groups
the accumulation students with the explicit purpose of preparing for exams (task-oriented)
What are the types of groups in group communicating and explain what roles do they accomplish?
Primary groups Groups formed around long-lasting and meaningful relationships. An example such as family and friends Support groups Groups that address personal problems while benefiting from the support of others with similar issues (group therapy, AA Meetings, etc.) Social groups Social events that offer opportunities to form relationships with other members Problem-solving groups Groups that help address specific problems Study groups the accumulation of students with the explicit purpose of preparing for exams (task-oriented) Focus groups A group formed by a collective of individuals driven by research-based goals Teams A group that works together to carry out a project or specific endeavor ( sports team, gaming teams, work teams) Self-directed work teams A group of skilled workers collaborating to accomplish a task
groups
a collection of more than two people who share some kind of relationship, communicate in an articulate fashion, and collaborate towards a shared purpose
focus groups
a collective of individuals driven by research-based goals
team
a group that works together to carry out a project or specific endeavor
support groups
address personal problems while benefiting from the support of others with similar issues
problem-solving groups
addresses specific problems
all channel network
communication is equal, fluid, and interactive amongst all members
chain network
communication is linear with information being passed from one member to the next
network position
describes an individuals level of centrality within a group
storming stage
determine what roles members will play and resolve conflicts
primary groups
form around long-lasting and meaningful relationships such as family and friends
social loafing
investing less effort when working in a group then when working alone
adjourning stage
members reflect on their accomplishments and failures and determine whether or not to disband or tackle new goals
forming stage
negotiating who will be in charge and what the group's goals will be
performing stage
norms are established and action shifts to accomplishing tasks, achieving goals, and overcoming hurdles
social groups
offers opportunities to form relationships with other members
Networks
patterns of interaction governing who speaks with home in a group
wheel network
primary communicator for whom group members report
norming stage
reoccurring patterns of behavior or thinking (norms) begin to govern expectations, rolls are solidified, and a leader emerges
self-directed work teams
skilled workers collaborating to accomplish a task
coalitions (cliques)
small subgroups of individuals who have bonded together within a group
countercoalitions
subgroups that position themselves against each other on issues
centrality
the degree to which an individual sends and receives messages from others in the group
isolation
the position from which a group member sends and receives fewer messages than other members
group characteristics
• a shared identity • common goals • interdependent relationships
types of networks
• chain • all channel • wheel •
stages of group development
• forming • storming • norming • performing • adjourning
centrality levels
• higher centrality = more messages • lower centrality = fewer messages
larger groups
• more formal • limited opportunities for individuals • less intimate • more time-consuming • more complex • develops subgroups
group types
• primary groups • support groups • social groups • problem-solving groups • study groups • focus groups • teams • self-directed work teams