About This Chapter
Communicating in Groups - Chapter Summary and Learning Objectives
Communication within groups is an integral part of successful workplace functioning. Some forms of communicating are more productive than others, and select participants may provide a more positive contribution to the process. The instructors in this chapter will help you explore types of work teams that may be used and why some might accomplish more than others. You can also delve into the world of nonverbal communication and become more aware of crucial barriers to understanding. As you complete this chapter, you should understand the following important concepts:
- Similarities and differences between teams and groups
- Various types of work teams
- How to listen productively within groups
- Nonverbal communication basics
- What makes ineffective group communication
|The Work Team in Contemporary Business: Definition & Analysis||Explore why working in teams has become more popular in organizations within recent years.|
|Advantages and Disadvantages of Working In Teams||Discuss the pros and cons of working in teams.|
|Groups in Organizations: Formation, Types & Quiz||Compare the various types of groups.|
|The Difference Between Groups and Teams: Definition & Contrasts||Explain the differences between teams and groups.|
|Characteristics of Effective Teams: Examples and Qualities||Explore the features of effective teams.|
|Types of Work Teams: Functional, Cross-Functional & Self-Directed||Discuss the similarities and differences between these types of teams.|
|Roles of Group Members: Perceptions, Expectations & Conflict||Explain how various types of situations may affect roles.|
|How Types of Group Norms Influence Individual Behavior||Show how norms affect individuals' behaviors.|
|Listening Effectively in Groups: Critical, Selective, Active & Empathetic Listening||Explore why effective listening skills are necessary within groups.|
|Barriers to Effective Listening in Groups||Discuss short-term and long-term memory, in addition to selective listening and selective perception, in relation to effective listening in groups.|
|Formal Communication Networks vs. the Grapevine: Definition & Contrast||Explain the concept of 'the grapevine' and compare that to more formal communication networks.|
|Understanding the Nonverbal Communication of Group Members||Explore nonverbal communication's roles in groups.|
|Preparing, Conducting, and Contributing to Productive Meetings||Outline the productivity of agenda setting, encouraging participation and note-taking in relation to meetings.|
|Technologies for Group Communication and Collaboration: Groupware, Teleconferencing & Virtual Worlds||Address the usefulness of shared work spaces, wikis, groupware, video teleconferencing and other virtual group communications.|
|Business Etiquette In the Workplace and Beyond||Understand the need for proper communication etiquette in the workplace, online and in social settings.|
|Ineffective Group Communication in Groups||Explore the reasons why some communication is ineffective.|
1. The Work Team in Contemporary Business: Definition & Analysis
Contemporary business has thrived with the use of work teams in creating products, solving problems and developing alternatives. There are many ways that work teams add to the productivity and success of a company.
2. Strengths and Weaknesses of Group Decision Making
Group decision making is when a group of individuals tackle a problem together to achieve a solution. There are both strengths and weaknesses to this type of organizational decision making.
3. Groups in Organizations: Formation & Types
There are many different types of groups, likely more than you may be aware of. In this lesson, we will explore the various types of groups and how they are defined. We will also look at how or why they form, as this will give us a better understanding of their focus and design.
4. The Difference Between Groups and Teams: Definition & Contrasts
Although subtle, there are differences between groups and teams. These are typically the reason the group or team was assembled and the goal they are trying to obtain. In this lesson, we will address the differences between groups and teams.
5. Characteristics of Effective Teams: Examples and Qualities
Effective teams can contribute heavily to the success of an organization. This lesson explores the key characteristics that make teams effective in the business world. You'll see an example of each characteristic and learn about underlying, supportive aspects of effectiveness.
6. Types of Work Teams: Functional, Cross-Functional & Self-Directed
Teams have become a popular way of organizing employees in organizations. This lesson identifies three different types of work teams: functional, cross-functional and self-directed teams.
7. Roles of Group Members: Perceptions, Expectations & Conflict
Groups are made up of people who each have their own perceptions and expectations of the group and its work. If those perceptions and expectations are not met, conflict can arise. In this lesson, we'll identify the types of roles in groups and see the interplay of expectations, perceptions and conflict within a group.
8. How Types of Group Norms Influence Individual Behavior
Groups, though made up of individuals, have their own sets of norms. These sets develop as the group grows and interacts and can change a person's behavior that might be new to the group. Here we review types of norms present in groups and their potential impact on an individual's behavior.
9. Listening Effectively in Groups: Critical, Selective, Active & Empathetic Listening
Being an effective listener allows relationship building and leads to increased productivity in the workplace. To form an environment for effective listening, you need to know the best group sizes and the four types of effective listening.
10. Barriers to Effective Listening in Groups
Barriers to effective listening in groups can cause significant workplace issues. Selective listening and selective perception are two type of problems that can impede successful business decisions.
11. Formal Communication Networks vs. the Grapevine: Definition & Contrast
Formal communication networks consist of centralized and decentralized channels, while the grapevine is an informal network. In this lesson, you'll learn how most organizational communication happens using an informal network due to friends, usage and efficiency.
12. Understanding the Nonverbal Communication of Group Members
Nonverbal communication can be difficult to comprehend in group business environment. Subtle cues are often missed, which can easily have verbal messages misunderstood. There are five key functions of nonverbal communication that can help identify potential issues in communication.
13. Preparing, Conducting, and Contributing to Productive Meetings
There are a few key elements that should be considered when planning for a productive meeting. Organizing an effective meeting is a monumental task that involves preparing, conducting and contributing valuable ideas, resources and information in order to be successful.
14. Technologies for Group Communication and Collaboration: Groupware, Teleconferencing & Virtual Worlds
Technologies for group communication and collaboration allow intricate business relationships to exist and deliver productivity no matter where the employee is located. Groupware, teleconferencing and virtual worlds are three ways that technology is changing the face of the workplace.
15. Business Etiquette In the Workplace and Beyond
The proper business etiquette is very important for workers to observe in order to create a professional workplace. There are four specific areas of business etiquette that provides a basic framework for a successful company.
16. Ineffective Group Communication in Groups
Ineffective group communication can dramatically impact the productivity and workplace success of a company. There are five factors that need to be addressed in order for groups to work together effectively.
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Other chapters within the Business 113: Business Communication course
- Communicating in the Workplace
- Communication and Diversity
- Interpersonal & Group Communication
- Leadership in Management
- Roles and Responsibilities of the Supervisor
- Communication as a Supervisor
- Messaging in Business Communication
- Planning to Communicate in the Workplace
- Developing Your Message in the Workplace
- Completing Your Message in the Workplace
- Using Visuals in Workplace Communication
- Communicating with Technology in the Workplace
- Business Reports and Proposals
- Delivering Business Presentations
- Resumes and Cover Letters
- Required Assignments for Business 113
- Studying for Business 113