Issues in Communication

This case study examines a small group tasked with creating a presentation for their senior manager. [1] The group exhibits characteristics of a secondary small group formed to complete an interdependent task. [2] Each member plays distinct roles in completing the task, though the designated leader, Samir, is uninvolved and disengaged. [3] Despite Samir's lack of participation, he helps the group succeed by delivering the polished presentation and impressing the client with his professionalism and status in the company.

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Issues in Communication

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Ramel Polius

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Ramel Polius Advanced Speech Writing Monroe College

Issues in communication

Case Study #3 Small group communication is the interaction of a small group of people to achieve an interdependent goal (Brilhart & Galances, 1998). 1(a) what type of group is this? This is a secondary small group; a committee which was given a mandate by the senior manager for the completion of a particular task. It meets the needs of power, control and achievement. In this group members are working to achieve an interdependent goal and as such this means that everyone has a part to play, as the groups success depends on each one performing his or her role effectively. (b) What functions can be attributed to each of the group members? Samir: Formal role/positional role He was given an assigned role to lead the group because of his position as the assistant to the senior manager. As a leader, he was expected to communicate the expectations of each member and have open discussions with members to ascertain their role in the group. Samir however, did not meet these behavioural expectations. Samir can also be given a selfcentered function. His actions or lack thereof within the group was selfish and served only his purpose. He did very little to ensure that the group achieved its mandate, leaving the burden of the workload on his other colleagues. In the end, he was the sole recipient of a bonus, which he did not share with the other. Apparently he took all the praise for himself.

Ramel Polius Advanced Speech Writing Monroe College

Jayasunkar and Sally: task functions- Their work directly relates to the output of the group. They prepared financial estimates and arranging the audio which key components of the presentation. In addition, a positional function can be attributed to them as they assigned tasks to the group members, monitored and ensured that the group was on schedule for the presentation. Although this role was not directly assigned to them from the manager, it appears that the group gave its nonverbal consent for their leadership since no one objected. Everyone accepted the tasks given to them and followed through. This shows that the two also performed the maintenance function. The teams ultimate success depended on Jayasunkas and Sallys interpersonal skills and their ability to have others work cooperatively. Jason and Julie can be attributed the task function and maintenance functions. Without their support the groups work would not be complete. The video helped enhance the presentation. Jason and Julie recognised that they needed to work together to accomplish the task. The video presentation added an interactive and persuasive aspect to their presentation. They accomplished great results while working as a team. In all, they supported the efforts of Jayasunkar and Sally in trying to ensure that the presentation was ready. Julies support in writing the script for Samir, speaks to the maintenance function that she assumed. Without the script there would be no presentation. Samir would have made a complete fool of himself and damaged the companys reputation. (c) Although he seemed uninvolved in the process, did Samir help the group? Give two reasons for your answer. Despite Samirs perceived non involvement in the group he was essential to their success. Firstly, the group expressed trust in him by allowing him to deliver the presentation especially given his status in the company. The group may have recognised that since he was designated by the Senior

Ramel Polius Advanced Speech Writing Monroe College

Manager he was best person to present. Had someone in a lesser position presented they may not have been taken seriously by the client and the ultimate goals not be met. Secondly, his ability to present with such eloquence and professionalism sealed the deal. In delivering a presentation, a certain level of professionalism must be exhibited. His ability to command the attention and impress the client certainly positively affected the final outcome.

(d) Describe the group climate Climate is the emotional tone or atmosphere members create within the group. Although there was some degree of trust among certain members and the assigned leader trusted his team to get the work done, the climate can be generally described as tense. This is so as the designated leader did not carry out his duties to the expectation of the rest of the group members. To ascertain full trust everyone has to play his/her part. Additionally, Samirs laissez faire attitude further compounded the situation. He rarely attended meetings and was uncooperative and disengaged when he did. This attitude signalled non-committal to the task and the group, and disrespect towards his fellow colleagues. This resulted in a lack of cohesiveness within the group to the point where other persons had to assume the responsibilities of leader, without the status and recognition that comes with it. There was clearly a lack of proper structure from the onset. Samir felt little attachment towards the group. It appeared that the other members were carrying the brunt of the weight on their shoulders having to allocate and perform duties that they may not have to do, had Samir performed his role as leader and

Ramel Polius Advanced Speech Writing Monroe College

communicated effectively within the group. This created a pressurized environment for the other group members. It is understandable therefore, that though they may have supported each other by working in pairs. Comfort and symmetry were not the order of the day in this group. Ultimately, there was a slight sense of interdependence, as without everyones input in the end they could not have realised success in the end.