Small Group Communication

Characteristics of Small Groups:

Task-oriented: Formed to solve a problem, promote a cause, or generate ideas or information.

The three main types of tasks are production, discussion, and problem-solving tasks.

Advantages of small groups include shared decision making, shared resources, synergy, exposure to diversity, and can broaden our perspectives.

Relational-oriented: Groups that are formed to promote interpersonal connections and are more focused on quality interactions that contribute to the well-being of group members.

Synergy refers to the potential for gains in performance or heightened quality of interactions when complementary members or member characteristics are added to existing ones.

Group Cohesion and Climate

An effective leader adapt their leadership styles to fit the relational and situational context.

Problem solving:

Decision making:

. A deliberate solving process is especially beneficial for groups that do not have an established history of working together and will only be able to meet occasionally.

Before a group makes a decision it is important to brainstorm.

1.Define the problem by considering the three elements shared by every problem: the current undesirable situation, the goal or more desirable situation, and obstacles in the way.

  1. Analyze the problem and the group’s relationship to the problem. Group members may also want to begin setting out an agenda or timeline for the group’s problem-solving process,.

3.Group members generate possible solutions to the problem. It is necessary for group members to generate solutions for each part of the problem separately, making sure to have multiple solutions for each part.

  1. Solutions can then be critically evaluated based on their credibility, completeness, and worth. The group should analyze each solution based on its potential effects especially negative effects and finally have the group leader confirm the group is in agreement.
  1. Before implementation, groups should also determine how and when they would assess the effectiveness of the solution.Group members may also be assigned to implement a particular part of the solution based on their role in the decision making or because it connects to their area of expertise.

Brainstorming: The quick generation of ideas free of evaluation.

Nominal Group Technique

The four rules for effective Brainstorming:

  1. Evaluation of ideas is forbidden
  1. Wild and crazy ideas are encouraged
  1. Quantity of ideas, not quality, is the goal.
  1. New combination of ideas presented are encouraged
  1. Take a secret vote to rank group members' acceptance of ideas.
  1. Clarify ideas as listed.
  1. Create a master list of ideas
  1. Silently and individually list ideas

Specific decision-making techniques:

Majority Rule

Minority Rule by expert

Minority Rule by authority

Consensus Rule