Download Small Group Communication (Continued)

Small Group Communication
(Continued)
Mediation & Conflict Resolution
Small Group Communication
 GROUP (definition): a number of individuals whose communication
behaviors are interdependent and structured, creating the
perception of common goals and shared norms, as well as an
identity as a collective whole
 Common goals
 Network of communication
 Behavioral interdependence
 Structured relations
 Shared norms
 Sense of wholeness
Small Group Communication - Power
 Power: the ability to influence people or events; the ability to resist
the influence of others
 In interpersonal relationships, power determines:
 How partners relate to each other
 Who controls relationship decisions
 Whose goals will prevail
Types of Power
 Legitimate: right by virtue, based on respect for position that a
person holds
 Referent: person wants to be like you or identify with you, attraction
 Reward Power: ability to give person rewards or satisfy their needs
 Coercive Power: ability to remove rewards or administer power, use
sanctions or punishments to influence others
 Expert Power: have expertise, experience or knowledge above
other members
 Information Power (AKA Persuasion Power): communicate logically
and persuasively
Small Group Power Dynamics and
Conflict
 Power is always present, can be used ethically or unethically, and
can influence conflict…
 Conflict Process: the process that occurs when people perceive
they have incompatible goals or that someone is interfering in their
ability to achieve their objectives
 Perception: perceive some incompatible goals or actions; see
others as uncooperative
 Clashes in goals or behaviors
 Develops over time
 Dynamic: conflicts are ever-changing and unpredictable
Small Group Communication - Conflict
 Conflict (Defined): an extended struggle between at least two
interdependent people, who perceive incompatible goals, scare
resources, or interference from others – and who are attempting to
achieve specific goals
 Types of Conflict:
 Pseudoconflict: triggered by a lack of understanding
 Simple Conflict: stemming from different ideas, definitions,
perceptions, goals
 Ego Conflict: when conflict gets personal
Conflict Management Styles
 Avoidance: side-step issues, hope problem will go away own its own
 Accommodation: give in to the demands of others
 Competition: incorporate a win-lost philosophy; claim victory at the
expense of others
 Compromise: attempt to find a middle ground; develop a solution
that somewhat meets the needs of everyone involved
 Collaboration: negotiation to achieve a positive solution for all
parties involved
In-Class Activity: Applied Conflict
Management
 10 volunteers (break into pairs)
 Goal: to illustrate the effective strategies of conflict management
 HYPO: Four roommates have just finished decorating their new
place, and want to host a housewarming party for the following
evening. One of the roommates recently discovered that their
parents are planning a last-minute visit to see the place;
consequently, s/he requests that the party be canceled. The two
other roommates refuse his/her request.
Small Group Communication – Conflict
Management Skills
 1. Manage your emotions
 Be aware of your emotions
 Understand why you’re becoming emotional
 Make a conscious decision about how to express emotions (avoid
attacks)
 2. Manage Information
 Take turns talking
 Listen
 Make sure you’re understanding the other person
 3. Manage Goals
 Identify everyone’s goals, and where they overlap
 4. Manage the Problem
 Use problem-solving structure (define and analyze problem, determine
goals, generate solutions, select the best solution)
For next week:
 NO CLASS MONDAY 2/23 – I will be at a conference
 Wednesday’s Topic: Communication conflicts and defensiveness