Page 168 - Effective group discussion theory and practice by Adams, Katherine H. Brilhart, John K. Galanes, Gloria J

Communication and Group Culture 151

Phases of Group Socialization
Anderson and colleagues describe five phases of group socialization: antecedent,
anticipatory, encounter, assimilation, and exit. Each phase has unique communica-
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tion needs. As you study the phases, remember that groups may move through these
phases at different speeds, may revisit one or more of these phases as they accept or
reject new members, and that behaviors in one phase have a ripple effect through the
other phases.
In the antecedent phase, group inputs, including individual characteristics, listen- Antecedent Phase
ing styles, cultural differences, and feelings about group work affect a group’s through- Prior to group
put and output variables. All members, including Ted in our previous example, bring socialization, the
to a group their own attitudes, motives, and communication traits, which profoundly phase in which group
influence how ready and able they are to be socialized into a group and to engage in members’ individual
group work and relationship building. For instance, if Ted is aloof or unfriendly, the characteristics affect
socialization process for him and the rest of the cast will be profoundly different than their readiness and
if he is friendly and engaged. willingness to
The anticipatory phase of group socialization involves all the initial expecta- socialize members
tions members have of each other and the group. These expectations lay the ground- effectively.
work for what the individual anticipates will happen over the course of the group’s
life. The director had enthusiastically talked about Ted’s talents, thereby leading the Anticipatory Phase
cast to anticipate a master actor and great opening night. In turn, Ted had been told During group
about the great cast he was joining. Both parties anticipated a successful experi- socialization, the
ence. However, if their expectations had not been accurate, socialization could be a phase in which
disaster. In both examples, the more the expectations differ from the actual experi- members’
ence, the more the members will experience anxiety and perhaps even anger. You expectations of each
can see that socialization involves two sets of expectations—Ted’s (individual) and other and the group
the cast’s (group). set the stage for what
Group socialization is enhanced when groups systematically have in place ways will occur during
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to welcome new members. In the case of our community theater cast, this could socialization.
include a meeting with Ted in which members introduce each other and talk about
their expectations; an informal dinner with Ted; and a tour of the theater, stage, and
dressing rooms. These kinds of activities or audition practices help both the new
member and the group draw more realistic expectations and experience less primary
tension during socialization. 47
The third phase of group socialization is the encounter phase. This phase, when Encounter Phase
the expectations of the anticipatory phase meet the realities of the group, lasts for an During group
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indefinite period. During this time the individual and the group create or adjust the socialization, the
group’s norms, culture, climate, status hierarchy, and leadership structure. phase in which
Both the new and old members negotiate their roles in the group in this phase. member expectations
The addition of a new member can disrupt the roles already established in a newly meet the realities and
forming or existing group. Communication about individual role expectations and members begin to
careful assessment of what the group needs are necessary if socialization is to be a adjust to each other
positive experience. For instance, newcomers who proactively seek information about in actuality.
role expectations are socialized more effectively than those who do not seek this kind
of information. 49

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