1What is a group

“A group is a special kind of entity. It is a collection pf individuals who, as a

result of interacting with one another over time, become interdependent,

developing shared patterns of behavior and a collective identity”.Trenholm, S. (2005). Thinking through communication: An introduction to the study of human communication. (4th ed.).

Boston: Pearson Education. p. 174.

2What is a group

“Within an organisation, groups or teams are formed for the

achievement of organisational goals, fop self interest or for social reasons. A group in an organisation consists of two or more people who work together to fulfill a particular

task or to achieve a goal”.

Dwyer, J. (2002). Communication in business: Strategies and skills. Sydney: Pearson Education. p. 433

3Value of group discussion

1. Ideas can be generated so that better decisions can be made

2. Objectives can be clarified more effectively

3. Group members become committee to the objectives

4. All members can potentially improve their knowledge and understand of the tasks and one another

5. Group cohesion (bonding together) is fostered

Adapted from an AUT University Communication Studies Dept teaching resource

4What are group dynamics

Group dynamics is the study of behaviours in groups

– The way a group is led– Influences of various members

– The degree of conflict

Adapted from an AUT University Communication Studies Dept teaching resource

5Factors that affect a group

SIZE: the number of people in the group can have an effectLEADERSHIP: Is the leader authoritarian, democratic…?MEMBERS: Are there too many process people, or task,

destructive?STRUCTURE: Is there a hierarchy? Is this a good thing? Is any-

one the leader?COHESIVENESS: How well do you ‘get-along’

GROUPTHINK: Do participants think for themselves? CLIMATE: Is the climate of the group stressful, harmonious,

industrious?

Adapted from Dwyer, J. (2002). Communication in business: Strategies and skills. (2nd ed.). Sydney: Pearson.

6Leadership styles

The authoritarian leader: “holds the greatest control over the group…”

– Not considered a good way to lead– Does have its advantages e.g. If the leader is an expert

The laissez-faire leader: “…does very little actual leading…”– Does not facilitate or delegate

– Can lead to unstructured group interaction

The democratic leader: “ …is one who lets all points of view be heard.”

– Considered the most desirable– This leader facilitates, offers suggestions, empowers others

Direct quotes cited from Hybel, S., & Weaver, R. (2001). Communicating effectively. (6th ed). New York: Mc-Graw-Hill. p. 327-329.

7Decision making styles

Naturally, the following decision-making styles apply to certain types of

Leadership:

• Decisions by AUTHORITY: – Decisions made without participation from the group members– Can be quick; does not let everyone take part though in the choice

made• Decisions by MAJORITY

– A majority vote decides the choice made– Can also be quick; can leave some feeling disgruntled by the decision

• Decisions by COMPROMISE– A middle ground is found– Often used because it can be a quick way to make a decision– Neither sides are 100% happy with the choice made

Adapted from Dwyer, J. (2002). Communication in business: Strategies and skills. (2nd ed.). Sydney: Pearson.

8Consensus

• Consensus decision-making is the other form of decision making.

• This method is often seen as superior to the others as it enlists the participation of ALL in order to make a choice

• The potential for everyone being satisfied is high

• But it can take time

• …and it can be very difficult to facilitate effectively

Adapted from Dwyer, J. (2002). Communication in business: Strategies and skills. (2nd ed.). Sydney: Pearson.