Chapter 15: Understanding Small Group Communication
Learning Objectives
- Define small group communication.
- Explain the characteristics and functions of small groups.
- Compare and contrast different types of small groups.
- Discuss advantages and disadvantages of small groups.
- Explain the process and characteristics of the stages of group development.
- Explain the relationship between group cohesion and group climate.
- Describe the process of group member socialization.
- Explain the relationship between conformity and groupthink.
- Define various types of group conflict and identify strategies for managing each type.
Key Terms
- Adjourning
- Forming
- Group Climate
- Group Cohesion
- Group Fantasies
- Group Socialization
- Groupthink
- Interdependence
- Interpersonal Conflict
- Norming
- Performing
- Primary Group
- Primary Tension
- Procedural Conflict
- Relational-Oriented Group
- Secondary Group
- Secondary Tension
- Small Group Communication
- Social Cohesion
- Social Loafing
- Storming
- Substantive Conflict
- Symbolic Convergence
- Synergy
- Task Cohesion
- Task-Oriented Group
- Team
- Virtual Group
this 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, or it is dissolved because of some other internal or external cause
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
the relatively enduring tone and quality of group interaction that is experienced similarly by group members
the commitment of members to the purpose of the group and the degree of attraction among individuals within the group
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
the process of teaching and learning the norms, rules, and expectations associated with group interaction and group member behaviors
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
sharing a common purpose and a common fate
emerges from conflict between individual members of the group
during this stage of group development, the practices and expectations of the group are solidified, which leads to more stability, productivity, and cohesion within the group
During this stage of group development, group members work relatively smoothly toward the completion of a task or achievement of a purpose
long-lasting groups that are formed based on relationships and include significant others
tension (arising amongst group members) based on uncertainty that is a natural part of initial interactions
in this type of conflict, group members differ in their beliefs about how something should be done
formed to promote interpersonal connections and are more focused on quality interactions that contribute to the well-being of group members
characterized by less frequent face-to-face interactions, less emotional and relational communication, and more task-related communication than primary groups
emerges after groups have passed the forming stage of group development and begin to have conflict over member roles, differing ideas, and personality conflicts
interactions among three or more people who are connected through a common purpose, mutual influence, and a shared identity
the attraction and liking among group members
when one group member contributes less to the group than other members or than they would if working alone
during this 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
focuses on group members’ differing beliefs, attitudes, values, or ideas related to the purpose or task of the group
the sense of community or group consciousness that develops in a group through non-task-related communication such as stories and jokes
the potential for gains in performance or heightened quality of interactions when complementary group members or member characteristics are added to existing ones
the commitment of group members to the purpose and activities of the group
formed to solve a problem, promote a cause, or generate ideas or information
task-oriented groups in which members are especially loyal and dedicated to the task and other group members
meet exclusively or primarily online to achieve their purpose or goal
