Principles of organizational communication- Personal Work Group Evaluation

The Brainy Student’s Business Association is a small group of students seeking to encourage members engage themselves in small business during and after leaving the college. I am involved in this group as assistant secretary. The group has nine members including its management made of a president, secretary general, assistant secretary general, treasurer and group organising secretary. All members have equal role and obligations in decision-making. The group is planning to start is first real business initiative by starting an online business that will allow members to develop teaching for foreign and local schools, write business plans for other parties and other online activities. Currently, the small group is undergoing some communication problems because the members are drawn from various colleges and departments within the university. As such, this evaluation provides an in-depth analysis of the current situation in relation to functional theory of small group communication.

First, the group has well accepted and engaged diversity because members are drawn from various courses- business, science, education and health. In addition, creating the groups website as the platform for e-commerce is an important form of creativity that has been stimulated in the group. In addition, by going e-commerce as opposed to conventional business models, the group has effectively responded to the virtual environment.

In relation to Functional theory, it is crucial to note the problems in participation behaviours affecting the group. First, Functional theory requires members to commit themselves in making the best decision (Dainton & Zelley, 2010). This is one area that has produced positive outcomes because the group is made up of a small number of members, all of whom are committed to come up with the best business enterprise. However, there are communication problems facing the group- the participation behaviour is not the best we ought to have. For instance, functional theory requires members of a small group to identify the resources needed to carry out the charges of the group. In my group, it has become difficult for the members to come up with such a list of resources because some members have not participated in brainstorming effectively.

There is need for the members to apply convergence group communication theory that will allow members to present themselves physically to a strategic location, where they will ensure every member is involved in comprehensive discussion and presentation of ideas for effective decision-making.

Reference

Dainton, M., & Zelley, E. D. (2010). Applying Communication Theory for Professional Life: A Practical Introduction. New York: SAGE Publications