Chapter 9- Communicating in Small Groups

Question 1

What is a small group?

Answer 1

-3-20 people, working interdependently to accomplish a task

Question 2

characteristics of a small group

Answer 2

• distinguished by their size
• interdependent
• cohesive- task cohesion and social cohesion
• enforce rules and norms
• include individual roles
• have their own identities
• have distinctive communication practices
• often interact online

Question 3

functions of small groups

Answer 3

• small groups focus on discrete tasks
• examples include a jury and the US senate finance committee
• many such groups disband after their tasks are complete

Question 4

small groups evaluate and advise

Answer 4

• examples include a focus group and the presidents cabinet

- such groups provide feedback and advice as requested

Question 5

small groups create art and ideas

Answer 5

• examples include a band and a brainstorming group

- such groups generate artistic expression and/or innovative ways of thinking

Question 6

small groups provide service and support

Answer 6

• examples include a support group and a local service organization
• groups can provide material and emotional support

Question 7

small groups promote social networking

Answer 7

• examples include internet chat rooms and facebook groups

- the purpose of such groups is to facilitate interpersonal communication

Question 8

small groups compete

Answer 8

• examples include a wrestling team and a quiz bowl team

- such groups train and rehearse a set of skills and then compete with similar groups

Question 9

small groups help us learn

Answer 9

• examples include a study group and a workshop

- research shows that taking part in learning groups enhance critical thinking skills

Question 10

why do we join small groups

Answer 10

• need to belong
• desire for protection
• to improve our effectiveness
• due to pressure to join- doesnt mean its a bad group

Question 11

5 phases of socializing into small groups

Answer 11

• people are socialized into small groups via 5 phases
• antecedent phase- perceptions before you know anything about the group
• anticipatory phase- phase when you make judgments/ assumptions ab what you except -> what are the guidelines, how often do we meet
• encounter phase- first time you meet as a group
• assimilation phase- accept the groups culture
• exit phase- when you leave voluntary/involuntary

Question 12

advantages of small group communication

Answer 12

• communicating in small groups present some specific advantages
• small groups provide resources
• small groups experience synergy
• small groups expose us to diversity

Question 13

challenges of small group communication

Answer 13

• small groups requires sacrifices -> some members might be social loafers
• social loafer- one person isnt doing anything -> group has to pick up the slack
• small groups experience conflict (more than large groups)
• small groups can be difficult to coordinate

Question 14

becoming a better small group communicator

Answer 14

-socialize new members constructively -> welcome new members and become socialized into anew group yourself

Question 15

when adding new members, remember the following

Answer 15

• recruit good members
• create a group orientation
• include new members in activates
• be a mentor

Question 16

when you are new to a small group remember:

Answer 16

• embrace the groups culture
• acquire appropriate skills
• learn what matters
• contribute to the group

Question 17

maintaining positive group relationships

Answer 17

• contribute to a constructive group environment

- work to build group cohesion

Question 18

task cohesion

Answer 18

-working together on a task

Question 19

social cohesion

Answer 19

• how well people work together and get along
• there needs to accountability -> not a hang out
• important for completing a task though