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1. Communication in group work
• Communication is the act of sending and receiving messages. In an
individual setting, there is one sender of the message and one receiver of
the message. In a group dynamic, however, this changes – which can lead to
complications and misunderstandings. There can be several senders of the
message and several receivers of the message, and this can all happen
simultaneously. If all individuals in the group do not understand the
message as intended, it can lead to conflict and misunderstanding issues in
the group.

2. • The purpose of group communication is to exchange information in order
to make decisions, resolve confusion, build rapport and get closer to
attaining the business goal. However, group communication also has an
effect on how the individuals in the group treat each other and feel about
each other. This informs whether they are motivated to meet the goals of
their group.

3. • The physical arrangement of group members also influences interaction
and communication patterns. For example, members who sit in circles have
an easier time communicating with each other than do members who sit in
rows. Even members’ positions within a circular pattern influence
communication and interaction patterns. Members who sit across from
each other, for example, have an easier time communicating than do
members on the same side of a circle who are separated by one or two
members.

4. • Physical barriers: Physical distance between team members can make it difficult to
communicate. If group members work on different floors of the business, they may
not be able to speak with each other in person often. Closed office doors, high
cubicle walls and poor phone connections can also cause issues.
• Perceptual barriers: The way each group member views the world affects the way
they understand messages. An overly pessimistic person will understand the message
of a looming deadline differently than an overly optimistic person.
• Emotional barriers: The emotional state of an individual group member affects the
way she sends and receives messages. Feelings of fear, vulnerability, distrust,
happiness, anger and excitement, for example, can change communication.

5. • Interpersonal barriers: People’s personal perceptions of themselves can affect the way
they interact with their group. Consider how someone who is overly confident speaks as
compared to someone who lacks self-esteem.
• Cultural barriers: Culture affects behavior and communication. For example, in some
cultures, it’s considered improper to make eye contact with a person of the opposite sex,
while it’s normal in other cultures.
• Language barriers: If group members don’t all speak the same language, it can cause
translation issues. Language can also refer to industry-specific terminology, which can
cause confusion

6. Create a Culture of Open Communication
• Although it has often been overlooked in discussions of group dynamics, group culture
is an important force in the group as a whole. Group culture refers to values, beliefs,
customs, and traditions held in common by group members.
• When the membership of a group is diverse, group culture emerges slowly. Members
contribute unique sets of values that originate from their past experiences as well as
from their ethnic, cultural, and racial heritages. These values are blended through group
communications and interactions.

7. • The culture of the group has a great impact on the way group members
communicate. If the organization’s culture does not encourage sharing
information openly, members may be inclined to not communicate well
with their group. On the other hand, if the group worker promotes clear
and honest communication, the members may feel empowered to share
ideas and be open with their group.