Group Communication
No matter how much I might prefer to think that I am unique and that my communications patters are unlike any other person's, my social relations also fall into the patterns described by scholars on communications. This paper will outline two occasions in which I have noticed my own life to be affected by a group communications concept we have studied in class, describe the concept and describe my observation of its real world effect on my life.

Cohesion is the level of group identity that members feel (Myers & Anderson, 221). In very closely linked groups, there is a great deal of cohesion, which also is correlated with a high degree of satisfaction. Those members feel tightly bound to each other. How people communicate can grow or impair the growth of group cohesion. Cohesion can be built by emphasizing similarities between group members. Cohesion and participation both build each…...

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References

Myers, Scott A., & Anderson, Carolyn M. Fundamentals of Group Communication. New York: Sage, 2008. Print.

Wood, Julia. Communication in Our Lives. Beverly, MA: Wadsworth. 2011. Print.

Non-verbal communication -- such as body language -- is a communication channel that never closes, and so this must also be utilized to show confidence and approachability.
hen it comes to the diversity of the group itself, both cultural and role-specific issues must be considered. In the case of the latter, care must be given that the information remains understandable and relevant; this becomes far more complex with the issue of cultural diversity. Drastically different meanings and interpretations are attributed to gestures, tones of voice, and certain ways of speaking by different cultures, and can have huge effects on the interpretation of the information being communicated (Locker-Kienzler 2008). Specifically, using figurative language such as understatement or hyperbole might be natural parts of some cultures, and be understood for what they are, while other cultures might see this as misleading or even simple ignorance (Locker-Kienzler 2008).

In order to ensure that the…...

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When it comes to the diversity of the group itself, both cultural and role-specific issues must be considered. In the case of the latter, care must be given that the information remains understandable and relevant; this becomes far more complex with the issue of cultural diversity. Drastically different meanings and interpretations are attributed to gestures, tones of voice, and certain ways of speaking by different cultures, and can have huge effects on the interpretation of the information being communicated (Locker-Kienzler 2008). Specifically, using figurative language such as understatement or hyperbole might be natural parts of some cultures, and be understood for what they are, while other cultures might see this as misleading or even simple ignorance (Locker-Kienzler 2008).

In order to ensure that the information presented at the above-described stakeholder meeting scenario is effective, the proper cultural considerations will be matched by an appropriate understanding of the various roles present in the meeting. This extends beyond simply understanding the varying knowledge bases of those in attendance in the meeting, and the different positions they hold in relation to the company's endeavors, and requires a certain amount of flexibility and awareness of the group roles that tend to emerge in such settings (Locker-Kienzler 2008). Encouraging the active involvement and development of positive group roles while calmly and quickly addressing any negative roles that might appear to be emerging will keep focus on the information being presented, helping it to become much more effective (Locker-Kienzler 2008).

The many different considerations that must be made in order to ensure an effective and productive meeting for everyone in attendance can make such attempts very difficult. Adding to this difficulty is the fact that meetings are often seen as boring, unproductive interruptions of useful work, meaning that there is already negative sentiment to overcome before the meeting has even begun (Locker-Kienzler 2008). Organizing and presenting the information with clarity and efficiency, and setting this tone from the outset of the meeting by being well-prepared and inviting, can go a long way towards eliminating these feelings, and mitigating their effects on the meeting as a whole. This consideration, along with these others listed above, will result in effective communication.

Group Communication
One of my main tasks at work is to transcribe the minutes of the weekly departmental meetings; thus, since my report requires me to present the minutes of the meeting in a concise, yet organized, form, I use the organizational strategy or method of writing. In the organizational strategy, I take into account how the information is presented in a document -- in my case, the minutes of meeting for the department. According to Chandler (1995), the organizational strategy involves dividing the information in the document into three main divisions: the introduction, body, and conclusion.

In the organizational strategy, these three divisions are specified further. he introduction becomes the part where the "major point" of the document is stated. his part may be likened to the 'lead' of a journalist's news article -- it allows the reader to know what the document is all about, supported by information discussed later…...

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The organizational strategy that I use in communicating with the other department members in the workplace influence the way I think or construct ideas and information when it comes to processing and using them in decision-making processes with the organization. This belief that written communication (or any form communication, for that matter) has influences and affects the way we think is based on the principle that "All Messages Have a Content and a Relational Dimension" (Adler, 1998:19). This principle is divided into two components: the content and relational dimension of the message given to another communicator/s.

The content of a communication message includes the written message itself (in my case, the content of the minutes of the meeting document). However, the content of the message may be affected by its relational dimension, perhaps considered the most important element of a non-verbal message. This relational dimension is manifested by the kind of tone and style used by the communicator. Combining these two components: the recipient of the communication message can formulate or structure the 'mood' of the document, which, in turn, affects his/her impression of the source of the communication message. Thus, in my case, using a formal tone and organized writing style in composing business documents allows me to evoke a business-like and professional image to other people (communicators). This example shows the power that communication, particularly writing, plays in creating images and handling impression management in a diverse workplace environment.

Adler, R. (1998). Interplay: The Process of Interpersonal Communication. Fort Worth: Harcourt Brace College Publishers.

Factionalism must be avoided at all costs. Obeying the rules of etiquette, such as not interrupting when another person is speaking or ensuring that everyone has a chance to provide input during a discussion, can work wonders to keep tempers from flaring. In an unfamiliar group, these protocols may need to be formal, in a group of people who know each other well helpful reminders from the leader might be the best way to keep courteous behavior in mind.
It is always necessary that the group leader or leaders make it clear why the group was formed, so the group has a sense of collective mission and purpose. A group must be a team, with a goal, not simply a collection of randomly assembled persons. Every person of the team has a valuable and specific task, and should not feel threatened expressing his or her opinions about that task, or…...

Competition should not be the primary focus of a group decision-making setting because this will not lead to solution-oriented thinking. ather than focusing on the problem that requires solving, group members are more likely to entertain themselves with methods they can employ to "win" other members of the group to their line of thinking or problem-solving methods.
Behaviors that promote best practices in group decision-making include behaviors that encourage all team members to participate in strategic development and open expression of their thoughts, feelings and opinions such that each member feels included in the decision-making process (Johnson & Johnson, 2000; Katzenbach & Smith, 1992). To make this environment possible it is important each member of the team feel their contribution to the decision-making process and solution is important, even if their idea or proposed solution is not adopted once a final decision is made.

Other behaviors that promote best practices include…...

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References

Foundation Coalition. (2007, May). "Effective decision making in teams: Methods."

Created May, 2001 Foundation Coalition. Accessed 4, May, 2007:

 http://www.foundationcoalition.org/home/keycomponents/teams/decision2.html 

Intrax Technology Group, Ltd. "Problem solving tools and methods." Intrax Ltd. Accessed 4, May, 2007:  http://www.intraxltd.com

Group Communication and Decision-Making Methods
This paper will focus on two primary factors important for the leaders, in the modern world, to completely conquer. These two factors are:

Group Communication

Decision making methods

The paper also provides proof using prior researches done on the aforementioned subjects, focusing primarily on the role of the leader in instigating motivation amongst the employees as well as improving the overall decision making processes. The paper will also take into consideration the views presented in different books written today like the Power of Impossible Thinking by Jerry Wind, Colin Crook and obert Gunther, first published in 2004 as well as the Prepared Mind of a Leader by Bill Welter and Jean Egmon first published in 2005.

Decision making methods and Leadership

Communication is all about the approach towards a common goal. It is the lifeblood of an effective and successful leader (Wind, Crook and Gunther, 2004). All leaders aim to entice…...

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References

Avolio, B.J. (1994). The alliance of total quality and the full range of leadership. In B.M. Bass & B.J. Avolio (Eds.), Improving organizational effectiveness through transformational leadership (pp. 121-145). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Avolio, B.J., Bass, B.M., & Jung, D.I. (1999). Reexamining the components of transformational and transactional leadership using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 72, 441-462.

Bass, B.M. (1985). Leadership and performance beyond expectations. New York: Free Press.

Bass, B.M., & Avolio, B.J. (1997). Full range leadership development: Manual for the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire. Palo Alto, CA: Mind Garden.

She does not need to speak, the art will do it for her, but unlike the expressive purpose of museum artwork, the point of this expression is to reinforce a relationship rather than speak to strangers.
There is a public, shaming potential to the pot lid's use such as using the lid when her husband is having company. Context can add to the meaning of the lid, but still, there is some control over who hears the message, unlike the message conveyed by art to a person strolling through a museum, whose presence does not usually add or subtract from the meaning of the work of art.

Art is not done by professionals in this est African tribal context, rather everyone has the potential to make art, or to read art, in fact it is necessary in this case, that the husband be fluent in the language of the pot lids…...

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Works Cited

Woyo people,

Congo (Zaire) pot lid." The Stanley Collection:

The University of Iowa Museum of Art. January 1999. 25 Mar 2007.  http://www.uiowa.edu/~africart/toc/chapters/kml/KMD1.html

2002, p.3) The following example from the experience of the group serves to illustrate the way in which these theoretical perspectives applied to the evaluation of the group's ability to function successfully.
As noted in the previous section, the group was faced with a crisis when the tour guide was injured by a lion. In terms of the above theory the group should have been able to communicate under stress in order to find a common solution to the problem at hand. Instead, what actually occurred was chaotic division and disagreement in the group which led to dysfunction. Two of the group members were in a state of shock and feared that they might be in danger. One of the American members of the group suggested that they should drive the guide back to the base camp as quickly as possible. Other members of the group disagreed with this view…...

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References

Frey L.R. ( 1994) The call of the field: studying communication in natural groups, in L.R

Frey ( Ed.), Group communications in context: Studies of natural groups, Hillsdale NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

Galanes and Adams ( Leading Small Groups: Theoretical Perspectives, Chapter 7).

(Full reference not provided)

Small Group Communication
It is often the case that communication that works perfectly well in person - or face-to-face, as we call it now - breaks down when people attempt to translate the same relationships that they have developed directly into cyber-relationships. And herein lies the rub: cyber-relationships are not the same as those we have in person. Once people acknowledge the fact that such relationships are different with different sets of rules (not worse or better, but simply different), then they can adjust their behavior and their expectations to the new form of communication.

Cyber-communication is an unnatural way of maintaining human relationships. We have each been evolutionarily selected to be social animals - and social animals in a very specific way, by being in the physical presence of other humans. This means that while some large percent of our ability to communicate with others is based on the informational aspects…...

Communication theory is described as any systematic explanations of the nature of the communication process. It's important for businesses and organizations to understand communication theory because they can't accomplish their objectives and goals without effective communication between workers. Since it focuses on analyzing the processes with which information is transmitted from the sender to the receiver, communication theory also focuses on the various ways with which information is transferred from one medium to another.
Generally, communication is regarded as the magical factor that can guarantee a happy long-term relationship and organization success (Dainton, 2004). It's an important factor within the Navy, particularly in the Casualty Assistance Calls section since this section deals with helping sailors who have suffered a casualty. Therefore, it's important for the Casualty Assistance Calls Officer to possess effective communication skills because his/her main duty is to provide information, resources, and assistance in the event of a casualty.

Team…...

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References:

Brown, J.M. (n.d.). How Can Cultural Differences Affect Business Communication? Retrieved

December 20, 2011, from  http://smallbusiness.chron.com/can-cultural-differences-affect-business-communication-5093.html 

Dainton. (2004, September 16). Introduction to Communication Theory. Retrieved December

20, 2011, from  http://www.sagepub.com/upm-data/4983_Dainton_Chapter_1.pdf

hile allowing an authoritarian voice to hold final sway over what is done may be least desirable, it may be necessary in a very spread-out group with many areas of expertise, or if the leader bears the brunt of the responsibility for the project and has greater knowledge of the different organizational factors involved.
There is no single perfect formula for forming a cohesive group, making decisions, and arguing in a constructive manner. The only rule that does hold fast and firm, regardless of the composition and authority structure of the group, good listening skills are necessary, as well balanced consideration of all sides of a debate. A healthy group, even a group dominated by a single leader, must not fall into groupthink, or create an environment where only a single opinion is considered valid, and dissent is not permitted.

orks Cited

Engleberg and ynn. orking in groups: Communication principles and strategies.…...

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Works Cited

Engleberg and Wynn. Working in groups: Communication principles and strategies. 3rd ed. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2003.

Group Social Work: Nurturing Father's Program
The group investigated for this paper is the Nurturing Father's Program. I encountered the Nurturing Fathers Program while working for my state's child protective services division (DCFS). The NFP is an evidence-based, 13-week training course designed to teach parenting and nurturing skills to men. Each 2 1/2-hour class provides proven, effective skills for healthy family relationships and child development" (Nurturing Fathers, 2012). The goal of the program is to help men transform themselves into nurturing fathers by enabling cognitive, behavioral, and affective changes in the group participants. The NFP program has been used successfully in a wide variety of contexts, including, but not limited to schools, preschools, churches, government child-safety programs, and the military.

This particular NFP group meets at First Presbyterian Church, 270 Franklin Street, Quincy, MA on Tuesday evenings from 6:00pm to 8:30pm. There is no charge for participation, and group participants are given…...

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References

Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups, Inc. (2006). Standards for social work practice with groups. Alexandria, VA: AASWG, Inc.

Brandler, S., & Roman, C.P. (1999). Group work: skills and strategies for effective interventions. New York: Haworth Press.

Department of Children and Families. (2012). Report child abuse. Executive Office of Health

and Human Services website:  http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/consumer/family-services/report-child-abuse.html

Individuals trust that agreement speaks something relating to the fact. Complying with the group norms hence fulfils our requirement relating to mastery. When individuals privately, show their compliance since they trust group norms represent fact, the group has the impact of information. At the time when the chances are high, individuals are more inspired to take correct decisions, and hence correspond even strongly. Going away from the agreement weaken the impact of the group. Additionally, it weakens confidence, and hence we could feel perplexed, apprehensive and ambiguous. (Smith; Mackie 315-319).
Norms accord us the feelings of linkage since compliance to group principles lead to achieving a positive as well as principled social identity and getting respect from the members of the other group. Compliance as such gives rise to encountering a view of belonging, and it indicates assurance to members of other groups. A group has positive impact at the…...

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References

AlRoomi, Dhari. The effect of Cohesion of Group Productivity. The MBA Journal. 23 February 2006.  http://businessadministration.wordpress.com/2006/02/23/the-effect-of-cohesion-of-group-productivity/ 

Bostro, Alan; Bredemeier, Brenda Jo Light; Gardner, Douglas E; Shields, David Lyle Light. The Relationship between Leadership Behaviors and Group Cohesion in Team Sports. Journal of Psychology, vol. 131, no. 2, 1997. pp: 196-211.

Christensen, Ulla; Schmidt, Lone; Budtz-Jorgensen, Esben; Avlund, Kirsten. Group Cohesion and Social Support in Exercise Classes: Results from a Danish Intervention Study. Health Education & Behavior, vol. 33, No. 5, 2006, pp: 677-689

Glass, Scott. J; Benshoff, James. M. Facilitating group cohesion among adolescents through challenge course experiences. The Journal of Experiential Education. Fall, 2002. vol. 26, no. 2, pp: 47-51.

Other than this, I would try to establish my own personal goals and objectives that are subordinated to group objectives. For example, I would try to establish very tight deadlines for the tasks assigned to me, because I work very well under pressure.

I would also try to establish a career path that I would follow in the future, determining medium term objectives for me to reach. Knowing where I want to be in my career would motivate me to achieve my full potential, and even to develop new skills and abilities that would help me advance in my career.

e. In large corporations, where there are hundreds or thousands of employees, many of them covering similar positions, it is difficult for the H department and top managers to establish a motivational system analyzing each individual in particular. As a consequence, H managers develop a motivational system that is generally applied to…...

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Reference list:

1. Engleberg, I.N. & Wynn, D.R. (2007). Working in Groups: Communication Principles and Strategies. Published by Allyn & Bacon. Retrieved February 18, 2010.

Different demographic groups also feel differently about the demographics of a group, and racial and gender differences can cause reduced efficacy for some individuals. Group size must also be considered.
Group cohesiveness is also another important factor in measuring group efficacy, though some cohesion can be detrimental to the group's purpose. The cohesive elements must support the group's states and intended purpose to be effective. Group development can also be studied; this perspective treats the group as an individual entity that changes over time, hopefully for the better. This concept is most useful to practitioners as a way of organizing the individual members of the group as far as their goals are concerned, and to draw their attention to the dynamics of the group, especially during times of group change.

Though empirical evidence is still difficult to come by when addressing group development, there is a general consensus in the literature…...