Small Group
Communication
Discussion
• Cooperative exchange of
information, opinions, and
ideas.
Roles within groups
• Info-giver
• Recorder
• Dominator
• Blocker
• Task Keeper
• Leader
Are you an ideal group member?
• You are an ideal member if….
• You’re open-minded
• You’re someone who can interact
with fellow group members in a
cooperative atmosphere.
• What’s the difference between
cooperative and competitive?
Cooperative vs. Competitive
• A discussion is not a debate, you
don’t have to defend your point of
view
• Discussions are meant to welcome
and encourage people to change
their minds if they hear new
information that persuades them
• It requires patience
Factors for Success in Groups
• 1. Group size-
• Face-to-face communication makes a group
a group.
• 5-7 members is the best size for a group
• Even the least talkative person will talk in a
small group
• Groups that are less than 4 people have
little diversity
Factors for Group Success
• 2. Seating Arrangements
• If someone takes the head chair, that
person usually becomes the leader
• If everyone sits in a circle, conversation
tends to flow from member to member
• Cramped quarters seem to increase
conflict and aggression.
Factors for Group Success
• 3. Cohesion:
• When members of a group have
respect for each other, share some
of the same values, and look to each
other for support
• Belonging to a group makes people
feel important and gives them a
chance to socialize
Decision Making
Consensus: All members
agree that a decision is the
best that everyone can
accept--includes everyone’s
point of view
Decision Making
Majority: Vote is taken by all
members and the majority
(50%+1 for two issues) is
accepted. Not everyone
committed to outcome or
satisfied with the outcome
Decision Making
Expert’s suggestion: Authority
for making decision given to
one member of a group.
Makes group conform to the
desires of one, which is not
a group decision.
Decision Making
Designated leader: Group
designates a leader to make
decision for the group.
Conflict
Management Styles
Conflict Management Styles
• Compromise: agreement to
trade something you want for
something the other party
wants with each party winning
and losing something
Conflict Management Styles
• Competing: use of
manipulation, intimidation, and
competition strategies to gain
the advantages and win at all
costs
Conflict Management Styles
• Collaborating: cooperation
with all group members
working together for a
common goal
Conflict Management Styles
• Avoidance: avoids the issue all
together or for a certain time
period
Conflict Management Styles
• Accommodation: gives in to
others’ demands or opinions,
maintains social/group harmony