What is Communication in Groups or Teams?We form self-identities through our communication with others, and much of that interaction occurs in a group context. Show
A group may be defined as three or more individuals who affiliate, interact, or cooperate in a familial, social, or work context. Group communication may be defined as the exchange of information with those who are alike culturally, linguistically, and/or geographically. Group members may be known by their symbols, their use of specialized language or jargon; by their proximity, as in gated communities. A group, by definition, includes at least three people. We can categorize groups in terms of their size and complexity. The larger the group grows, the more likely it is to subdivide. A micro-group is a small, independent group that has a link, affiliation, or association with a larger group. With each additional group member the number of possible interactions increases. One person may involve intrapersonal communication, while two may constitute interpersonal communication, and both may be present within a group communication context. Group norms are customs, standards, and behavioral expectations that emerge as a group forms. Norms involve expectations that are self and group imposed and that often arise as groups form and develop. Back to: Negotiations & Communications Types of Groups in the WorkplaceGroups may be defined by function. They can also be defined, from a developmental viewpoint, by the relationships within them. Groups can also be discussed in terms of their relationship to the individual and the degree to which they meet interpersonal needs. Functional groups may be assembled at work to solve problems, and once the challenge has been resolved, they dissolve into previous or yet to be determined groups. Relationships are part of any group, and can be described in terms of status, power, control, as well as role, function, or viewpoint. Relationships are formed through communication interaction across time, and often share a common history, values, and beliefs about the world around us. Struggles are a part of relationships, both in families and business, and form a common history of shared challenged overcome through effort and hard work. Through conversations and a shared sense that you and your coworkers belong together, you meet many of your basic human needs, such as the need to feel included, the need for affection, and the need for control. Primary and Secondary GroupsThere are fundamentally two types of groups: primary and secondary groups. The hierarchy denotes the degree to which the group(s) meet your interpersonal needs. Primary groups meet most, if not all, of ones needs. Groups that meet some, but not all, needs are called secondary groups. Secondary groups often include work groups, where the goal is to complete a task or solve a problem. Secondary groups may meet your need for professional acceptance and celebrate your success, but they may not meet your need for understanding and sharing on a personal level. Group CommunicationGroup communication within a business can be organized in a flat or hierarchical structure. This organization primarily concerns the flow of information or communication paths. Hierarchical structures rely on information to be transmitted upward from subordinate to superior, or downward from superior among any number of subordinates. Flat organizational structures organize to distribute decision-making power throughout the organization. It eliminates functional or departmental boundaries and reorganizes in cross-disciplinary teams that perform broad core processes. Communicating across organization becomes most important. Roles expand as more important tasks are assumed. The power and authority of the position may surpass the individuals status in the organizational chart. Characteristics of Effective Groups
Group RolesIn healthy groups members will fill multiple goals. Positive Roles add to group purpose:
Negative Roles detract from the groups purpose:
Group Problem SolvingJohn Deweys proposed a reflective thinking sequence, which is a seven-step process for forming an organizational structure.
Becoming a TeamA team can be distinct from a group. The major distinction is members attitudes and level of commitment to the group. A team is typified by a clear identity and high level of commitment on the part of members. Work teams are typically given the authority to act on their conclusions, although the level of authority varies, depending on the organization and purpose of the team. Putting individuals together does not make a team; individuals must undergo a developmental process to become a functional team.
Team may never reach the full development, often settling for acceptable performance at the norming stage. To maximize team development, it is important to develop the three Rs.
Group socialization involves how the group members interact with one another and form relationships. Those who are in leadership positions may ascend or descend the leadership hierarchy as the needs of the group, and other circumstances, change over time. In the same way, groups experience similar steps and stages and take on many of the characteristics we associate with life. A model proposed by Bruce Tuckman, specifies the usual order of the phases of group development:
Just as groups go through a life cycle when they form and eventually adjourn, so the group members fulfill different roles during this life cycle. Richard Moreland and John Levine proposed the following Life Cycle of Member Roles".
Some strategies for businesses to effectively organize groups to become teams include:
Here are the communication aspects relevant to a team.
Related Topics
What can we call the commitment of members to the purpose of the group and the degree of attraction among individuals within the group?Group cohesion refers to the commitment of members to the purpose of the group and the degree of attraction among individuals within the group (Hargie, 2011). The cohesion that begins in this stage sets the group on a trajectory influenced by group members' feelings about one another and their purpose or task.
What refers to the commitment of group members to the purpose and activities of the group?Task Cohesion. The commitment of group members to the purpose and activities of the group.
What is group interaction called?Group interaction refers to the dynamics of the team and the way individuals in the group interact with one another.
What are the types of group interaction?Four interaction types: (a) intergroup formal indicates regular meetings only between point persons of each group; (b) intragroup formal indicates regular meetings among all members within their own group; (c) intergroup informal indicates casual exchanges among all members of different groups; and (d) intragroup ...
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