Small Group
Communication in small groups is interpersonal communication within groups of between 3 and 20 individuals. Groups generally work in a context that is both relational and social
Small groups are characterized as a TEAM. An effective contain these qualities :
a) Specific purpose : task completion, goal completion, problem solving
b) Clearly defined roles : there must be a leader, there must be supporters and everybody must be a team player
c) Goal directed : commitment to achieve the common goal and objective
d) Content focused : must be able to generate content- not distracted by other things.
Small Group Stages
Power in Small Group
a)Legitimate power : by rules – appointed group leader
b)Referent power : by agreement – when another person wishes to be like you or identified with you
c)Reward power : by positive reinforcement
d)Coercive power: by negative reinforcement, punishment
e)Expert power : by establishing yourself as the expert in the context
f)Information power : by establishing yourself as the person can communicate and inform the best.
4 Types of Small Groups
1. Idea-generation groups
2. Personal-growth groups
3. Information- sharing groups
4. Problem-solving groups
