Small groups comm.

Equifinality:

a system's final state may be reached by multiple paths and from different initial states; there is more than one way to reach the goal; different groups will not operate (throughput) the exact same way or produce the same product; a single group will not operate the exact same way twice or produce the exact same product twice. Ex: Metallica can choose different ways to write their songs.

Homogeneous groups

are groups that contain members who share many similarities with one another. These groups function better when they first form. However, overtime groupthink can occur which hinders their productivity.

Diverse groups

are groups that include members of a variety of genders, races, ages, religions, etc. These groups function better than homogeneous groups because there is more potential in terms of skills and approaches to problems. However, this diversity can create conflict if it is not handled when the group is formed or if a supportive climate doesn't exist. Diverse groups struggle when the group forms, but over time they become more productive than homogenous groups

Entropy:

breakdown of the process (throughput); this stems from boredom = routine, a lack of resources or information, members leaving, unmanaged conflicts; it can be handled with new input and tweaking the throughput. Ex: The band members fighting with one another causes tension. This is handled by getting a group counselor and changing their entire writing process.

Mutuality of Concern:

each member's commitment and willingness to sacrifice. It is evident in their level of participation, quality of individual work, and the amount and quality of communication.

Social Compensation:

extra work done by group members when part of the group is experiencing social loafing.

social dimension

focuses on the relationships between group members when the group is together or separate. It involves the cooperation between the members, their interactions when they are not meeting as a group, and conflict that arises from opposing ideas or strained relationships. Social needs include inclusion, control, and affection.

task dimension

focuses on the work aspect of a group. It involves the purpose for the group's meeting and is the job that the group works to complete

Rules:

formal standards to determine group operation and member conduct. This falls into the task dimension to get work done. Open agreement is discussed. Rules are explicit, documented, have consequences, and research suggests that the best groups create their own rules.

Openness to Environment:

groups are affected by their interactions with the environment; changes can cause uncertainty which leads to stress; changes can be internal or organizational; open groups are adaptable whereas closed groups are stressed. Ex: The band changed their entire writing process which caused them lots of stress.

Throughput:

how we make use of our input; the process of working together as a group. Ex: The band members get into the studio and experiment with different sounds; they meet as a group and discuss what they like and don't like so far

advantages of working in groups

include more information from individual members, more creativity, Error Correction Function (catching people's mistakes and critical thinking), remembering what was discussed (Group Remembering Phenomenon), satisfaction with decisions, and learning about yourself.

The disadvantages of working in groups

include pressuring others to conform to a certain opinion, someone dominating the discussion, when a member relies too much on others in the group, and working in groups takes more time than working alone. *Groupthink: when groups agree primarily in order to avoid conflict.

Norms:

informal standards that regulate behavior. This falls into the social dimension because it manages the group climate. Norms have an informal structure, reduce uncertainty to achieve goals, aren't documented, are typically unspoken, are carried from group to group and develop based on what happens early on in the group. Conformity to group norms depends on the characteristics of group members, the clarity of the norm and the punishment for breaking it, the number of people who have already conformed, the quality of the interpersonal relationships in the group, and the sense of group identification that members have developed.

Affection

involves our need to feel acknowledged and appreciated by the group. It shows when we manage conflict, successfully complete tasks, and share positive feelings. The need for affection surfaces towards the end of a group task once conflicts are resolved. Each of these needs is part of William Schutz's Theory.

Inclusion primary tension.

involves the need to be understood and accepted; to fit in. This need surfaces at the beginning of a group/task. Newer groups can experience

Secondary Tension:

it is inevitable because decisions have to be made. It involves conflict over rules, tasks, etc. Group members tend to be comfortable asserting opinions.

Physical:

physical beauty or handsomeness.

Synergy.

present when the whole is greater than the sum of its parts; comes from working collaboratively, interdependence, deep diversity, and dynamic. Ex: Metallica getting together after James returns from rehab and they get along and make good music.

Structuration Theory:

provides a general framework that explains how people structure their groups by making active use of rules and resources. It focuses more on the individual's behavior rather than the dynamics of groups. Groups create rules based on past experiences, what they deem to be appropriate or inappropriate.

Media Richness Theory:

suggests that the richness of a communication channel is based upon the amount of feedback received by the communicator, the number of cues a channel conveys and can be interpreted by a receiver, the variety of language used, and the potential for expressing emotions and feelings. Communication/media "rich" means there are more cues while communication/media "lean" means there are fewer cues.

Proximity:

the actual, physical availability of other people.

Interdependence:

the aspect of a group where members rely on each other and their specialized skills; changes can cause stress for the group. Ex: The band members rely on one another to create parts for their album.

Similarity:

the degree to which two people are alike.

Complementarity:

the degree to which two people are compatibly different from each other.

Grouphate:

the dread and repulsion many people have about working in groups, teams, or attending meetings; diminishes when people receive instruction and training. Factors that attribute to grouphate include our individualistic culture, poorly managed meetings, social loafing, and social compensation.

Primary Tension:

the novelty of new people or a new task. It involves the uncertainty of how to behave, to whom to talk, and what the group is doing. Group members tend to be "friendly, but cautious" by using uncomfortable silences, tentative statements, being polite and apologetic, offering little to no outward disagreement, and engaging in small talk.

Group Goals:

the outcome that the group seeks; successful groups put the group goals ahead of individual goals.

Social Facilitation:

the tendency for people to work harder simply because there are other people present.

Input:

the variables that we have to work with. Ex: Metallica got together to record with nothing written.

Control

to satisfaction and quality work. Control typically surfaces during the throughput. Secondary conflict is experienced when control is lost.

Output:

what the group produces as an end result. Ex: Metallica's Black album.

Social Loafing:

when some group members hold back on their contributions, assuming others will do the work.

Complementarity:

when you bring qualities to your group that other members don't have; also a factor in interpersonal attraction where you attracted to people who have qualities you don't possess.