Working as a Group

Small Groups

Small Groups

Small Group = 3 to 9 people.

To what groups do you belong?Think of two groups (outside of your

family).Sports TeamsOrganizations “Cliques”Etc.

Small Groups

What made these experiences good?

What made these experiences bad?

Small Groups

With your neighbors…

Solve this riddle.There is a house with four walls. Each wall

faces south. There is a window in each wall. A bear walks by one of the windows. What kind of bear was it?

A Polar bear. If all the walls face south, the house must be at the North pole and the bear, a polar bear.

…Too easy?

What do each of these have in common?Doughnut, notebook, golf courseTurtle, peanut, oysterBrown, Polar, KodiakCough, Tear, RainSoap, Granola, Candy

…Too easy?

Doughnut, notebook, golf course They all have holes.

Turtle, peanut, oyster They all have shells.

Brown, Polar, Kodiak They are all kinds of bears.

Cough, Tear, Rain They are all kinds of drops.

Soap, Granola, Candy They are all kinds of bars.

Small Groups

You probably worked with more than two people (yourself included).

You tried to solve a problem (goal).

Small Group ProcessThe interaction among three to nine people

who are working together to achieve an interdependent goal.

Small Groups

Why do you think people always end up being in a group of some sort?

Small Groups

InclusionThe state of being involved with others.

Small Groups

AffectionBeing valued

ControlThe ability to influence

your environment.

Dynamics of Small Groups

DIFFERENT TYPES OF GROUPS:

1) Task oriented groupGroups that form to solve a task or problem.

Dynamics of Small Groups

2) Relationship-oriented groups.Groups that make us feel a sense of worth.

Long-term. Satisfy inclusion & affection

Dynamics of Small Groups

3) Assigned groups.Develop out of hierarchy. Groups are

assigned.

Dynamics of Small Groups

4) Emergent groups.From environmental conditions. By choice.

Group Leaders

Second-half of worksheet.

Leadership in Groups

LeaderA person who influences the behavior and

attitudes of others through communication.

LeadershipA process using communication to

influence behaviors and attitudes of others to meet group goals.

Group Leaders

Types of Small Group Leaders

Designated leadersThose that you elect to lead.

Emergent leadersTemporary leaders that help guide the group for

a while.

Dynamics of Small Groups

What does it mean to be “a leader” in a group?A process using communication to influence

behaviors and attitudes of others to meet group goals.

Group Leader Power

Leader Power: Interpersonal influence that forms the basis

for group leadership.

Group Leader Power

1) RewardThe ability to give something of value.

Group Leader Power

2) PunishmentThe ability to withhold something of value to

another.

Group Leader Power

3) LegitimateYour role/title.

Assigned leader, title

Group Leader Power

4) ReferentPower based on respect or loyalty.

Group Leader Power

5) ExpertOne’s experience/knowledge is valued by

other members.

Roles

Formal roles – assigned roleInformal roles – develop out of the

interactions of group members

COMM FUNCTIONS:

Task – moves group towards goal

Relational – “harmonizes” members

Self-centered – own needs over group’s

Group Climate

ClimateEmotional tone or atmosphere members

create within the group.

Trust, support, cohesion

Group Climate

King of Cars example

Group Culture

GroupthinkThe desire for cohesion and agreement

takes priority over critical analysis and discussion.

“Blindly doing what you’re supposed to do.”The best decision/outcome is not reached.

NASA – space shuttle disaster.Monty Python Example

Questions???

ACTIVITY

Build a straw bridge.

When were task, maintenance, and self-center communication functions apparent?

Who took on the leadership role?How did you know?

ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS

1) How did your group work together?

2) What task/relational/self-centered

functions did you use?

3) Who was the leader? How do you

know?