Chapter 2

Understanding
Small Group
Communication
Theory
 Function of Theories

To explain

To predict

What occurs in small groups & how

successful they may be.
 Nature of Theory and the
Theory Building Process
 Observe a phenomenon

 Witness a repeated pattern

 Develop an explanation

 Make predictions based on accuracy of phenomenon

 Use “self theory” to set goals

 Definition of Theory

 Combining multitude of facts so that one

may comprehend them all at once

 Enables us to make predictions about how

our groups are working together

 Crucial to the study & working in small

groups
 Theories are
Practical Approaches to
Group Communication

Two Ways Groups Function:

Explanatory function Predictive function
 Explains why  Understanding
some groups are the process
effective  Leads to
 Determines why improving the
certain types of process
leadership styles
are effective
Small Group’s Complexity
 Increases with group size

 Is impacted by group members’

thoughts and beliefs

 Complexity is a pervasive characteristic of

small groups and teams

 No single theory can account

for all variables
 Complexity in Groups:
What each group member
considers:

Copyright © 2015, 2012, 2009, Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Five Theoretical Perspectives
1) Systems Theory

2) Social Exchange Theory

3) Symbolic Convergence Theory

4) Structuration Theory

5) Functional Theory
 SYSTEMS THEORY

An entity made up of components

in interdependent relationship to
each other, requiring constant
adaptation among its parts to
maintain organic wholeness and
balance.
 Systems Theory

 Openness to environment: climate of institution,

demands from other organizations, meeting locations,
changes of members, etc.
 Interdependence: a shift in cohesiveness or composition
can change the group’s productivity.
 Input variables: What is brought into the group by each
member: funds, tools, knowledge, purpose, relationships.
 Process variables: Procedures group uses to real their
goals.
 Output variables: End of project: solutions, decision,
personal growth, satisfaction.
 Synergy: The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
 Entropy: Randomness or chaos in group working.
 Equifinality: There is more than one way to reach the
goal through multiple paths & different initial states.
 Social Exchange Theory

Rewards: pleasurable outcomes

Costs: mental effort, anxiety, even embarrassment

Profits: rewards minus costs

Symbolic Convergence Theory
 Structuration Theory

Utilizes rules and systems to structure

behavior:
Rules: Implicit or descriptive, prescription.
Individual Behavior: learned form previous group
encounters
Systems: interdependent elements
Behavior Patterns: what the group adopts
 Functional Theory
1. Effect or Consequence of behavior within group system
2. Identify & explain behavior that helps the group achieve its goals:
Group Members:
a) Attempt to satisfy task requirements
b) Use communication to overcome constraints
c) Take time to review the process
Constellation of Variables
in Groups

 Communication
 Leadership
 Goals
 Norms
 Roles
 Cohesiveness
 Situation
Aspects to Determine your
Group’s Success