Page 31 - Effective group discussion theory and practice by Adams, Katherine H. Brilhart, John K. Galanes, Gloria J

14 Chapter 1

Ethical Behavior of Group Members
Social Loafer
A person who makes We have learned that groups are a necessary and natural part of our lives. Effective
a minimal and rewarding group experiences require knowledge of group dynamics and the
contribution to the ability to behave in ways that facilitate, not thwart, group efforts. Groups do not
group and assumes just happen because people are thrown together! Nor will groups be effective if
the other members they are composed of people who are members in name only. These social loafers
will take up the slack.
only watch and contribute little to the group, letting others carry the load. Central
to everything we discuss in this text is a willingness by every group member to be a
participant–observer: someone who both actively participates and critically reflects
Participant-Observer
on group interaction in order to make the adaptations necessary for success. The
An active participant ability to participate, observe, and think rests at the heart of ethical group
in a small group who interaction.
at the same time
observes and Ideally, everyone wants to be someone others can count on. Groups require
evaluates its collaborative, cohesive behavior, not social loafing, from their members; thus, you
processes and need to know the kind of behavior that is expected from responsible and ethical
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procedures. members. Ethics refers to the “rules or standards for right conduct or practice.” In
describing principles of ethical behavior for group members, we are guided by
appropriate standards of behavior from our general culture and the code of ethics
Ethics provided by our professional association, the National Communication Associa-
The rules or tion. This code stems from several key values, five of which we believe are directly
standards that a relevant to small group members: integrity, professional/social responsibility, equal-
person or group uses ity of opportunity, honesty/openness, and respect for self and others. These
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to determine whether values—involving the treatment of people, speech, and information—underpin the
conduct or behavior following six ethical principles for group members. Each principle requires you to
is right and consider how you choose to participate as a group member and asks you to reflect
appropriate.
on the consequences of your choices. Learning effective communication in groups
is about not only what you can do in groups but what you should do. You cannot
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answer the should part unless you observe and reflect. The following principles
will guide you:
1. Members should be willing to speak. Groups work because several heads
perform better than one. However, this advantage is sabotaged when members
won’t speak up. Your first obligation as a group member is to speak up and
share your perspective. Communication has a long and distinguished tradition,
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dating from Aristotle, that supports the value of free speech. For a group to be
effective, members’ unique perspectives must be shared.
2. Members must contribute their fair share to the group’s effort. Along with speak-
ing up, you need to contribute your fair share of work. Social loafers drag every-
body down and hurt the group’s product. They also represent the main reason
many of our students hate group work: they do not want their grades and
assignments to depend on people who fail to contribute to the group. As an
ethical group member, you must do your share. If you find you cannot, you
should either leave the group or negotiate with the other members how you can
contribute enough, so they do not resent your presence.

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