Chapter 10 Small Group Communication

Small Group

mean forming groups and click is a natural part of life

Common purpose

• similar purpose and reason

Interdependence

• individual depending on one another for common objective or to complement each other

Organization of rules

• members of small groups must be connected by some organizing rules or structure

Self perception as a group

• individual wanting to feel belonged to a larger group of common share values, beliefs, likings and mentality

Team


Specific purpose

• task completion

Clearly defined roles

• must have leader, supporter and others must be team player

Goal directed

• commitment to achieve the common goal and objective

Content focused

• able to generate content - not distracted by other things

Virtual groups & teams

• team can be both in face to face or in the virtual world

Small groups stages

• opening
• feed forward
• business
• feedback
• closing

Small group formats

The round table

• arrange in semicircular or circular
• share information
• informal group interaction

The panel

• member are expert
• informal speak
• an audience in front

The symposium

• a series of presentation or public speech delivered

The symposium forum

•  series of prepared speeches before an audience followed by responses from the audience

Power in the small group

• legitimate
• referent
• reward
• coercive
• expert
• information

Types of small groups

Idea generation groups

• members meet for the first time and discuss over issues and solution
• called brainstorming

Personal growth group

• the encounter group - known as sensitive group
• the assertiveness training group - aim to increase the willingness of its members to stand up for their rights and to act more assertively in a wide variety of situations
• the consciousness - aims to help people cope with the problems society confronts them with

Information sharing groups

• educational group - contribute to academic circle
• focus group - affirming the existence of the information, or the probability of increasing the confirmation of certain issues

Problem solving groups

• come face to face to solve problem

Steps of solving problems

• Define and Analyze the Problem
• Establish Criteria for Evaluating Solutions
• Identify possible Solution
•  Evaluate Solutions
• Select the Best Solution          
• Test Solution