Introduction to group communication
Group communication is an extension of interpersonal communication
where more than two individuals are involved in exchange of ideas,
skills and interests. A group is a number of people with a common goal
who interact with one another to accomplish their goals, recognize one
another’s existence and see themselves as part of the group. Groups
provide an opportunity for people to come together to discuss and
exchange views of common interest. There could be many different groups
for as many different reasons. For instance, casually formed groups with
friends over a drink, coffee break, games, dances or religious
gatherings have a different purpose than that of groups attending a
meeting or seminar to help fight AIDS or interacting with committee
members to draft a proposal.
Communication in a group, small or big,
serves many goals including collective decision-making, self-expression,
increasing one’s effect, elevating one’s status and relaxation. Group
communication is considered effective as it provides an opportunity for
direct interaction among the members of the group; it helps in bringing
about changes in attitudes and beliefs. Group communication has
limitations too, as group interaction is time consuming and often
inefficient, especially in an emergency. Besides, imbalances in status,
skills and goals, may distort the process and the outcome sharply.
Groups have been classified as small
groups and large groups. A small group comprises of three to seven
members. Small groups are informal and less structured. Larger groups
adopt formal rules to maintain order. There is more chance for
individual participation in small groups. Also small groups are easy to
manage and are more efficient in accomplishing tasks and making
decisions. Most researchers define a small group as having at least
three and no more than twelve or fifteen members.
A group needs to have at least three
members; otherwise it would simply be a dyad. With three members,
coalitions can be formed and some kind of organization is present. Too
large of a group (more than twelve or fifteen members) inhibits the
group members’ ability to communicate with everyone else in the group.
Members must be able to communicate freely and openly with all of the
other members of the group. Groups will develop norms about discussion
and group members will develop roles, which will affect the group’s
interaction. A group must have a common purpose or goal and they must
work together to achieve that goal. The goal brings the group together
and holds it together through conflict and tension.
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