GROUP AND TEAM COMMUNICATION

Group and Team Communication

Group and Team Communication

Discuss the three interpersonal needs noted by Schutz

Other personal qualities may also push an individual towards or away from joining groups. Individual holding high levels of social anxiety and shyness qualities are going to be inclined towards avoiding joining groups, feeling uncomfortable and awkward when interacting with people they are not well acquainted with. It is suggested that when people with social anxiety and shyness do join group, they are well recognisable due to their lack of participation, silence, downcast eyes and low speaking voice.

Another factor that may contribute to why an individual would join a group may be due to interpersonal needs. In contrast to personality theorists, motivational theorists argue that individuals have social needs such as the need for affiliation, intimacy and power that needs to be satisfied. Thus motivating individuals to seek out certain groups to fulfil those particular desires. Schutz (1958, 1992) integrates the basic need for affiliation, intimacy, and power in his Fundamental Interpersonal Orientation theory (FIRO) corresponding them with inclusion, affection and control. Each of the dimensions is evident in two ways in the way group interacts as Schutz argues- 'the way we treat other people and how we want others to treat us' (Forsyth, 1999, p.92). In summary, Schutz believed that individuals joining groups offered a way to satisfy the basic needs of inclusion, affection and control. 'In general, then, the greater the intensity of these needs in any given individual, the more likely that person is to take steps to create, or seek out membership in a group' (Schutz, 1958, 1992, as cited in Forsyth, 1999, p. 93)

Explain four factors in interpersonal attraction

Researchers have identified four factors that are important in determining whether we are likely to find another person attractive. These factors are physical attractiveness, proximity, competence, mutual attraction or liking, similarity or complementarity of interest and beliefs. Physical attractiveness is the most important factor in the early stages of relationships. In general, people are more likely to interact with people who they find physically attractive. As Krebs and Adinolfi once stated “there is a growing body of evidence which shows that the average person drastically underestimates the influence of physical attractiveness…”. Although this factor is highly important in affecting the initial attraction, it tends to diminish over time. Physical closeness or proximity is another important factor in interpersonal attraction. Obviously, in order to meet, two people must share close proximity. The sharing of this space will help you to get to know a person better. In some cases becoming more familiar with an individual can lead to a dislike of that individual. More often, though, getting to know someone leads to a deeper relationship with that individual. . The third factor of interpersonal attraction is competence. People tend to be attracted to individuals with the same qualities that they possess, such as intelligence, strength, social skill, education, and athleticism. People who appear too competent may suffer a loss of attractiveness, because the ...