What is the difference between a group of people and small group communication? Be sure to discuss each of the elements of small group communication and how the elements are similar or different to a group of people

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Small group communication involves more than a collection of individuals. Specifically, small group communication involves communication among a number of people who share a common purpose or goal, feel connected to each other, and coordinate their behaviors. An ideal small group is between five and seven people; although there is some debate on how many people can constitute a small group, the fewest number is three. Although a group of people might have similar numbers of people, they are different from a small group for several other reasons.

First, a difference between a group of people and a small group is that the group of people might be gathered for any reason (e.g., standing in line at a movie theater), but they do not generally work together for a common purpose or goal. Using small group communication, members work together to define and accomplish goals, so the members are associated with a common task.

Second, in small groups the members feel connected to each other in some way. Perhaps they feel responsible for completing group tasks or for supporting other group members. However, in a random group of people, there is likely no sense of connection or support.

Finally, a group of people will act as individuals and do what they want when they want. However, small group communication involves coordination of action to accomplish specific tasks or goals, so members rely on teamwork.