Small Group Communication Flashcards

Small Group Communication

• Involves three or more individuals collaborating to achieve a specific task.

Primary Features of Small Group Communication

• Group Size: Ideal size ranges from 3 to 15 members, with 5-7 being optimal for effective interaction.
• Interdependence: Concept rooted in systems theory, indicating each member's actions influence the group. A change in one member affects others, promoting collective achievement.
• Task Types:
  • Addictive Task: Members work on individual components before sharing to create a final output. Interdependence is realized upon task combination.
  • Conjunctive Task: Members must coordinate actions from task assignment to completion, necessitating ongoing interdependence.

Secondary Features of Small Group Communication

• Norms: Behavioral guidelines determining limits of acceptable actions within the group.
• Identity:
  • Establishes psychological and physical boundaries distinguishing members from non-members.
  • Psychological Identity: Sense of belonging that fosters a "we-ness," which can influence group dynamics positively or negatively.
  • Physical Boundaries: Indicators such as uniforms or artifacts that signify group membership.
• Group Typing: Assumptions made by non-members based on visible group affiliations.
• Types of Talk:
  • Problem-solving Talk: Focused on task completion.
  • Role Talk: Discusses individual duties affecting communication dynamics.
  • Consciousness-raising Talk: Promotes group identity and morale but must be balanced to avoid inefficiency.
  • Encounter Talk: Involves personal interactions, fostering group closeness and satisfaction.

Types of Small Groups

• Primary Group: Formed through intimate relationships, e.g., family, close friends.
• Social Group: Bonded by shared interests or activities, e.g., teams or organizations.
• Self-Help Group: Individuals sharing similar challenges, e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous; approximately 40% of Americans participate at some point.
• Learning Group: Aims to develop members' skills, e.g., study groups.
• Service Group: Volunteers focused on community assistance, e.g., campus organizations.
• Public Group: Engages an audience through activities like symposiums or panel discussions.
• Work Group: Organizational groups sharing collective responsibility for a task.
• Virtual Group: Members work interdependently from different locations, often fostering community in a digital space.

Group Hate

• Refers to feelings of dread when faced with group work, often due to unequal contributions, lack of participation, or divided grading regardless of effort.

Test your knowledge on small group communication and its primary features with these flashcards. Understand the dynamics of group size, interdependence, and how members collaborate to achieve common goals.