Since we are currently working on our communication project which requires lots of group communication, I guess this entry is pretty relevant as it sums up everything so nicely. It is useful in making readers understand the concept of group communication (more like ineffective group communication, you will know why later) and the different roles we play when working in a group although we may not be aware of them. I also believe that we learn better when illustrated with videos because humans are visual creatures and just by reading the notes and textbooks (which are merely words, boring!) do not necessarily mean that we understand. So, we need such tools to reinforce what we have learnt in lectures, to comprehend the concepts further, and not forgetting, to spice up our learning experience!
(Taken from youtube.com, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A099HY2EsW4)
This video is actually about the negative roles in group communication, which we do not specifically learn in lectures. Having said that, I think this video is still appropriate as it provides an alternative perspective to group communication outside of classroom, which unfortunately is the negative side. However, ironically, this problem is exactly what some groups are facing right now.
Firstly, let us define group. A group is "a collection of individuals who, as a result of interacting with one another over time, become interdependent, developing shared patterns of behaviour and collective identity". These four characteristics in bold are stated clearly at the beginning of the video. There are also five people in the group which is the optimum group size.
From the video, there are five different negative roles in the group:
1) The Irresponsible - The group member shows very unprofessional behaviour
2) The Joker - Uses humour and horseplay to divert group from task
3) The Dominator - Refuses to allow others to express their opinions and dominates discussion
4) The Defeatist - When a member's participation is not valued, he/she is discouraged and refrains from voicing his/her opinions
5) The Playboy - Fails to take the group seriously, spends time playing around and mocks serious behaviour
Honestly, I would not categorise 2 and 5 as negative roles in group communication. In fact, i would categorise them under maintenance roles as both behaviours enchance the social climate of the group. 2 and 5 are somewhat like energisers in the group. Although both behaviours distract other group members from the task at hand, there is always the orienter, whose job is to refocus the group and divert their attention back to the subject matter. An orienter is a task role who help the group accomplish its tasks. Likewise, 4 is not exactly negative. An encourager of the group will encourage the defeatist to voice out his/her ideas if any, reassuring him/her that he/she does not have to worry about what other group members think. Probably, the defeatist is shy and have not really adjusted to the group yet.
When working in a group, we complement one another. Our strengths may be other group members' weaknesses, and vice versa. That is what makes us unique. Thus, we must learn to accept each others' differences and establish effective group communication with the combination of behaviours in our group.
Do you guys fall into any of the categories listed above? ;)
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I believe that a group that is too serious will be dull yet a group with too much humour will be too distracting that work do not get done.
ReplyDeleteHaving a dominating figure is good at times. This is because they are those who leads.However, if they dominate the group too much to the extent they controls, this is unacceptable as other members point of view will not be taken into consideration.
I agree that our strengths may be other group members' weaknesses, and vice versa. Thus, we should always tap on each individual's strengths and weaknesses so as to bring the group and the individuals to greater heights.