GroupsGroups

Group- A collection of three or more people who interact and attempt to influence each other in order to accomplish a common purpose.

Group communication- All the verbal and nonverbal messages shared with or among members of a group.

Healthy group- A group characterized by ethical goals, interdependence, cohesiveness, productive norms, accountability, and synergy.

Characteristics of a Characteristics of a Healthy GroupHealthy Group

Ethical goals Healthy groups have goals that benefit the

members and the larger society.

Interdependent- Members rely on each other’s skills and knowledge

Cohesiveness- The force that brings group members closer together Team-building Activities- Designed to build

rapport and develop trust

Characteristics of a Characteristics of a Healthy GroupHealthy Group

Develop and abide by productive norms- Expectations for the way group members will behave while in the group Ground rules- Prescribed behaviors designed to

help the group meet its goals and conduct its conversations

Accountability- Group members held responsible for adhering to the group norms and working toward the group’s goal

Synergy- Multiplying force of a group working together that results in a combined effort greater than any of the parts

Stages of Group Stages of Group DevelopmentDevelopment

Forming- Initial stage characterized by orientation, testing, and dependence

Storming- Characterized by conflict and power plays as members seek to have their ideas accepted and find their place within the group Groupthink- Deterioration of mental efficiency,

reality testing, and moral judgment that results from in-group pressure to conform

Norming- Group solidifies its rules for behavior, resulting in greater trust and motivation to achieve the goal

Stages of Group Stages of Group DevelopmentDevelopment

Performing- The skills, knowledge, and abilities of all members are combined to overcome obstacles and meet goals

Adjourning- Members assign meaning to what they have done and determine how to end or maintain interpersonal relations they have developed

Types of GroupsTypes of Groups

Family- A group of intimates who through their communication generates a sense of home and group identity, complete with strong ties of loyalty and emotion, and experiences a history and a future

Social friendship group- Comprised of friends who have a genuine concern about each other’s welfare and enjoy spending time together

Support groups- People who come together to bolster each other by providing encouragement, honest feedback, and a safe environment for expressing deeply personal feelings about a problem common among members

Types of GroupsTypes of Groups

Interest group- Comprised of individuals who come together because they share a common concern, hobby, or activity

Service group- Comprised of individuals who come together to perform hands-on charitable work, or to raise money to help organizations that perform such work

Types of GroupsTypes of Groups

Work group- Collection of three or more people formed to solve a problem Work group goal- Future state of affairs desired

by enough members of the group to motivate the group to work toward its achievement

Heterogeneous group- Various demographics, levels of knowledge, attitudes, and interests are represented

Homogeneous- Members have great similarity

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