SMALL

GROUP
Contexts of Communication
 Members

Liana Campbell
Shamoy McGregor
D’Agene Smith
Aajah Steele
 01 02 03
Introduction Small Group What is a small
Communication group?
Examples

04 05 06
Structures Advantages and Conclusion
Disadvantages
 01

Introduction

Contexts of
Communication
 Introduction
The context of a communicative event includes what the
communicative event is about, why it occurs and where it takes place
and the relationships and roles of the people involved.
02 Hi!
How are you?

Different contexts in
which Small Group
Communication takes
place ?
● Families
● Interview teams
● Work groups
● Legislative subcommittees
● Military groups
● Business groups
● Most classroom settings
 03
What is a
Small
Group?
 What is Small Group
Communication ?

Small group communication is communication that occurs

within groups of 3-20 persons. These persons typically share
common goals, beliefs and norms.

Small group communication can be formal, such as within a

workplace, or informal, such as a peer group.
The most effective mediums for small group communication are conference
calls, video meetings, chatrooms, group chats, blogs and in-person
meetings.

Small groups exhibit interdependence. (actions of one member can lead the
group to success or failure). This contributes to many students’ dislike of
assignments.
 04

Small Group
Structures
 Small Group Structures

1. Centralized Structure

This occurs when one member of the group

communicates information to all the other group
members.

The person that distributes this information is

often considered the group leader.
 Small Group Structures

2. Decentralized Structure

This is typically used for groups focused more on

collaboration.

This structure lessens hierarchy and gatekeeping of

information as well as being more effective at solving
complex problems.
 05

Advantages
and
Disadvantages
 ● Expansion of an individual’s social
● Sharing of resources network

● Synergy
Advantages
● Slows down the
● Social loafing
decision-making process

Disadvantages
● Interpersonal issues
eg. conflicting schedules
 Conclusion
In conclusion, small groups are an
effective means of formulating ideas,
developing projects and achieving goals
among individuals.

They allow for more personal interactions

that are valuable in the socialization and
development of individuals as well.
Any
Questions ?
 References

● Author Removed At Request Of Original Publisher. (2016, September 29).

13.1 Understanding Small Groups – Communication in the Real World.
Pressbooks. Retrieved September 19, 2022, from
https://open.lib.umn.edu/communication/chapter/13-1-understanding-small-
groups/

● Mustapha, N. (2013, August 1). Sociology for Caribbean Students - 2nd

Edn. Ian Randle Publishers.