SPC 1017 CHAPTER 13 - Small Group Communication
secondary groups
characterized by less frequent face-to-face interactions, less emotional and relational communication, and more task-related communication than primary groups
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.
social loafing
contribute less to the group than other members or than they would if working alone
Teams
task-oriented groups in which members are especially loyal and dedicated to the task and other group members
primary tension
tension based on uncertainty that is a natural part of initial interactions.
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 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 convergence
refers to the sense of community or group consciousness that develops in a group through non-task-related communication such as stories and jokes.
Group cohesion
the commitment of members to the purpose of the group and the degree of attraction among individuals within the grou
Synergy
the potential for gains in performance or heightened quality of interactions when complementary members or member characteristics are added to existing ones
interdependence
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
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
Groupthink
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
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.
Interpersonal conflict
emerges from conflict between individual members of the group.; deals with WHO
Procedural conflict
emerges from disagreements or trouble with the mechanics of group operations; deals with HOW
primary groups
family and friends; long-lasting groups that are formed based on relationships and include significant others. These are the small groups in which we interact most frequently.
Substantive conflict
focuses on group members' differing beliefs, attitudes, values, or ideas related to the purpose or task of the group; deals with WHAT
Relational-oriented groups
formed to promote interpersonal connections and are more focused on quality interactions that contribute to the well-being of group members
Task-oriented groups
formed to solve a problem, promote a cause, or generate ideas or information
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
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
Virtual groups
people who interact with one another via mediated channels, without meeting face-to-face
norming stage
practices and expectations of the group are solidified, which leads to more stability, productivity, and cohesion within the group.