04:189:101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 11: Groupthink, Nonverbal Communication, Charismatic Authority

• School: Rutgers University
• Department: Communication and Informatio
• Course: 04:189:101
• Professor: Linardopoulos

Document Summary

Definition of a small group (cid:498))nvolves more than two people, usually engaged in synchronous interaction, actively working toward a common goal. (cid:499) Advantages of teams: resistance to change reduced, decisions usually superior, decisions more readily accepted, hostility reduced; productivity increased, satisfaction & morale greater, responsibility shared. Effective teams: well organized, receive periodic training, examine assumptions and opinions, evaluate possible solutions, operate virtually, manage cultural diversity, avoid groupthink, bring in outside experts, leader should voice opinions after others. Groupthink - the perception of having a unanimous decision instead of engaging in conflict. To avoid groupthink: occurs when relationships & trust are weak, sidetracks team from issues, creates defensiveness and anger, ask members to be (cid:498)critical evaluators(cid:499, provide (cid:498)second chance(cid:499) to rethink choices. A-type conflict (cid:523)(cid:498)a(cid:499) stands for affective or emotional(cid:524) C-type conflict (cid:523)(cid:498)c(cid:499) stands for cognitive(cid:524: ground rule - (cid:498))deas separate from person(cid:499)