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Why do we Join Groups?
• We’re attracted to the
group’s activities, goals,
group prestige, or one or
more of the group
members
• Interpersonal
Communication Motives
• We have no choice
Group Socialization
The process when newcomers become a part of
the group’s patterns of activities;
or
A two way process of influence and change
where members use verbal and non-verbal
messages to create a new unique group culture.
Socialization Levels
Individual
Group
Advantages/Disadvantages
• Advantages of Small
Groups:
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Resources
Understanding
Diversity
Creativity
• Disadvantages of Small
Groups:
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Task Coordination
Loafing
Conflict
Misbehaviors
Types of Groups
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Primary
Social
Self-Help
Learning
Service
Public
Work
Group Roles
• Formal Roles
– Leader
– Recorder
– Critical Advisor
• Informal Roles
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Task Leader
Social-Emotional Leader
Information Provider
Central Negative
Tension Releaser
• Deviant Roles
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Aggressor
Whiner
Recognition Seeker
Dominator
Blocker
Clown
Airhead
Egghead
Self Confessor
Special Pleader
Problem Solving &
Decision Making Steps
Recognizing the
problem
Diagnosing the
Problem
Making the
Decision
Accepting and
Implementing the
decision
Group Cohesion
• Increased:
– Conformity
– Group influence over its members
– Member satisfaction with the group
– Group integration
– Cooperation
What is Groupthink?
“A mode of thinking
that people engage in
when they are deeply
involved in a cohesive
group, when the
member’s strivings
for unanimity override
their motivation to
realistically appraise
alternative courses of
action”
What are the Symptoms?
How to Avoid Groupthink
• Brain Storming
• Nominal Group
Technique
• Six Thinking Hats
• Delphi Technique
Overcoming Groupthink
Look out for
signs
Acknowledge
the signs
Assess the
immediate
risks
Seek external
validation
Use formal
group roles
and decision
making tools
How to be Effective?
• Don’t blame others for
group problems.
• Ask questions when
you don’t understand.
• Encourage Open
Communication
• Support the Leader’s
Efforts to Facilitate
Benefits of Small Group
• Working together to
accomplish a group
task.
• Learning how
relational issues affects
the group as a whole.
• Understanding depth
in communication
process within the
group.
Summary/Questions
“A group becomes a team when each member is
sure enough of himself and his contribution to
praise the skill of the others. “
- Norman Shidle