Group and Organizational Dynamics -
Communication
Communication within the small group or team is both similar to and different from communication in other settings. Sometimes, the best way to resolve problems are to make all involved aware of what is going on. Leaders should always keep the employees well informed of what is happening within the group. Communication within the group is a true sign that there is life within the walls of the group. Group members and the leaders are talking back and forth. There are several communication styles that can be effective when communicating to other. They are expressive, systematic, sympathetic, and direct. Edmondson (2009), defines “expressive as hyperactive, systematic as orderly, sympathetic are nurturing and born socializers, and directs conversed briefly and involved in many things” (p. 31). Below we will examine other types of communication such as; intentional and unintentional communication, verbal and nonverbal communication, and defensive and supportive communication. Communicating should be a primary focus of any group. Without effective communication, the group could easily collapse. Trust and Human Relations
Because group members needs some type of communication to assure that they are part of something bigger, groups should put proper communication in place, this will satisfy the need of the group member. Good group communication breeds trust within any group. According to McNeish and Mann (2010), “knowledge sharing is also important to the individual” (p. 20). Once again, when a group member sees that they are in the communication loop, they will contribute their input to the group. Employee’s feel valued when information is communicated to them by others within the group. It makes them feel that they are included with the group by making certain contribution to the group. Intentional and Unintentional Communication
Often times we
References: Edmondson, J. (2009). Let’s Be Clear: How to Manage Communication Styles. T+D, 63(9), 30-31. Kilburg, J. (Ed). (2011). Leadership. Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill McNeish, J., & Mann, I (2010). Knowledge sharing and trust in organizations. IUP Journal of Knowledge Management, 8(1/2), 18-38. Tubbs, Stewart. A Systems Approach to Small Group Interaction (10th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Inc., 2009.