Page 173 - Effective group discussion theory and practice by Adams, Katherine H. Brilhart, John K. Galanes, Gloria J

156 Chapter 6

Recap: A Quick Review

entral to group structuration is understanding how group members use preexisting
Cgeneral norms of behavior and also create their own norms, often implicitly, which in
turn guide group communication until changes occur and new norm(s) alter group
interaction.
1. Norms are informal rules that often emerge out of group members’ tendencies to
conform; they then guide future group task and social expectations.
2. Conformity to group norms is a function of five interrelated conditions: individual
tendency toward conformity, number of group members following the norm, how
well the norm is articulated and supported, level of group cohesiveness, and
degree to which group members support the group goal.
3. Evidence of a group norm can be found in repetitious behavior and the degree to
which nonconformity is punished.
4. Changing a group norm should involve thoughtful planning around when to bring up
the norm with the group, careful description of the norm and its perceived conse-
quence to the group, and presentation to the group in a manner that shows loyalty
to the group identity as a whole.

Development of a Group’s Climate

We began this chapter by recognizing that small groups develop their own cultural
identities as they meet task and socioemotional challenges, socialize members, and
create norms and use fantasy to craft their symbolic realities. We end this chapter with
a discussion of group climates, which reflect the emotional tenor of a group’s culture.
Group Climate Group climate refers to a group’s emotional and relational atmosphere. How well do
A group’s emotional members work together? Do they seem to like each other? Are members’ identity and
and relational relational needs being met? Is the atmosphere tense or relaxed? In this section, we dis-
atmosphere. cuss two elements that contribute to group climate: cohesiveness and supportiveness.

Cohesiveness
No one expected the Cleveland Cavaliers to win the 2016 National Basketball Associ-
ation playoffs after being down 3–1 to the Golden State Warriors. But the Cavaliers
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had a secret ritual that symbolized the team’s philosophy—they had a puzzle of
16 pieces, each piece standing for one of the victories needed for the Cavaliers to win,
with each man on the team representing one piece. After each playoff win, one player
would add his piece to the puzzle. And it wasn’t always the hero of the game who got
to add a piece—sometimes it was a player who needed a boost, like Kevin Love who
missed game three due to a concussion. When each of the 15 players had added his
piece, the hole in the center was for the state of Ohio, which the coach placed in.
Although LeBron James was the best-known player on the team, veteran player
James Jones said, “Together, that’s how you win a championship. Individually, we are
all just a piece. Everyone had to have their role; everyone has to have their piece.”
What creates this kind of winning team spirit?

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