Small%20Group%20Communication

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Small Group Communication

• John A. Cagle

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Deweys Reflective Thinking

• In 1910, John Deweys How We Think introduced a
  rational model of solving problems and making
  decisions called Reflective Thinking.
• This approach would later become the standard
  agenda teachers of group discussion would use to
  teach students how to work in groups.

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Procedural Model of Problem Solving (PMOPS)

• What is the nature of the problem facing us?
• What might be done to solve the problem?
• What are the relative merits and demerits of the
  possible solutions?
• What is the best decision we can all support?
• How will we put our solution into effect?
• How can we prepare an effective written and oral
  report?

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Lewins Field Theory Systems Theory

• Kurt Lewin introduced us to idea of field theory,
  an early systems theory
• Group variables are related to other variables so
  that by altering or manipulating one variable
  changes are produced in all other variables.

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Collins Guetzkows Model of Decision Making

• task groups encounter two types of obstacles,
  task and interpersonal
• the group produces behaviors related to those
  obstacles
• those behaviors contribute to the groups final
  output and productivity, and
• two rewards result in the end that determine what
  behaviors will be learned and maintained in
  response to future obstacles.

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Robert F. Bales Interaction Process Analysis
(IPA)

• A group members communication reveals aspects
  of his/her personality.
• He thus developed a system for systematically
  measuring communication behaviors in groups
  called IPA (Interaction Process Analysis).
• Communication is linked to group task and
  socio-emotional effectiveness and satisfaction.
• Perceptions of a group members communications
  produce perceptions of leadership and liking in
  other group members.

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Bales Interaction Process Analysis
Positive socio-emotional Seems friendly
Positive socio-emotional Dramatizes
Positive socio-emotional Agrees
Task attempted answers Gives suggestion
Task attempted answers Gives opinion
Task attempted answers Gives information
Task attempted questions Asks for information
Task attempted questions Asks for opinion
Task attempted questions Asks for suggestion
Negative socio-emotional Disagrees
Negative socio-emotional Shows tension
Negative socio-emotional Seems unfriendly
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Benne and Sheats

• Communication enables the group to accomplish
  task and social goals.
• In fulfilling such needs, a communication serves
  a function for the group.
• In terms of Task and Social/Maintenance, various
  communication roles are enumerated in the theory.

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Illustrative Leadership Behaviors
Task Messages
Relationship Messages

• Information opinion giver
• Information opinion seeker
• Direction and role definer
• Summarizer
• Energizer
• Comprehension checker

• Encourager of participation
• Communication facilitator
• Tension reliever
• Process observer
• Interpersonal problem solver
• Supporter and praiser

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More TaskMessages
Fewer
Low Dominance
High Dominance
More RelationshipMessages
acquiescesagreesassistsconcursobligesconced
esevadesrelinquishesretreatswithdraws
advisescoordinatesdirectsinitiatesleadsanal
yzescriticizesdisapprovesjudgesresists
High Sociability
Low Dominance
Fewer
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