14 - Small Group Dynamics – Communication and Unity

A small group is a collective unit of individuals in which face-to-face relationships occur among members. The actual number of members may vary, but the group is small enough that members know each other and act as a cohesive unit. Perhaps an upper limit of twenty members is reasonable for a small group. Some examples of small groups are a hockey team, dance class, yearbook club, evening upgrading class, a volleyball team, or a Sunday school class.

Why do individuals join certain small groups? People seek groups with goals and interests similar to their own—they share the same pleasurable activities. The group satisfies the person’s desire for social interaction and sociability. Another reason for joining the group is for a sense of security and confidence. The group can give its members a sense of selfesteem and personal achievement. The group gives the person recognition of his or her achievement by providing an audience for the work done. The individual may hope to gain social status with memberships in some groups. Some people join organizations to further their business contacts or their career opportunities. Small groups provide a strong network of support for members in a number of ways.

teacher and college students sitting in a park

What are some of the disadvantages of belonging to small groups? The small group may not reach decisions very quickly. They may spend too much time in general discussion. The group might focus too much attention on social activity and not enough on work activity. Group members might agree to a bad decision suggested by one of the members rather than risk conflict by disagreeing. Individuals may become too consumed by the activities of the small group and, therefore, adopt a narrow perspective. For example, a student becomes too involved with interests in minor hockey and never develops any other focuses.

Adults can hold memberships in many groups. Churches and labour unions are two formally organized groups that are most popular. The more formal education people have, the more likely they are to join a group and be actively involved. People become more involved with groups as they mature. As people become adults they can participate more effectively in larger groups.

Can you think of some advantages of holding memberships in many different groups? Can you think of some of the problems and conflicts that may be encountered through multiple membership?

Building Unity

One of the major aims of a small group is to build cohesiveness among members. Group cohesiveness may be defined as the mutual, general attraction that group members feel toward each other. Cohesiveness is togetherness combined with a willingness to cooperate. Group cohesiveness is enhanced by common goals and the feeling of members that they share a common fate. Group cohesiveness is not just a vague feeling of liking other members.

The Communication Factor

Once someone has joined a small group, effective communication keeps the person involved. Communication opens the lines of understanding between people. Therefore, it acts as a unifying force. Communication is the interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information by means of speech, writing, or signs. Communication is a message transmitted from one living thing to another. Communication goes beyond receiving sounds or symbols. A person receiving communication must be able to understand and distinguish what is being transmitted. Without some form of communication among members, group behaviour is not possible. When communication occurs by the spoken or written word, it is termed verbal communication. When communication occurs through gestures, signs, or body posture, it is termed nonverbal communication. For example, if you shrug your shoulders to a question, you are saying “I don’t know” or “I don’t care”. Putting your head down can show that you are tired.

Suppose there is a conflict between verbal and nonverbal communication. Which message is stronger, or which one tends to be most believable? Usually nonverbal communication has more power. It comes from our unconscious mind or our true inner feelings. For example, when the sales clerk says, “I’d love to help you” but he or she has a frown and stands facing you with arms crossed, you have the feeling that the verbal message is somewhat insincere.