SCOM Chapter 13

Substantive conflict

focuses on group members' differing beliefs, attitudes, values, or ideas related to the purpose or task of the group (what the group is doing)

Team

task-oriented group in which members are especially loyal and dedicated to the task and other group members

Relational-oriented groups

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

Task-oriented groups

groups that form to solve a problem, promote a cause, or generate ideas or information

Secondary groups

groups with less frequent face-to-face interactions, less emotional and relational communication, and more task-related communication than primary groups

Performing

in this stage, group members work relatively smoothly toward the completion of a task or achievement of a purpose

Small Group Communication

interaction among 3 or more people who are connected through a common purpose, mutual influence, and a shared identity

Social cohesion

the attraction and liking among group members

Task cohesion

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

Forming

the first stage of team development, in which group members begin to reduce uncertainty associated with new relationships and/or new tasks through initial interactions

Group socialization

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

Group climate

the relatively enduring tone and quality of group interaction that is experiences similarly by group members

Storming

the second stage of development, characterized by conflict and disagreement, in which team members disagree over what the team should do and how it should do it

Adjourning

the stage in which a group dissolves because it has completed its purpose or goal, support for the group no longer exists, or some other internal or external cause

Norming

the third stage of group development, in which members begin to settle into their roles, group cohesion grows, and norms develop

Interpersonal conflict

emerges from conflict between individual members of the group

Procedural conflict

emerges from disagreements or trouble with the mechanics of group operations (how things are being done/run)

Social knowledge

focuses on behavioral norms that guide interaction

Technical knowledge

focuses on skills and information needed to complete a task

5 Stages of small group development

forming, storming, norming, performing, adjourning

Interdependence

group members share a common purpose and a common fate

Primary groups

long-lasting groups that are formed based on relationships (i.e. family, friends, significant other)

Groupthink

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

Synergy

potential for gains in performance or heightened quality of interactions when complementary members or member characteristics are added to existing ones