Fundamentals of Organizational Communications

Communication is the process through which people share opinions and views. Communication therefore, is critical in-group discussion to ensure that the group works and functions at the same level. It creates unity and harmony in a group. However, in groups, conflict happens and therefore requires clear understanding of the dynamics in the groups to find amicable solutions.

A group with people with different cognitive ability is prone to experience communication difficulties. Such a group may involve professionals, semi literate and illiterate people. Therefore, agreeing on an issue may be a problem since the scope of knowledge and understanding of such group members differs. Contingency theory, one of structural theory of group decision-making theory fits in this situation. In-group decision making and on communication, people endeavor to seek agreement on the way forward. For this to be achieved, they require to use language that is understandable, agree to moral obligation by establishing group norms and discretional exercise of power that is achieved through interpersonal power structures which emerges in a group.

Therefore, to ensure effective communication, group members will have to adapt to communication roles. They must speak a dialect that is understandable by all members. The professors should not use complex language to ensure that all members understand. In the group, the four stages were applied; the first one was forming, storming, norming and performing (Keyton et al 2013, p. 152). In forming, members embraced each other and saw the need of working as a group. As interactions went on, they found themselves in conflict but because of the rules they had established, each member understood his/her responsibilities and appreciated each other. They then buried their differences and worked together with independence and flexibility. As they discussed, there were some positive as well as negative behaviors exhibited. Negative behaviors included, members despising others regardless of having established positive cordial relationship at the beginning of the discussion. Positive behaviors included members encouraging others and allowing them time to contribute their opinions regardless of their level of education.

Therefore, on competencies scale, I can rate the group as follows; collaboration, the group scored 5, on responding to the virtual environment 4, engaging diversity 3 and stimulating creativity 2.

Reference

Keyton, J et al (2013). Investigating Verbal Workplace Communication Behaviors, Journal of Business Communication, 50.2: 152-169.