Unit 8: Group Communication

Overview

We interact in small groups more often than we realize. Whether it’s a study group, a workplace team, a book club, or a family gathering, small groups shape our experiences, decisions, and social interactions. Unlike one-on-one communication, small group dynamics introduce additional layers of complexity, requiring effective collaboration, clear communication, and a shared sense of purpose.

In this unit, you’ll explore the theory and practice of small group communication—how groups form, function, and influence individual members. You’ll learn how small groups develop unique structures, set communication patterns, and work toward common goals. You’ll also examine the advantages and challenges of working in groups, considering how factors such as group size, structure, and identity affect interaction.

As you engage with this content, consider your own experiences in small groups. How do groups influence the way you communicate? What strategies have you found effective in navigating group challenges? This exploration will deepen your understanding of how small groups operate and equip you with essential skills for working collaboratively in academic, professional, and personal settings.

Topics

Unit 8 contains the following topics:

• Topic 1: Understanding Small Groups
• Topic 2: Small Group Development
• Topic 3: Small Group Dynamics

There are three topics in Unit 8. Together, these sections will help you to complete the quiz and final assignment later in the course.

Learning Outcomes

When you have completed this unit, you should be able to do the following:

1. Define small group communication.
2. Discuss the characteristics of small groups.
3. Explain the functions of small groups.
4. Compare and contrast different types of small groups.
5. Discuss advantages and disadvantages of small groups.
6. Explain the process of group development.
7. Discuss the characteristics of each stage of group development.
8. Explain the relationship between group cohesion and group climate.
9. Describe the process of group member socialization.
10. Explain the relationship between conformity and groupthink.
11. Define various types of group conflict and identify strategies for managing each type.

Activities and Graded Assessments

Activities

Graded Quizzes and Assignments

At the end of the unit, please open your Moodle course and complete the following assessment(s):

• Quiz 8 (3%)

Media Attributions

Antenna. (2018, January 5). Group of people in conversation [Photograph]. Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/U1m34YbvV3c