Small Group Communication

Small Group Communication

1. Characteristics

   • A college learning community focused on math and science, a campaign team for a state senator.
   • Small groups usually focus on some sort of task completion or goal accomplishment.
   • A group of local organic farmers are examples of small groups that would all have a different size, structure, identity, and interaction pattern.

2. Types of Small Groups

   • Task-oriented groups are formed to solve a problem, promote a cause, or generate ideas or information.
   • Relational-oriented: Promote interpersonal connections and are more focused on quality interactions that contribute to the well-being of group members.

3. Advantages

   • Shared decision making, shared resources, synergy, and exposure to diversity.
   • Group members also help expand our social networks, which provide access to more resources.
   • Participating in groups can also increase our exposure to diversity and broaden our perspectives.

4. Leadership Styles

   • Laissez-faire leaders: Take a “hands-off” approach, Give others opportunity to implement their own decisions.
   • Democratic leaders: Facilitate group discussion and like to take input from all members before making a decision.
   • Autocratic leaders: set policies and make decisions primarily on their own.

5. Problem Solving

   • Step 1: Define The Problem
   • Step 2: Analyze The Problem
   • Step 3: Generate Possible Solutions
   • Step 4: Evaluate Solutions
   • Step 5: Implement and Assess the Solution

6. Discussion Before Decision Making

   • Silently and Individually list ideas
   • Create a master list of ideas
   • Take a secret vote
   • Clarify ideas as needed

7. Decision Making Techniques

   • Consensus
     • Cons: Time
     • Pros: High Quality
   • Minority by Authority
     • Pros: Buy-in could be high.
     • Cons: Auth. may not be legit
   • Minority Rule by Ex
     • Pros: Better Quality
     • Cons: Must be Verified
   • Majority Rule
     • Pros: Quick & Efficient
     • Cons: Close decisions