Groups

Question 1

2 Major Small Group Strategies

Structuration Theories Vs. Functional Theories

Answer 1

Structuration Theories - The goal is to describe a group and how it exists/works it is DESCRIPTIVE
(Task/Procedural/Maintenance)
Goal: Understanding groups

Functional Theories: PRESCRIPTIVE. They look at people’s behavior in the group and provides ought to or should do guidelines.
Goal: Prescribing effective group processes.

Question 2

A theory within Structuralism that is called Structuration Theory: Developed by

• Anthony Giddens (originally his ideas)
• Marshall Scott Poole (made it understandable)

The structure of a group is…..?
Communication rules in groups Internal/External?

Answer 2

Social structure of a group determines its behavior and decision making.

The structure of a group is

• Systemic (Think Systems theory)
• Produced by socially constructed rules

Communication rules in groups are a product on

• Internal factors: (anything that happens within the group once it forms. Like emergent leadership)
• External factors: Outside influences
• These rules guide individual behaviors in the group, which then structure further group communication.
• Production and reproduction.
• Unintended consequences.
• By understanding the creation of rules that guide communication, you understand the group.

Question 3

3 Aspects/Tracks of communication in small groups

Answer 3

• Task Track: (working some kind of goal or outcome) A good amount of the communication needs to move the group directly to that goal.
• Procedural Track: The process of the group, coordinating and communicating the activities. How the group gets things done.
• Maintenance (or Climate) Track: focuses on fostering interpersonal relationships between group members.