Page 25 - Effective group discussion theory and practice by Adams, Katherine H. Brilhart, John K. Galanes, Gloria J

8 Chapter 1

influenced by each other” implies that members are aware of each other, and from
Small Group
this mutual awareness we ground our definition of small on perceptual awareness.
A group of at least A small group, therefore, is a group small enough that each member is aware of and
three but few enough able to recall each other group member, know who is and is not in the group, and
members for each to
perceive all others as recognize what role each is taking. Attempts to define small on the basis of number of
individuals, share members have never worked. Practically, small groups are usually comprised of three
some identity or to seven members with five being the most effective. 24
common purpose, No doubt you have heard and used the word team and might wonder whether
and share standards there is difference between a small group and a team. Some scholars see teams as
for governing their highly functioning groups with a strong group identity and highly structured with very
activities as explicit rules and clearly defined member responsibilities. Others reserve team for
25
members. groups in which leadership is shared, such as the case with self-managed work
groups. In a comprehensive review of the research into team dynamics, Salas, Sims,
26
and Burke discovered a recurring theme in all the different definitions of team: the
27
Small Group recognition of interdependence between members as they strive toward a group goal.
Discussion Thus, we do not differentiate the two terms—group and team—and use them inter-
A small group of changeably. A small group may be called a team (e.g., top management team), yet
people function no better than other groups of its kind. Like LaFasto and Larson, we are
communicating with interested in groups that function well, no matter what they are called. 28
each other to Interaction, mutual influence, and interdependence are all central features of a
achieve some group. Coordinating behavior requires exchange of messages; thus, the most central
interdependent goal, feature of human groups is their communication. Verbal and nonverbal exchange
such as increased among group members is where the work of the group gets accomplished. This
understanding, exchange may be face-to-face or may use computer or audioconferencing equipment.
coordination of
activity, or solution to For our purposes, small group discussion (see Table 1.1) refers to a small group of
a shared problem. people talking with each other in order to achieve some interdependent goal, such as
increased understanding, coordination of activity, or a solution to a shared problem.

TABLE 1.1
Small group 1. Small enough (typically between three and seven) for each member to be aware
discussion of and have some reaction to each other.
characteristics 2. A mutually interdependent purpose, making the success of any one member
contingent upon the success of all.
3. Each member has a sense of belonging to the group.
4. The give and take of impromptu communication, involving both verbal and
nonverbal messages, as group members respond to and adapt their actions to
each other.
5. A sense of cooperation between members, even in disagreements and conflict,
where they perceive that they are pursuing a group outcome that will be satisfac-
tory to everyone.
6. Interaction that occurs on a continuum from purely face-to-face to virtual. Most
groups today use some form of technology in conjunction with their face-to-face
group work, and even if their interaction is totally virtual, all the characteristics
mentioned here still apply.

gal37018_ch01_001_020.indd 8 3/28/18 12:33 PM