Chapter 10: Small group communication

Chapter 10: Small group communication

The small groups and teams

-          Small group: It is forming groups and click is a natural part of life but small groups are formed out of a common purpose, interdependence, organization of rules, and self-perception as a group.

-          This is also characterized as a team.

-          An effective contain these qualities: - Specific purpose, Clearly defines roles, Goal directed, and Content focused.

-          Teams can be both in face-to-face or on the virtual world via video/audio interaction.

The small group stages

-          Arranged by themselves in circular or semicircular.

-          Share the information.

-          Leaders will try to keep members on track.

-          The panel group members are experts.

The small group formats

-          The symposium: each members delivers a prepared presentation much like a pub;lic speech.

-          Symposium leader introduce the speakers;, provides transitions from one speaker to another speaker and summarize the topic.

-          Forum leaders introduces the speaker and moderates the question and answer session.

Power in the small group

-          It is only natural that different individuals would bring a different role and passive/active role into the group.

-          Legitimate power: rules are appointed by the group leader.

-          Referent power: by agreement.

-          Reward power: by positive reinforcement.

-          Coercive power: by negative reinforcement.

-          Expert power: by establishing yourself as the expert in the context.

-          Information power: by establishing yourself as the person can communicate and inform the best.

The types of small groups

-          Small group are usually formed over a need to address certain issues that would be hard to solve alone.

-          Idea-generation: met for the first time to discuss over potential issues and solutions – knows as brainstorms.

-          Personal growth groups: aim to help members cope with particular difficulties such as drug addict, having an alcoholic parent.

-          The consciousness: aim to help people to cope with their problems society confronts them with.

-          Information sharing group: people form ideas and share information with others.

The problem solving group  

-          Group comes together to face or solve a certain issue or problem.

Stages of solving issues:

1) Define and analyze the problem

2)  Establish criteria for evaluating solutions

3) Identify possible solutions

4) Evaluate solutions

5) Select solutions

6) Test solutions – if failed, try again.