Chapter 14

Working & Writing in Groups

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Interpersonal Communication
Crucial for teamwork and building trust Includes multiple skills
Listening Conflict resolution Nonverbal

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Active Listening
To create active responses 1. Paraphrase content 2. Mirror speakers feelings 3. Ask for information/clarification 4. Offer to help solve the problem

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Avoid Listening Errors

To reduce errors Paraphrase what the speaker has said Check your understanding with speaker Write down key points Dont ignore instructions that seem unnecessary Consider speakers background
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Five Blocking Responses

1. Ordering, threatening 2. Preaching, criticizing 3. Interrogating 4. Minimizing the problem 5. Advising
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Group Interactions: Three Dimensions

Informationalfocus on content: problem, data, solutions Procedural messagesfocus on methods, processes Interpersonalfocus on people, cooperation, group loyalty

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Life Stages of Group Interactions

Formation

Coordination

Formalization
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Positive Roles in Groups

Seeking information, opinions Giving information, opinions

Task Goals

Coordinating

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Positive Actions in Groups

Encouraging participation Relieving tensions Checking feelings Solving interpersonal problems Listening actively

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Negative Actions in Groups

Dominating Clowning Overspeaking Blocking Withdrawing

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Group Leadership
Informationalcreate, assess ideas and text Interpersonalcheck feelings, resolve conflict, monitor process Proceduralset agenda, keep members informed, check on assignments

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Decision-Making: Standard Agenda

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Understand what group has to deliver Identify problem Gather information Establish criteria Generate alternative solutions Measure alternatives against criteria Choose best solution
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Attributes of Successful Student Groups

Assign specific tasks, set clear deadlines, schedule frequent meetings Listen carefully to each other Establish proportionate work loads

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Attributes of Successful Student Groups

Develop inclusive decision-making style Listen to criticism and improve performance Deal directly with conflicts

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Peer Pressure & Groupthink

Groupthinktendency for groups to value agreement so highly they punish dissent Correctives to groupthink
Search for alternatives Test assumptions Protect rights of individuals to disagree

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Diverse Groups
Differences affect how people behave in group, what they expect from group
Gender Class Race Ethnicity Age Religion Sexual orientation Physical ability

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Nonverbal Communication
Open body positions
Leaning forward with uncrossed arms and legs Arms away from body

Closed (defensive) body positions

Leaning back, hands behind head Arms and legs crossed Hands in pockets
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Conflict Resolution
1. Make sure people involved actually disagree 2. Ensure that everyone has correct information 3. Discover needs each person is trying to meet 4. Search for alternatives 5. Repair negative feelings

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Constructive Responses to Criticism

Paraphrasing Checking for feelings Checking inferences Buying time with limited agreement Using you-attitude

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Effective Meeting Guidelines

Make purpose explicit Distribute an agenda Allow time for discussion Use omnibus motion Pay attention to people and process as well as tasks Summarize consensus Summarize decisions

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Collaborative Writing
Working with other writers to produce a single document Requires attention to
Group formation progress Conflict resolution Steps in writing process

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Make Group Process Work

Note that people express themselves differently Dont assume total agreement Allow ample time to discuss problems Get to know group members, build loyalty Attend all meetings; carry out your duties

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