The Nature of Groups

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Chapter 8

• The Nature of Groups

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After studying the material in this chapter. . .

• You should understand
• the characteristics that distinguish groups from
  other collections of people.
• the types of goals that operate in groups.
• the various types of groups.
• the characteristics of groups described in this
  chapter.

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After studying the material in this chapter. . .

• You should understand
• the advantages and disadvantages of the
  decision-making methods introduced in this
  chapter.
• the cultural influences that shape communication
  in groups.

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After studying the material in this chapter. . .

• You should be able to
• identify the groups you presently belong to and
  those you are likely to join in the future.
• list the personal and group goals in groups you
  observe or belong to.
• identify the norms, roles, and interaction
  patterns in groups you observe or belong to.
• choose the most effective decision-making methods
  for a group task.

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Chapter highlights

• Group communication possesses several important
  characteristics.
• Groups exist for a variety of purposes, and each
  has its own operating style.
• A true group is distinguished from a less
  well-defined collection of individuals by
  interaction, interdependence, size, and duration
  over time.

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Chapter highlights

• The stated goals of groups and the personal goals
  of individual members interact in ways that can
  affect success.
• Different types of groups exist to fulfill a
  variety of goals social, learning, personal
  growth, and problem-solving.

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Chapter highlights

• A groups rules, norms, roles, patterns of
  interaction, and methods of making decisions can
  shape the way members interact as well as their
  productivity and satisfaction.
• Powerful but sometimes subtle cultural factors
  influence the way groups operate.

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What is a group?

• Interaction
• Interdependence
• Time
• Size
• Goals

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Goals of groups and their members

• Individual goals
• Group goals

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Types of groups

• Learning groups
• Problem-solving groups
• Social groups
• Growth groups

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Characteristics of groups

• Rules and norms
• Roles
• Role emergence
• Role-related problems and solutions
• Patterns of interaction

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Figure 8.1

• Patterns of interaction in a five-person group

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Table 8.1
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Table 8.1 (continued)
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Characteristics of groups

• Decision-making methods
• Consensus
• Majority rule
• Expert opinion
• Minority control
• Authority rule

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Figure 8.2

• Small group communication networks

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Table 8.2
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Table 8.2 (continued)
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Table 8.2 (continued)
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Table 8.2 (continued)
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Table 8.2 (continued)
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Table 8.3
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Table 8.3 (continued)
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Cultural influences on group communication

• Individualism versus collectivism
• Power distance
• Uncertainty avoidance
• Task versus social orientation
• Short- versus long-term orientation

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Table 8.4
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Table 8.4 (continued)