Question

Explain group properties (roles, norms, status, size, cohesiveness, and diversity) and their impact on group members' behavior and performance, and describe how channel richness affects the choice of a communication channel.

Answer 1

In simple terms a group is a gathering of two or more people for a common purpose. A group can be Formal and Informal.

Role of groups are-

• Discussion of a common purpose
• Encouraging equal participation of group members
• Encouraging creative ideas of group members
• Finding a solution to a problem
• Improving work relation and increasing harmony
• Resolving conflicts

Norms of Group-

1. Behavior Norms

• Greetings to the group members
• Respecting the ideas given by group members
• Avoiding interruptions
• Not losing temper while in conflicts
• Good and calm listener

1. Work Norms

• Assuring punctuality
• Keeping the time framework in mind while completing assignments
• Proper dressing
• Equal participation

A status gives power and recognition to a group. For example- The National Organization for Women , Labour Unions etc.

Cohesiveness is a property of sticking together in the group. It can be increased by maintaining certain level of dignity and pride of the group and its members, commitment towards the common purpose, honesty and loyalty of the group members etc.

Diversity in group means that any one can be a part of the group irrespective of religion, caste, sex, race etc. The only common attribute is that the members should have a common interest and purpose for the formation of a group.

The above mentioned properties of a group impacts the behaviour and performance of group members in the following way-

• A participative group will ensure more ideas and creativity
• It increases productivity
• Quick solution to the problems
• Increases harmony in the group
• Avoids chaos
• Reduces ambiguity
• Reduces conflicts

Channel richness refers to the quality of transmitting maximum amount of information without any hurdles. If proper and correct information is transmitted to different levels of the the Organization the communication channel is considered to be rich. There are some factors which affects the richness of the channel and those are-

• Language barriers
• Physical barriers
• Organizational barriers

Depending on the requirement a communication channel has to be selected. In case of firing an employee a face to face communication will be best. In case of promotion of products an indirect channel can be selected.