USC Communication in Small Groups Discussion

1. What are the various elements that affect the cohesiveness within a group? Provide in-depth explanations for each factor.

By Steven Beebe and John Masterson
Presentations Prepared By:
Renee Brokaw
University of Tampa
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Part II
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Chapter 6
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DEFENSIVE
SUPPORTIVE
 Evaluation (you)
 Description (I)
 Control
 Problem orientation
 Strategy
 Spontaneity
 Neutrality
 Empathy
 Superiority
 Equality
 Certainty
 Provisionalism
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 Confirming
responses cause
people to value
themselves more
 Disconfirming
responses cause
people to value
themselves less
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 Impervious response
 Interrupting response
 Irrelevant response
 Tangential response
 Impersonal response
 Incoherent response
 Incongruous response
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 Direct acknowledgement
 Agreement about content
 Supportive response
 Clarifying response
 Expression of positive feeling
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 Attraction members feel toward one
another
 Deep loyalty
 Esprit de corps
 Group’s goal becomes one’s own
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 Composition
 Individual benefits
 Task
effectiveness
 Communication
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 Pattern of interaction in
a group
 Who talks to whom
 Equal distribution
improves performance
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 As group size increases, the opportunity
for interaction decreases
 Three to six members are more productive
than seven to ten members
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 Positive climate improves productivity
 Trusting atmosphere improves
cohesiveness
 Members act with group in mind, not from
hidden agendas
 Strong bonds tolerate constructive conflict
 Social reality gives people freedom to
assert individuality
 People depend on group and personal
commitment improves performance
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