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