Small Group

Communication and
Team Leadership
Are five heads really better
than one?

Why Work in Groups?

evidence of increased creativity
increased commitment to implementation
recognition of the potential contributions of
workers outside of management
opportunities for anonymity
relational benefits

Prof. Nick Burnett,

What Happens When a Group is

Too Large...
formation of subgroups
unequal participation, less per member
increased likelihood of domination
higher demands on the leader
needs higher tolerance for group takeover of
administrative tasks
more trouble achieving consensus

Prof. Nick Burnett,

Possible Disadvantages to Groups

The potential for social loafing
One person may dominate the discussion
Id rather do it myself syndrome
Pressure to conform
Risky shift phenomenon

Prof. Nick Burnett,

Definitions--Small Group
Communication
Gaut and Perrigo-- a collection of three or
more individuals who interact with one
another to achieve a common task or
goal
questions--when is a group too big to be a
small group.must the interaction be face
to face?

Prof. Nick Burnett,

Typologies of Groups in
Organizations
Learning

Groups
Self Maintenance Groups
Problem Solving Groups
Therapeutic Groups

Prof. Nick Burnett,

Druckers Group Typology

Work teams--like a baseball team--on not in a
team
Cross functional teams--like a football team-each with primary responsibilities but
contingency recognized
Self managed teams--like a doubles team in
tennis--no leaders, fully interchangeable

Prof. Nick Burnett,

Some Principles of Small Group

Leadership
Leadership

is not always vested in the

formal leader of a group
Leadership is multi-dimensional
task orientation
socio-emotional orientation
Leadership cannot always be compelled
Prof. Nick Burnett,

3 Styles of Group Leadership-Autocratic

Autocratic or Authoritarian Leadership
Advantages--time, efficiency, large groups,
simple tasks
Disadvantages-low cohesion
Communication behaviors
controls discussion, low involvement,
infrequent feedback, dominates interaction

Prof. Nick Burnett,

3 Styles of Group Leadership-Democratic

Democratic Leadership
advantage--satisfaction, commitment,
complicated tasks
disadvantage--inefficient
Communication behaviors
mediates conflict, encourages
participation, socio-emotional orientation

Prof. Nick Burnett,

3 Styles of Group Leadership-Laissez-faire

Laissez-faire Leadership
advantage--utilizes the talents of the group
disadvantage--potential for misdirection
Communication behaviors--facilitates group
activity but not discussion, poor feedback,
provides info at the direction of the group

Prof. Nick Burnett,

Types of Small Group Decisions

Consensus
Compromise
Voting
Railroading
Coalitions/Handclasping

Prof. Nick Burnett,