Interpersonal Communication: groups

Group dynamics

The term 'group dynamics' refers to the types of interaction which take place within groups.

Sociograms

Typically, in the observation of such interactions, a sociogram will be used, something like that shown in the window The sociogram will be filled in by one or more observers during the group interaction. It can take quite a lot of practice to get it right and it's generally a good idea to have more than one observer.

Sociograms are used as a way of recording the interactions between members of a group. Typically, circles will be drawn to represent the group members and a tally of their inputs will be kept in the circles. Arrows represent the direction of communication flow in the group, with thicker arrows being used to represent heavier communication flow. Where a member addresses the group in general, rather than a particular member, arrows are shown pointing outwards to reflect that.

Bales' interaction process analysis

The sociogram reveals the direction and intensity of communication, but doesn't tell us anything about what has been communicated. This is where Bales' Interaction Process Analysis can be helpful (click here to reveal the graphic).

It's worth taking some time to study Bales' categories:

Task and emotional responses

As you can see, there are twelve categories, which fall into two principal groups:

• 4 to 9 being concerned with the task itself; these are further subdivided into two categories:
  • 4 to 6 are concerned with giving information
  • 7 to 9 are concerned with asking for information
• 1, 2, 3 and 10 ,11, 12 being concerned with emotional responses; these are also subdivided into two categories:
  • 1 to 3 are positive emotional responses
  • 10 to 12 are negative emotional responses

Paired categories

All of the categories can also be grouped in pairs:

• a) 6 & 7: orientation - setting out the problem and giving factual information
• b) 5 & 8: opinion - evaluation: 'Have we done that?' We ought to make sure that we do this.' etc., generally any comment that involves summarizing the issues that have to be faced, taking stock of the situation
• c) 4 & 9 control - 'I think we ought to do this', 'How do you think we ought to tackle this?' etc. In fact, asking for suggestions, so 'control' seems an odd word to use. Actually, though, making suggestions in this way is tantamount to getting the other group members to commit themselves. Since that would limit their future choices, it may be felt as a method of bringing them under control and may therefore be resented.
• d) 3 & 10 acceptance or rejection
• e) 2 & 11 emotional responses only - Bales gives the example here of a member sighing heavily and examining his fingernails
• f) 1 & 12 integration - how well do the group members cohere? Here Bales gives (as 12) the example of a man who makes an offensive remark directed at another member; however the laughter which follows is classified under 2

(cited in Sprott (1958))

Observation chart

The observer is provided with an observation chart on which all the participants' contributions are recorded (if you haven't already seen such a chart based on Bales' IPA, it's worth taking a quick look: ). This will be supplemented by some method of recording the direction of the communications, such as a sociogram.

General findings

It emerges from such observation that a group has two tasks:

•  reaching agreement on a solution
•  maintaining the group cohesion

A discussion is thus seen as a field of tension, with two forces at work, namely the solution of a task and the maintenance of satisfactory relations amongst group members. Thus, you will find reference to task-oriented behaviours and maintenance-oriented behaviours; in the section on leadership, you will find the same terms used to refer to different kinds of leader.

For an exploration of the relationship between inidividual and group, click here.

Related articles:

What is a group?

Group goals

Group cohesion

Group leadership

Group norms and social influence

Management theory