Why We Form Groups

1
Why We Form Groups

• Interpersonal attraction
• Attraction to grp activities
• Attraction to grp goals
• Establishment of meaning and identity
• Fulfillment of unrelated needs

2
Competent Grp Comm

• THE COMPETENT COMMUNICATOR SHOWS SENSITIVITY TO
  THE NEEDS OF THE GROUP BASED ON ITS FORMATION
• Expressing positive attitudes / feelings
• Avoiding disagreeableness
• Not a time to be deviant!
• Paying attn to social cues
• Appearing friendly / interested

3
Periodic Phases of Group Development (Not
sequential)

• Forming we join a grp for a reason.
• Storming tension stage
• Primary tension unease / jitters assoc.
  w/initial mtgs.
• Reduced by joking, chatting, etc.
• Secondary tension relates to having to make
  decisions.
• Good leadership involves managing secondary
  tension

4
Phases of grp development cont.

• Norming Forming grp rules and expectations
  (rules/standards)
• COMPETENT COMMUNICATORS ADAPT TO GRP NORMS
  ENCOURAGE CHG WHEN NORMS ARE EXCESSIVELY RIGID R
  ELASTIC.
• Performing group output

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