- The document discusses various topics related to small groups, including ideal group size, decision making methods, brainstorming rules, problem solving approaches, leadership styles, and cultural influences. - It provides definitions and descriptions of concepts like consensus decision making, nominal group technique, situational leadership, and individualistic versus collective cultures. - Examples are given to illustrate concepts like democratic leadership, empowering group members to distribute power, and recognizing individual contributions to foster relationships within a group.

1. Small group
5-12 members Research has shown that there might be an ideal size for a small group.
A good solution is risky In which of the following cases will a decision be best done by a group
rather than an individual
Apprehension Small group apprehension varies depending on the nature of the group.
Asking questions of others Any group member can improve the quality of group interaction by
Brainstorming groups Brainstorming activity and evaluation
Brainstorming rules No evaluations in early stages
Quantity not quality is goal
Combinations and extensions of ideas are encouraged
Freewheeling thought is desired
After a set period of brainstorming time, ideas are then evaluated
according to relevance, workability.
Brainstroming Method of discussion involves a process for generating many ideas in a
short time and allows members to say what pops into their minds without
fear of evaluation?
Consensus The decision-making process that leads to highest member satisfaction but
that takes longer than other methods and can waste time.
Control need Need to improve one’s worth and competence by making effective
decisions
Decision by authority Using this decision making method group members voice their feelings and
opinions but he leader makes the final decision
Define and analyze Problem solving sequence is described as a step-by-step form of
information processing that allows groups to develop the best decsion
Define and analyze the problem AS they began to assess their groups problem, Jose noted they should first
ensure that any solution they selected should not result in an increase in
student tuition
Describe and analyze problem First step for effective problem solving and decision making
Dewey’s Problem Solving Define and analyze problem
Establish criteria for evaluating solutions
Identify solutions
Evaluate solutions
Select best solution; Authority – majority-consensus
Education/Learning groups Acquire new skills and knowledge
Focus group The roal of the facilitator
Focus group An in-depth interview of a small group whose aim is to discover what
people think about an issue
Focus Groups In-depth interviewing with a small population of people
Group Culture Group Norms; High and Low context cultures
Group Norms Rules or standards identifying which behaviors are considered appropriate.
Sometimes explicitly stated and sometimes unwritten
Individuals work independently At time it may difficult for you to assess whether you are involved in small
group interaction. Charactristics that help with such an assessment include

2. all but:
Information Sharing Groups Educational/Learning groups; Focus groups
Members are extremely Group beset by groupthink
cohesive
Nominal group technique Limited discussion, secret ballot
Norms Rules or standards identifying which group behaviors are appropriate and
Opening Stage in a small group interaction in which someone might say, Does
anyone want coffee
Power Ability to influence others behavior
Primary A ___ group exists to associate with others
Problem solving at work Nominal Group Technique
Quality circles
Problem-solving group The goals of Shelly’s group was to reach a decision on how to
accommodate students with disabilities in the university setting.
Problem-Solving groups Meet to solve particular problems or make decision about issue; members
must possess knowledge about the problem; members must adhere to a
set of norms; expectations
Project team A school district forms a group including a teacher, student, principal and a
parent to view the high school English curriculum
Quality circles Utilizing workers to investigate and improve organizational functions of
environment, procedures
Referent Power that comes from the fact that people like you.
Relationship groups Groups that work to fulfill your individual needs for affection, inclusion and
affirmation
Small Group Collection of individuals
Are connected to one another by some common purpose
Are interdependent
Have some degree of organization among them
See themselves as agroup
Small group communication Face to face communication among a small number of people who share a
common goal and objective
Small Group formats Round table; panel; symposium; symposium forum
Small Group Stages Opening – Feedforward – Business – feed back – closing. Emphasis shifts
from people to task to people
Small Groups characteristic Usually 5 – 12 related individuals
Share a common purpose
Connected by organizing rules
Social loafing
Solutions to the test Poll affected persons; analyze early results; if effective, maintain the
course; if ineffective, return to problem solving process
Special interest pleader Person who manipulates a group in the interests of some other group
Sumposium Small group format consists of a series of prepared presentations like
public speeches

3. Teams Constructed for a specific task
Members have clearly defined roles
Committed to the same goal
Content focused
The more responses the better Which of the following is a guideline for brainstorming
Topical pattern Learning group that organized its discussion around major functions or
divisions
Virtual groups and teams Helps geographically separated group members communicate via
computer or phone connections
Social networking sites; connecting with friends socially; business uses,
finding jobs, conducting business, solving organizational problems
Task Which of the following categories of group roles would you be serving if
you were helping the group reach its objective and goal
Individual Carson’s group was experiencing a lot of conflict as they quickly approach
their deadline. To ease the tension Carson tried to foster relationships
between members by recognizing congributions and mediating any
disagreements
Be individuallyand self minded Carter was asked to help solve his groups participation problem. According
to the text, which of the following is NOT a suggestion Carter should
provide to help address the issue.
Trait approach is context and Which of the following would best represent the trait approach to
situation specific leadership.
Situational approach After a new member had become socialized into the organization and
began performing his assigned task effectively, his supervisor Robin
decided thqt she no longer needed to nicromanage the things the
employee. Which leadership approach is being used
Participating If a leader were to spend most of the time asking followers for their input
on decisions facing the group, which of the following types would he/she
be
Democratic leader The most innovative, committed and satisfied group member
Tendencies for individual and Jayden approached his group members understanding that each had a
collective orientation work different orientation toward group work.
simultaneously during groujp
interaction
Individualistic culture At he end of the game Natalie looked back at her performance and felt she
was primarily responsible for the team’s ability to win.
Moderate power distance If you are perceived a large difference between the qualities of those in
culture power when compared to the average group member,
High power distance culture As the former leader of the group, Zachary worked hard to distribute
power across all group members. By empowering his members he felt
they would be motivated towork harder toward accomplishing the groups
task. Which culture is he following?