Term | Definition |
grouphate | the distaste and aversion that people feel toward working in groups |
primary groups | groups that provide members with a sense of belonging and affection |
secondary groups | groups that meet principally to solve problems |
social facilitation | the tendency for people to work harder and do better when other are around |
small group communication | communication among a small number of people who share a common purpose or goal, who feel connected to each other, and who coordinate their behavior |
group roles | the shared expectations group members have regarding each individual's communication behavior in the group |
task roles | roles that are directly related to the accomplishment of group goals |
relational roles | roles that help establish a group's social atmosphere |
individual roles | roles that focus more on individuals' own interests and needs than on those in the group |
strategic communication | communication that is purpose directed |
trait theory | leadership theory that suggests that leaders are born |
functional (situational) theory | a theory that assumes leadership behaviors can be learned |
shared (collaborative or distributed) leadership | a type of leadership style where functional leadership is extended to an organizational level; all members are equal partners and share responsibility for the work of the group |
style theory | theory that asserts that a leader's manner or style determines his or her success |
authorization leader | leader who takes charge, makes all the decisions, and dictates strategies and work tasks |
democratic leader | leader whose style is characterized by considerable input from group members |
laissez-faire | a leadership style characterized by complete freedom for the group in making decisions |
transformational leadership | a leadership style that empowers group members to work independently from the leader by encouraging group cohesion |
charismatic leadership | a leadership style in which extremely self-confident leaders inspire unusual dedication to themselves by relying upon their strong personalities and charm |
servent leadership | a leadership style that seeks to ensure that other people's highest priority needs are being served in order to increase teamwork and personal involvement |
analysis paralysis | potential pitfall in small group interaction; occurs when excessive analysis prevents a group from moving toward a solution |
brainstorm | to generate as many ideas as possible without critiquing them |
primary tension | the uncertainty commonly felt in the beginning phase of decision making |
secondary (recurring) tension | conflict or tension found in the second or conflict phase of the decision-making process |
emergence phase | the third phase of the decision-making process; occurs when group members express a cooperative attitude |
reinforcement phase | the final phase of the decision-making process when group member reach consensus, and members feel a sense of accomplishment |
groupthink | a negative, and potentially disastrous group process characterized by "excessive concurrence thinking" |
group processes | the methods, including communication, by which a group accomplishes a task |