Comm 1100 Chapter 13: small group communication
relational-oriented groups
Groups formed to promote interpersonal connections and that are more focused on quality interactions that contribute to the well-being of group members.
Syngery
Potential for gains in performance or heightened quality of interactions when complementary characteristics are added to existing ones
small group communication
communication among a small number of people who share a common purpose or goal, who feel connected to each other, and who coordinate their behavior
interpersonal conflict
conflict that occurs between two or more individuals
procedural conflict
differences of opinion on what procedures to use during group discussion
social loafing
the tendency for people to put less effort into a simple task when working with others on that task
Groupthink
the tendency of group members to conform, resulting in a narrow view of some issue
Teams
task-oriented groups in which members are especially loyal and dedicated to the task and other group members
primary tension
tension arising from the uncertainty and discomfort that occur when a group first meets
virtual groups
small groups whose members rarely interact face to face and who mostly communicate by using electronic technologies
social cohesion
the attraction of members to one another and to the group as a whole
group climate
the emotional tone or atmosphere members create within the group
Forming
the first stage of team development, in which team members meet each other, form initial impressions, and begin to establish team norms
Performing
the fourth and final stage of team development, in which performance improves because the team has matured into an effective, fully functioning team
group socialization
the process by which new and/or established members learn to fit together through communication
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
group cohesion
the sense of solidarity or loyalty that individuals feel toward a group to which they belong
Norming
the third stage of team development, in which team members begin to settle into their roles, group cohesion grows, and positive team norms develop
Adjourning
Completion stage of team development
task-oriented group
Formed to solve a problem, promote a cause, or generate ideas or information
substantive conflict
Group conflict that focuses on group members' differing beliefs, attitudes, values, or ideas related to the purpose or task of the group.
secondary group
Less frequent face to face interactions, less emotional and relational communication, and more task related communication
Interdependence
Share a common purpose and a common fate
task cohesion
The commitment of group members to the purpose and activities of the group.
secondary tension
The conflict that occurs, after the members of a group have become acquainted with one another, over group norms, roles, leadership, and differences among member opinions.
Symbolic Convergence
The sense of community or group consciousness that develops in a group through non-task-related communication such as stories and jokes.
group fantasies
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.
primary group
a small group characterized by intimate, face-to-face association and cooperation
