Grup Contexts (chapter 10)

As we discussed in chapter 9. Dyadic encounters are recognized as a

unique context for communication because important aspects of relationshis
such as love, trust, intimacy, and attraction are different when they occur
between two individuals than when they happen in a small group. Thus. It is
likely that what a person feels when he or she trusts one other person is not the
communication among several people necessitate identifying interpersonal and
small group as two distinct contexts of communication.

In this chapter, we will discuss several concepts which set communication

in groups apart from communication in other contexts. Then we will examine
some recent and significant developments in other contexts. Then we will
examine some recent and significant developments in the communation field in
term of building group communication field in term of building group
communication theories. First, however. Let us clarify several ideas.

NATURE OF GROUPS

Group size

By small group communication. We mean communication in groups

which vary in size from three to about fifteen members are able to switch roles
from receiver to source with relative ease. When groups are composed of fifteen
people or more, it becomes difficult to switch from receiver to source. Such a
situation is often somewhat formal in that the order of speaking is assigned and
the rules of parliamentary procedure may be followed.

The size of a small group can influence the likelihood that everyone will
get along with one another. A group pf four people involves six dyadic
relationship while a group of twelve has sixty six. This means there is more
potentional for individual dyads within the group to be incompatible, simply due
to the greater the probability that some members will not be able to talk as
much as they would like. Size can also impair group performance. The idea that
too many chefs spoil the broth seems valid: there may be an optimal number of
people for solving a givenproblem, and additional people may cause confusion
and impede group progress rather then help.

Types of groups

Writers have identified several types of groups (e.g. beebe &

masterson.1990: cragan & wright. 1986: devito 1991). A groups purpose
provides perhaps the clearest way of distinguishing one type of group from
another.

Task-oriented groups are those that have a job to do: there are several
kinds. A problem solving group attempts to discover a solutionto a problem
analyzing it thoroughly. Typically, the problem is investigated and solutions are
examined in terms of which solution best solves the problem. Often this is done
in a group discussion. Problem solving groups have received the most attention
from researchers. Problem solving discussion is also the most common
assignment in group communication courses in communication departements.

Decision making groups are also concerned with problem solving.

However, they have the added function of actually deciding wich solution will be
implemented when and how it will be put into effect, how progress will be
monitored. How changes in the solutio will be handled and how the program
involving the solution will be evaluated.