Group Communication Video Cases

Group Communication Video Cases

Dan Starr

PSY/430

October 14, 2013

Debra Goodwing

Group Communication Video Cases

The focus of this essay is on three group communication video cases. It will include diversity, communication styles, interactions, helping or hindering group processes, and listening techniques. Group communication is crucial for the success in reaching goals. Trust, honesty, sharing, and emotions are factors that produce trust among group members. Research has shown that positive communication allows team members to become more efficient and complete goals faster (Engleberg, & Wynn, 2010). It helps members to understand his or her roles and allows the team to comprehend what needs to be accomplished.

Helping Annie

The group discussion was about a student (Annie) and the best method to treat her possible problems (eating disorder and depression). The group consisted of the school nurse, a social worker, and a psychiatrist. The meeting produced many suggestions but was very much disorganized.

Diversity

The diversity appears to originate from the different titles that each member holds (e.g., psychiatrist), however, it also seems to come from that the psychiatrist believes Annie should be on medication before anything else. He acknowledges what the others suggest but emphasizes the medication numerous times. This may also be because the homogeneous-heterogeneous dialect, prejudice (psychiatrist versus social worker and school nurse), and possible discrimination because two of the group members are women (Engleberg, & Wynn, 2010).

Communication Conflict

The conflict in communication styles had an adverse effect because of not letting others finish a statement, and the constant interruptions when an individual was trying to talk. The nonverbal signs were very obvious, and it was easy to see that the women were getting frustrated. The three members of this group are all professionals but there needs to be a leader to take control of the discussion. It seems that there is little or no organization to this meeting.

Communication Problems

Diversity was a large factor in disrupting the proper communication methods. The psychiatrist was pushing the issue of medications as the main priority without even talking to Annie first. He acknowledged what the women suggested but did not appear to take the suggestions seriously, or that it was not as important as getting Annie on medication. When there are competing and contradictory factors in a group discussion, the best method for a properly functioning group is to have a balance (Engleberg, & Wynn, 2010). However, this was not the case in this situation.

Better Communication Methods

Listening and speaking methods could have changed dramatically the path that this meeting followed. When a member is speaking, the others should show that he or she understands the words. This is not just about hearing and understanding, but showing positive body language, such as eye contact, nodding and not interrupting. These help to let the speaker know that the other members are listening.

Politics of Sociology

The second video shows a group representing the sociology department. These individuals are discussing the upcoming semester, what courses should stay, which courses to eliminate, and those that can be altered. The verbal and nonverbal communication is obvious from the speaking to the body language (Engleberg, & Wynn, 2010). The leader repeatedly attempts to keep the members focused, but it does not seem to be working well.

Interactions

The discussion appeared to include both helping and hindering dialect. For example, one individual was trying to explain how change could be beneficial, but another person was claiming how the course was outdated and needed to be eliminated. This discussion was a little out of control also because of the numerous interruptions. It was obvious that none of the members were completely focused on what the others were saying.

Helping or Hindering

The verbal and nonverbal communication methods appear to be the best approach in this type of group discussion. However, the leader needs to take more control of the situation. There seems to be a defensive climate within this group because there were some members under attack from others and needed to defend his or her opinions (Engleberg,