7.1 Group Dynamics and Communication
4 min read•july 30, 2024
Group dynamics shape how we communicate in teams. From forming to performing, groups evolve through stages, each with unique challenges. Understanding these stages helps us navigate conflicts and build stronger connections with our teammates.
Roles, norms, and cohesion are key elements of group communication. By recognizing different roles and establishing clear norms, we can boost productivity and avoid pitfalls like . Building cohesion through open, supportive communication creates a safe space for creativity and growth.
Group characteristics and types
Defining groups and comparing to dyads
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- A group is three or more individuals who interact, influence one another, and perceive a shared identity
- Dyads (two people) have different dynamics than groups, such as easier consensus and fewer coalitions
Primary and secondary groups
- Primary groups are intimate, long-term groups that shape self-concept and social identity (family, close friends)
- Secondary groups are larger, more formal, and less personal (work teams, community organizations)
Functions and categories of groups
- Groups serve instrumental goals to accomplish tasks and make decisions
- Groups fulfill interpersonal needs for inclusion and belonging
- Groups can be categorized as task-oriented, relational-oriented, or a combination based on purpose and goals
In-groups, out-groups, and intergroup dynamics
- In-groups are social groups an individual strongly identifies with and feels a sense of belonging
- Out-groups are perceived as separate or different from one's in-group
- In-group favoritism and out-group bias can lead to stereotyping and intergroup conflict
Reference groups and social comparison
- Reference groups serve as a point of comparison in shaping attitudes, values and behaviors
- Aspirational reference groups represent ideals that one strives to emulate, even if not a member
Group development stages
Forming: orientation and acquaintance
- The group first comes together and begins establishing goals, roles and norms
- Communication tends to be polite and superficial as members get acquainted
Storming: conflict and confrontation
- Intragroup conflict emerges due to differences in personalities, goals and working styles
- Criticism, confrontation and coalitions are common until issues are resolved
Norming: cohesion and cooperation
- The group becomes more cohesive, establishes norms and procedures
- Focuses on cooperation to accomplish goals with open, supportive, task-oriented communication
Performing: maturity and productivity
- The peak of group development with clear vision, flexible problem-solving, effective task completion
- Communication is interdependent with fluid interchange of roles as needed
Adjourning: dissolution and closure
- The group dissolves after accomplishing its purpose
- Key communication tasks are evaluating outcomes, giving recognition, managing emotions
Regression and adaptability
- Groups may regress to earlier stages if faced with new challenges, membership changes, or unresolved conflicts
- Flexibility in communication is needed to adapt and maintain productivity
Roles and norms in groups
Types and functions of group roles
- Roles are expected behaviors that guide how members should communicate and interact
- Roles can be formally assigned or emerge informally based on personality and group needs
- Task roles focus on accomplishing objectives (initiating, giving information, elaborating, coordinating)
- Relationship roles maintain social cohesion (supporting, harmonizing, tension-releasing, encouraging participation)
Dysfunctional roles and group performance
- Dysfunctional roles hinder group effectiveness (dominating, blocking, recognition-seeking, distracting, withdrawing)
- Groups need to communicate expectations clearly to reduce dysfunctional behavior
Leadership and communication
- Leaders shape communication by setting agendas, managing participation, mediating conflicts, external liaising
- Leadership styles range from authoritarian to democratic to laissez-faire
Formation and reinforcement of group norms
- Norms are informal expectations that regulate behavior and communication (speaking time, decision procedures, confidentiality, attendance, technology use)
- Norms typically form early through explicit statements, critical events, or primacy of behavior
- Norms are reinforced by communication rewarding conformity and sanctioning deviance
Group cohesion and productivity
Cohesion and its influencing factors
- Cohesion is the strength of bonds, belonging, and commitment to collective goals
- Cohesive groups tend to have higher morale, participation and productivity
- Smaller, homogeneous groups experience greater cohesion due to intimate interactions, shared backgrounds, common goals
- Larger, diverse groups need to actively build cohesion through communication
Task characteristics and motivation
- Clear purpose, interdependent tasks, team-based rewards develop stronger cohesion and motivation
- can occur when individual contributions are not identifiable or valued
Communication and cohesion-building
- Frequent, supportive communication through multiple channels builds cohesion
- Creates shared identity, norms, emotional connections
- Constructive conflict resolution enhances trust and respect
Groupthink and defective decision-making
- Groupthink is dysfunctional cohesion with pressures for conformity, illusions of invulnerability, self-censorship
- Leads to defective decisions and unethical actions due to lack of critical thinking
Psychological safety and group learning
- The shared belief that a group is safe for interpersonal risks (dissent, admitting mistakes, asking for help)
- Built through inclusive, non-judgmental communication
- Key for enabling creativity, experimentation and learning from failures
Key Terms to Review (18)
Active Listening: Active listening is a communication technique that involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what is being said in a conversation. This skill not only enhances interpersonal communication but also builds rapport and trust, making it vital in various contexts such as conflict resolution and leadership.
Assertive communication: Assertive communication is a style of expressing thoughts, feelings, and needs in a direct, honest, and respectful manner. This approach not only enhances personal relationships but also improves the effectiveness of communication in various settings, allowing individuals to stand up for their rights while acknowledging the rights of others.
Brainstorming: Brainstorming is a creative group problem-solving technique aimed at generating a large number of ideas or solutions to a specific issue without immediate criticism or judgment. This process encourages open communication and collaboration among group members, fostering an environment where all contributions are valued, ultimately leading to innovative solutions.
Consensus decision-making: Consensus decision-making is a collaborative process where all members of a group actively participate in reaching an agreement that satisfies everyone involved. This approach emphasizes open communication, collective problem-solving, and a commitment to finding solutions that work for the entire group rather than simply relying on majority rule. By fostering an environment where all voices are heard, consensus decision-making aims to enhance group cohesion and ensure shared ownership of outcomes.
Devil's advocate: A devil's advocate is a person who takes a position they do not necessarily agree with, for the sake of debate or discussion. This technique encourages critical thinking and helps to uncover potential weaknesses in an argument or decision-making process by challenging the prevailing viewpoint. By deliberately presenting opposing perspectives, it promotes deeper analysis and more informed group decisions.
Facilitator: A facilitator is a person who helps a group improve its processes, enhance communication, and achieve its goals by guiding discussions and encouraging participation. This role is essential in fostering an open environment where members feel comfortable sharing ideas and collaborating effectively. Facilitators use various techniques to keep the group focused and engaged, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.
Group cohesiveness: Group cohesiveness refers to the extent to which group members stick together and remain united in pursuit of their goals. It is characterized by a sense of belonging, trust, and mutual support among members, which enhances communication and collaboration within the group. High cohesiveness can lead to increased satisfaction and commitment, while also influencing how effectively the group functions in achieving its objectives.
Groupthink: Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon where the desire for harmony and conformity in a group results in irrational or dysfunctional decision-making. This tendency can lead to poor outcomes as members suppress dissenting viewpoints, fail to critically analyze alternatives, and prioritize consensus over quality solutions. Understanding groupthink is essential for improving decision-making, leadership styles, organizational structures, and the dynamics of communication within groups.
Interpersonal conflict: Interpersonal conflict is a disagreement or clash between two or more individuals due to differences in opinions, values, needs, or goals. This type of conflict can arise in various settings, including personal relationships, workplaces, and group dynamics. Understanding how interpersonal conflict manifests and can be resolved is essential for effective communication and fostering positive relationships.
Irvin Janis: Irvin Janis was a prominent psychologist best known for his work on groupthink, a phenomenon that occurs when a group values consensus and harmony over critical thinking and realistic appraisal of alternative courses of action. His research highlighted how decision-making in groups can lead to poor outcomes when group cohesion overrides individual dissent, which is crucial in understanding how teams communicate and solve problems effectively.
Kurt Lewin: Kurt Lewin was a psychologist known for his pioneering work in social psychology, particularly in understanding group dynamics and decision-making processes. His theories emphasize the importance of group behavior and communication in shaping individual actions and attitudes, which is essential for effective problem-solving within groups. Lewin's models provide a framework for analyzing how group dynamics influence decisions and highlight the interplay between individual contributions and collective outcomes.
Majority rule: Majority rule is a decision-making principle that asserts that the option or choice receiving more than half of the votes cast should be accepted as the final decision. This principle is fundamental in group dynamics as it promotes fairness by ensuring that the preferences of the majority are honored, while still allowing for the participation and voice of all group members in the discussion process. It fosters collaboration and collective decision-making, encouraging groups to come to a consensus based on shared input.
Nonverbal Communication: Nonverbal communication refers to the transmission of messages or information without the use of words, utilizing gestures, facial expressions, body language, and other visual cues. It plays a crucial role in enhancing or contradicting verbal messages and is essential for understanding emotions and intentions in various communication contexts.
Passive-aggressive communication: Passive-aggressive communication is a style where individuals express their feelings, often negative ones, indirectly rather than openly. This behavior can create tension and misunderstandings in various settings, as it often involves a facade of compliance while harboring resentment or frustration underneath.
Social loafing: Social loafing refers to the phenomenon where individuals exert less effort when working in a group compared to when they work alone. This tendency can occur because people feel less accountable for their contributions, leading to reduced motivation and participation. As a result, social loafing can hinder effective decision-making and problem-solving within groups, impacting group dynamics and communication.
Task conflict: Task conflict refers to disagreements among group members regarding the content and outcomes of a task, often revolving around differing opinions, ideas, or strategies. While it can lead to frustration and tension, task conflict can also be beneficial as it encourages critical thinking and creativity, ultimately enhancing the decision-making process within the group.
Tuckman's Stages of Group Development: Tuckman's Stages of Group Development is a model that outlines the phases teams typically go through as they form and evolve, including forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning. This framework helps in understanding how group dynamics influence communication and collaboration among team members. By recognizing these stages, groups can better navigate challenges and enhance their effectiveness in achieving shared goals.
Verbal communication: Verbal communication is the use of spoken or written words to convey messages and share information between individuals. It plays a critical role in the way people connect and interact, influencing clarity, understanding, and relationship building in various contexts. This form of communication can be intentional or unintentional and often varies based on factors like culture, context, and the dynamics of the relationship between the communicators.