ANSWER THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION QUESTION IN 200 TO 250 WORDS
In a200-250 word response, analyze how communication in groups differs from individual communication. Are there unique challenges to communicating with groups? Provide examples. Use at least one resource to support your key points. Respond to at least two of your fellow students’ posts.
REPLY TO THE FOLLOWING 2 POSTS FROM THE FOLLOWING 2 STUDENTS IN AT LEAST 150 TO 200 WORDS:
NORA:
There are distinct differences between individual and group communication. Individual communication usually takes place between two people or between one person interacting with a group that does not always have to share the same interest. Individual communication is either formal or informal depending on the purpose of the communication. Group communication transpires when two or more people with the same interest agree on a solution or purpose they wish to accomplish as a distinct unit of participants when communicating with other individuals, groups in the company, or other organizations in the community. (Baack, 2012) If there is one person in the group that disagrees with the information interacted with the groups’ communication receiver, the information expressed does not fully reflect the whole groups’ stance on an issue; this division could be brought to the receiver’s attention and could potentially ruin any persuasive attempts made by the group.
A group can face challenges within communication that can negatively affect the reputation the group desires to portray to other communicators and the power at which it executes their functionality. Unresolved conflicts and issues with conformity are the two leading challenges groups face. (Baack, 2012) When members of the group are in conflict with one another, it creates division and not unity among group members. A member’s unwillingness to cooperate could become perceived as a sign of a member’s unwillingness to conform. Group members could start questioning a member’s loyalty towards the group as a whole if the communicator is using individualism in a destructive way that jeopardizes the group’s positive energy. Conformity is also a problem when members feel as if they are being forced into an agreement without being able to fully get their opposing view across. An example, could be a member of an informal workplace group opposes asking to use company property for sponsoring informal events; when everyone else’s agrees that it is ok. Some members make the opposing member feel bad for going against what everyone said they thought was ok. A group is not using good communication skills if members of the group feel too intimidated to express their opinion if it goes against what other members want.
References
Baack, D. (2012). Management communication [Electronic version]. Retrieved from https://ashford.content.edu (Links to an external site.)
NATASHA:
Communication in a group is formal and informal groups. “Formal group, the purpose is to achieve company goals and objectives. Formal groups are established through a notation in an organization chart or by a management directive. The informal group, or a friendship group, emerges for the purpose of socializing and friendship. Such groups form without the endorsement of organizational leaders and do not have a designated structure” (Baack 2012). Group communication varies depending on the audience, from personal to professional. When it comes to group communication, each person is different and is going to interpret the message differently. When communicating with one person the sender can determine how to send the message to understand the receiver’s reactions and address it accordingly for the best communication.
Group communication challenges occur in stages. The main challenges that arise when group communication occurs “Forming, storming, norming, performing, adjourning. Forming challenge resolving feelings of uncertainty and seeking to become a leader. Storming challenges reduce and resolve conflicts. Norming challenges inform members about norms. Performing challenges support team members and coordinate activities. Adjourning challenges provide closure formally and informally” (Baack 2012). A topic arose at work, and the whole department was provided a very limited amount of information, many employees became concerned and frantic (Forming). One on one’s were set up by managers and clarification was given (Storming). Group communication should be limited or very specific (Norming). I have noticed certain people try and get very specific and ask multiple questions (Performing). Which is a great quality but then again the individual communication would be best to address many communications. Finally, a one on one meeting is created for clarification (Adjourning).
References
Baack, D. (2012). Management communication [Electronic version]. Retrieved from https://ashford.content.edu