CommTank

Chapter 3 Outline

Communication Principles for Group Members (pg 50)

When people in small groups don't communicate well and make their objectives clear,
miscommunications frequently occur. These misconceptions underscore the significance of
active interaction and mutual understanding among team members as they can result in lost time,
financial consequences, and energy loss.

A. Communication: What’s That? (pg 52)

- Communication is a dynamic process where people together create, interpret, and
negotiate shared meaning through their interactions.
i. Communication Is Symbolic (pg 52)
a) Communication involves both verbal and nonverbal symbolic messages.
b) Symbols are arbitrary representations used to denote things, ideas, people, and
experiences

ii. Communication Is Personal (pg 53)

a) Human communication is highly personal and subjective
● The subjective character of communication is highlighted by the fact that various
people will interpret the sentence "I love you" differently.
b) Variability in Meaning: Even with agreement on dictionary definitions, individuals may
interpret words differently based on personal experiences and perspectives.
Example: Perception of an "excellent group report" varies between a student group (focused on
correctness and timeliness) and a teacher (emphasizing insight and creativity).
c) Subjectivity of Interpretation
● People may interpret words differently even when they speak the same language,
which could result in miscommunications.

iii. Communication Is a Transactional Process (pg 53)

Simultaneous, Multidirectional Process: Each member is simultaneously conveying verbal and
nonverbal cues that any other member, including the speaker, may hear and interpret, regardless
of who is speaking at any particular time.
a. Communication in small groups is transactional, with all members exchanging verbal and
nonverbal cues simultaneously.
● Interactions become more complex with more participants, requiring awareness
and adaptation to maintain mutual understanding.
● Shared meaning is the responsibility of all members, with an emphasis on ethical
communication and realistic expectations.

iv. Shared Meaning Is the Responsibility of All Members (pg 55)

a. It is the collective obligation of all members to communicate with shared meaning in
groups.
b. For all members of the group, it is imperative that communication be clear and that
comprehension be confirmed.

v. Communication Involves Content and Relational Dimensions (pg 55)

1. Content Dimension
● Involves the ideas or "what" of the message, such as the information conveyed in
a lecture or research report.
- Relates to recording information in notes or attending to summarized ideas
in a group setting.
2. Relational Dimension
● Concerns how the message is expressed and what it implies about the relationship
between the speaker and listener.
3. Importance of Relational Elements:
a) Both dimensions contribute to the overall meaning of the communication.
b) Relational aspects of messages are crucial in group dynamics, as they influence how
members perceive themselves in relation to each other.
B. Listening: Receiving, Interpreting, and Responding to Messages from Other Group
Members (pg 57)
i. Listening Defined (pg 57)
a. Listening is a four-step process:
1. Perceiving
2. Interpreting
3. Deciding
4. Responding to a message.
● It goes beyond hearing, involving active attention and interpretation of
what is heard.

ii. Listening Preferences (pg 58)

a. Listening preferences develop over time and impact how individuals engage in
conversations
b. Four general listening preferences are identified:
1. People-oriented - Focuses on relationships and emotional connections in conversations
2. Action-oriented - Concentrates on tasks and objectives, ensuring the group stays on track
3. Content-oriented - Values credibility and enjoys analyzing information deeply
4. Time-oriented - Values efficiency and manages meeting time effectively.
● Being an effective group member involves identifying one's own preference and
adapting to meet the needs of the group.
iii. Listening Actively (pg 59)
a. Active listening is an engaged, not passive, behavior where the listener pays close
attention to understand the speaker's message.
Active Listening Process:
a. Active listeners confirm their understanding before expressing evaluations or
opinions.
b. They evaluate the message confidently after ensuring understanding, contributing
to effective communication.

C. Communication Principles and Technology (pg 63)

1. Computer-mediated communication (CMC) facilitates real-time or asynchronous
exchange of messages through various digital platforms.
 2. Forms of CMC include email, online discussion boards, texting, and social media,
enhancing group productivity and collaboration.
Benefits of CMC:
● Appropriately used, CMC enhances group productivity, saving time and resources by
replacing some face-to-face meetings.
● It fosters efficient collaboration and decision-making, enabling groups to achieve their
goals effectively.
Effectiveness of CMC Groups:
● Groups utilizing technology for communication can be as effective as face-to-face
groups, especially once members become accustomed to the technology.
● Despite physical separation, virtual groups can maintain strong belief in their ability to
succeed and effectively collaborate towards common objectives.

i. How Groups Use Technology (pg 63)

a. Utilizing smartphones and tablets allows quick access to information during meetings,
while video- and audio conferencing technology enables remote communication.
● Many students and professionals bring smartphones or tablets to meetings for
quick access to information or references

Challenges in Virtual Groups:

b. Despite physical separation, virtual groups can achieve effectiveness comparable to
face-to-face groups, with awareness of unique challenges like language barriers.