SMALL-GROUP

COMMUNICATION

…to work together, we Filipinos have to learn to trust each other, and to trust each other we have to
learn to communicate with each other not from our surface selves, but from deep down in our heart….
Jaime Bulatao, S. J.

Definitions of group communication

A cooperative and relatively systematic process in which a group of persons exchange and evaluate
ideas and information in order to understand a subject or solve a problem
Monroe and Ehninger
Thinking in cooperation with others
Fr. Bulatao

A form of human interaction that deals with such items as “morals, feeling tone, atmosphere,
participation, influence, styles of influence, struggles, conflict, competition, cooperation and so forth”
J. W. Pfiefer

Group discussion is a process of cooperative thinking and sharing between three or more persons for
the attainment of common interests, needs, and goals.

OBJECTIVES OF GROUP DISCUSSIONS

To share exchange and/or share ideas, information on a subject

To arrive at a decision or course of action on a problem or difficulty

GROUP EFFECTIVENESS: Collective Strengths

Thoroughness
all aspects of the matter should be considered

Involvement and Loyalty

the goal should be shared among all members of the group

Democratic decision making

Group process utilizes a more democratic interaction wherein every member feels important in the roup

Essentials for Effective Interaction

As a group
a. orderliness
b. cooperative rather than competitive
c. sense of accomplishment

As individual Participant
a. listens at all times
b. builds upon what previous speakers have said
c. makes sure that his co-discussants have heard him and understood his remarks
 d. is equipped with a thorough knowledge of the subject to be discussed, has a close
acquaintance with others, and capable of making meaningful contributions to the group
Preparations for Small-Group Communication

Analysis of the Subject or Problem

a. Review the facts/information you have at hand.

b. Make your knowledge current or updated.
c. Fit or reorganize this recent information into what you already know
d. Formulate a tentative point of view on each of the important issues
e. Anticipate the effect of your ideas or proposals on other members of the group, or the
organization of which the group is a part

Analysis of the Group’s Authority and Constituency

Know each member of the group
Know their status, beliefs, attitudes, profession/work, personality, expertise, competencies, etc.

THE ROLES OF THE LEADER

His neutral role is not to take side
His positive task is orderly interaction
His main instrument is understanding

ROLES OF THE MEMBERS

Group building roles
Encourager, peacemaker, efficiency expert,

Task-oriented roles
Asker of questions, information-giver, opinion-giver, fiscalizer, orienter, harmonizer, energizer

Individualistic Roles
recognition-seeker, disagree, aggressor, dominator, passive listener,

Mechanics of an orderly agenda

The discussion format
Proposal of question
Clarification of question
Formulation of tentative answers
Arrival at a consensus

Types of questions suitable for Discussions

The question should be familiar, realistic. Relevant, experiential, observable, not-too technical, and so
on.
Phrasing of the Question
a. The statement of the problem should encourage freedom of thought
b. Should bring about interaction and even a clash of opinions
c. The statement should be brief
Posing the Question
a. The leader usually presents the question on an “overhead” manner, that is, he aims the question
not towards to a single person but to the group as a whole.

Agreeing upon the Question

All items in the question should be agreed upon by all members of the group, hence, the leader should
make sure that the terms are well defined.

Physical Arrangement
Atmosphere (formal or informal)
Size of the group or cluster (max of 8 members)
Seating arrangement
Duration and length of the discussion