Unit 1: Group Communication

Verbal and Non-verbal

Identity and self presentation

Reading Images and products

At the moment the content of this page is based on the old specification requirements for Group Communication. I will modify the content for the new specification in July 2008.

When writing essays for this topic, remember, it is very important to use examples of groups that you belong to yourself.  For example, if you were writing about categories of group, you should use formal groups that you are in (like classes!) and informal groups (friendship).   If it's an essay on leadership styles, discuss leaders in groups you are in and how different styles suit different types of group and task.

Note these references:
Chapter 6 “Between Ourselves” Burton and Dimbleby
Chapter 3 “More than Words” Burton and Dimbleby
Chapter 6 “Communication: The Essential Guide” Beck, Bennett and Wall
http://www.cultsock.ndirect.co.uk/MUHome/cshtml

What is a group?
Functions and goals of groups
Group Behaviour
Group Norms
Types of Group
Leadership qualities
What sort of people become leaders?
Leadership styles

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What is a group?

Write your definition down on a piece of paper then roll the mouse over the image on the left for a suggestion.

Which groups do you belong to?

Write down a list of all the different groups you belong to e.g family, friendship etc

Why do we join groups? What is the purpose of belonging to them? What do we get out of being in them?

Look at each of the groups you listed – jot down next to it, why you think you belong to it and what you get out of this belonging e.g family – security, love

Roll over the image on the left to reveal a list of functions groups play in our lives.

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Group Behaviour

Once we are part of a group, how does the group stay together or as it is technically known, how is group cohesion maintained?

Watch this video clip for some clues:

Why did the people behave this way?

Group Norms

Groups have what we call ‘ norms ' of behaviour or ‘rules'. Depending on the type of group, this can be unspoken or laid out explicitly, perhaps in a contract.

Look at your list of groups – which ones have explicit, spelt out rules of behaviour and membership? Are there any ‘unspoken' rules or norms for the other groups?

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Types of Group

Groups with set, laid out rules and norms are called FORMAL groups – think of some examples.

Groups with unspoken, underlying norms and values are called INFORMAL groups – think of some examples

Leadership styles – what qualities are important in a leader?

Tedeschi and Lindskold (1976) say:

• Social influence – a person who can control others behaviour, opinions and persuade people to stick to roles and group norms
• Behaviour – effective leaders can understand the task the group is facing and can match the tasks to appropriate people
• Authority – if leader is assigned to role by being nominated or elected, this reflects other people's ideas of their authority or ability to achieve the group's goals and manage the situation.

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What sort of people become leaders?

Look at some leaders of the 20th Century on this link - which of the four approaches below would describe how these people became leaders? Which leadership styles did they have?

Myers and Myers (1985) say four approaches to this question:

• Some take a trait approach – certain people have the right personality traits and become leaders naturally
• Situational approach – depending on situation a person may rise to the occasion of being a leader e.g in a fire etc
• Functional approach – can be several leaders, fulfilling different parts of a task, depending on knowledge
• Contingency approach – leadership depends on a combination of the type of situation, the style of the leader.

Leader ship Styles

• Authoritarian – makes decisions for group, does not take part in group activities, assigns people to tasks without saying why and makes changes without consultation
• Democratic – makes decisions but consults group, friendly to group members, participates in group activities, gives reasons for praise and criticism and offered help when required.
• Laissez-faire – takes no decisions, does not direct or control group activities, makes neither positive or negative comments but others look to them.
• Collective – no ONE person is leader, several leaders emerge and take decisions at different points.

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