Ch. 13
primary groups
also called long-lasting groups, that are formed based on relationships and include significant others
secondary groups
are characterized by less frequent face-to-face interactions, less emotional and relational communication, and more task-related communication than primary groups
task-oriented groups
are formed to solve a problem, prompt a cause, or generate ideas or information
teams
are task-oriented groups in which members are especially loyal and dedicated to the task and other group members
Storming Stage of Group Development
conflict emerges as people begin to perform their various roles, have their ideas heard, and negotiate where they fit in the group's structure
Performing Stage of Group Development
groups members work relatively smoothly toward the completion of a task or achievement of a purpose
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
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
group socialization
refers to the purpose 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 of 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
social cohesion
refers tot he attraction and liking among group members
interdependence
small groups exhibit this, meaning they share a common purpose and a common fate
virtual groups
take advantage of new technologies and meet exclusively or primarily online to achieve their purpose or goal
Norming Stage of Group Development
the practices and expectations of the group are solidified, which leads to more stability, productivity, and cohesion within the group
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
procedural conflict
emerges from disagreements or trouble with the mechanics of group operations
substantive conflict
focuses on group members' beliefs, attitudes, values, or ideas related to the purpose or task of the group
relational-oriented groups
formed to promote interpersonal connections and are more focused on quality interactions that contribute to the well-being of group members
Forming Stage of Group Development
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
social loafing
meaning they contribute less to the group than other members or than they would if working alone
Adjourning Stage of Group Development
occurs when a group dissolves because it has completed its purpose or goal, membership is declining and support for the group no longer exists
small group communication
refers to interactions among three or more people who are connected through a common purpose, mutual influence, and a shared identity
primary tension
which is tension based on uncertainty that is a natural part of initial interactions
