What are some ways teams can benefit from diversity while working to.docx

What are some ways teams can benefit from diversity while
working together as a unit? This needs to be atleast 300 words
and Please use the Reading Material Below!!!!
Do you tend to be a leader or a follower in a small group? Do
you talk a lot or little? Perhaps your answers would depend on
the quality of your relationships with other group members.
Communication scholar Joann Keyton notes that relational
communication in groups refers to the verbal and nonverbal
messages that create the social fabric of a group by promoting
relationships between and among group members. It is the
affective or expressive dimension of group communication as
opposed to the instrumental, or task-oriented, dimension.1
Relational communication theorists assert that every message
people communicate to one another has both a content
dimension and a relationship dimension. The content dimension
of a message includes the specific information conveyed to
someone. The relationship dimension involves message cues
that provide hints about whether you like or dislike the person
with whom you are communicating. Whether you give a public
speech, talk with your spouse, or communicate with another
member of a small group, you provide information about the
feelings you have toward your listener in addition to the ideas
you’re conveying. This chapter emphasizes the relational
elements that affect the quality of the relationships you
establish with other group members. Specifically, it
concentrates on variables that have an important effect on the
relationships you establish with others in small groups: (1) the
roles you assume, (2) the norms or standards the group
develops, (3) the status differences that affect the group’s
productivity, (4) the power some members wield, (5) the trust
that improves group performance, and (6) some additional
effects of cultural differences. Roles Stop reading this chapter

for just a moment, and reflect on the question “Who are you?”
Now, write down ten different responses. Who Are You? 1. I am
______________________________________________ 2. I am
______________________________________________ 3. I am
______________________________________________ 4. I am
______________________________________________ 5. I am
______________________________________________ 6. I am
______________________________________________ 7. I am
______________________________________________ 8. I am
______________________________________________ 9. I am
______________________________________________ 10. I
am ______________________________________________ As
we noted in Chapter 2, these responses are part of your theory
of yourself—your self-concept. Your self-concept—who you
think you are—shapes your communication and relationships
with others. Your self-concept also affects how others relate to
you. In trying to reduce the uncertainty that occurs when
communicating in groups, people quickly assess the behaviors
of others. They assign roles—sets of expectations—to others. In
a small group, roles result from (1) people’s expectations about
their own behavior—their self-concepts, (2) the perceptions
others have about individuals’ positions in the group, and (3)
people’s actual behavior as they interact with others. Because
self-concepts largely determine the roles people assume in small
groups, it is important to understand how self-concepts develop.
Self-Concept Development: Gender, Sexual Orientation,
Culture, and Role How do you know who you are? Why did you
respond as you did when you were asked to consider the
question “Who are you?” Many factors influence your self-
concept. First, other people influence who you think you are.
Your parents gave you your name. Perhaps a teacher once told
you that you were good in art, and consequently you think of
yourself as an artistic. Maybe somebody once told you that you
cannot sing very well. Because you believed that person, you
may now view yourself as not being very musical. Thus, you
listen to others, especially those whose opinions you respect, to

help shape your self-concept. One important part of everyone’s
self-concept is gender.2 Whether you experience life as male or
female affects your communication with others. While it is
natural to assume that people’s communication differs
depending on their biological sex, research suggests that the
psychological aspects of gender—how “feminine” or
“masculine” a person is—may be at least as important a
variable.3 Some research supports small differences that
“characterize women as using communication to connect with,
support, and achieve closeness with others, and men as using
communication to accomplish some task and to assert their
individuality.”4 More recent studies reinforce the notion that
gender still makes a difference. Researchers Priya Raghubir and
Ana Valenzuela, for example, showed through a study of the
television show The Weakest Link how men and women both
use sex in a strategic way to achieve a competitive advantage.5
The same researchers also observed that, in this competitive
setting, female players perform better when women constitute a
majority on a team.6 Sexual orientation also affects a person’s
sense of self-concept, as well as how he or she relates to others.
Whether you approve or disapprove of another person’s sexual
orientation should not reduce your effectiveness when
communicating in groups and teams. You already know that it is
inappropriate to use racially charged terms that demean a
person’s race or ethnicity; it is equally important not to use
derogatory terms or make jokes about a person’s sexual
orientation. Being sensitive to attitudes about sexual orientation
is part of the role of an effective group communicator. Another
important component of self-concept is culture of origin.
Different cultures foster different beliefs and attitudes about
communication, status, nonverbal behavior, and all the
interpersonal dynamics discussed throughout this book. The
development of selfhood takes place differently from culture to
culture. Recalling our discussions in Chapters 1 and 3 of
individualistic and collectivist cultures, consider that Japanese
and North American social lives flow from different premises.

Many North Americans prize the image of the rugged
individualist; many Japanese, in contrast, view this image as
suggestive of egotism and insensitivity. For some Japanese, the
line where self ends and others begin is far less clearly defined
than it is for many North Americans. Studies show that in both
types of cultures, strong cooperative relationships within a
group or team enhance constructive conflict (see Chapter 10)
and lead to more innovative team outcomes.7 Culture influences
self-concept and thus behaviors such as the willingness to
communicate in a group.8 There is ample evidence that
individuals from different cultures interpret situations and
concepts very differently.9 Therefore, understanding cultural
differences is essential to understanding behavior in small
groups. The various groups with which one affiliates also help
to define one’s self-concept. If you attend college, you may
describe yourself as a student. If you belong to a fraternity or
sorority, you may think that sets you apart from others. Your
religious affiliation, political party, and membership in civic
and social organizations all contribute to the way you perceive
yourself. You also learn who you are by simply observing and
interpreting your own behavior. Just as before leaving home you
check the mirror to see how you look, so too do you try to see
yourself through others’ behavior toward you? Self-concept
arises, in part, through the reflected appraisals of others.
Diversity of Roles in Small Groups As a member of a small
group, your own perceptions and expectations provide a
foundation for the roles you will assume. Yet your role is also
worked out between you and the other group members.10 As
you interact with others, they form impressions of you and your
abilities. As they react to your actions in the group—reflected
appraisals—you learn what abilities and behaviors they will
reinforce. These abilities and behaviors may, in turn, become
part of your self-concept. People assume roles because of their
interests and abilities and because of the needs and expectations
of the rest of the group. Some roles, especially in teams, are
formally assigned. When police officers arrive on the scene of

an accident, bystanders do not generally question their
assumption of leadership. In a task-oriented small group, a
member may be assigned the role of secretary, which includes
specific duties and responsibilities. A chairperson may be
elected to coordinate the meeting and delegate responsibilities.
Assigning responsibilities and specific roles reduces
uncertainty. A group can sometimes get on with its task more
efficiently if some roles are assigned. Of course, even if a
person has been elected or assigned the role of chairperson, the
group may reject his or her leadership in favor of that of
another member who may better meet the needs of the group. In
other words, roles can be assigned formally or can evolve
informally.11 To be most successful, groups and teams require a
balance of team roles. When a balance of roles exists within a
team, the team will likely be successful.12 The kinds of roles
discussed so far are task roles, which are aimed at
accomplishing a group’s goal. There are also two other role
categories. Maintenance roles define a group’s social
atmosphere. A member who tries to maintain a peaceful,
harmonious group climate by mediating disagreements and
resolving conflicts performs a maintenance function. Individual
roles call attention to individual contributions and tend to be
counterproductive to the overall group effort. Someone who is
more interested in seeking personal recognition than in
promoting the general benefit of the group is adopting an
individual role. Kenneth Benne and Paul Sheats have compiled a
comprehensive list of possible informal roles that individual
group members can assume.13 Perhaps you can identify the
various roles you have assumed while participating in small-
group discussions. Chapter 9 discusses the task/maintenance
roles, highlighted in boldface, as leadership-role functions.
These are some of the most important roles for group
effectiveness. Group Task Roles Initiator-contributor Proposes
new ideas or approaches to group problem solving; may suggest
a different procedure or approach to organizing the problem-
solving task Information seeker Asks for clarification of

suggestions; also asks for facts or other information that may
help the group deal with the issues at hand Opinion seeker Asks
for a clarification of the values and opinions expressed by other
group members Information giver Provides facts, examples,
statistics, and other evidence that pertains to the problem the
group is attempting to solve Opinion giver Offers beliefs or
opinions about the ideas under discussion Elaborator Provides
examples based on his or her experience or the experience of
others that help to show how an idea or suggestion would work
if the group accepted a particular course of action Coordinator
Tries to clarify and note relationships among the ideas and
suggestions that have been provided by others Orienter
(summarizer) Attempts to summarize what has occurred and
tries to keep the group focused on the task at hand Evaluator-
critic Makes an effort to judge the evidence and conclusions
that the group suggests Energizer Tries to spur the group to
action and attempts to motivate and stimulate the group to
greater productivity Procedural technician Helps the group
achieve its goal by performing tasks such as distributing papers,
rearranging the seating, or running errands for the group
Recorder Writes down suggestions and ideas of others; makes a
record of the group’s progress Group-Building and Maintenance
Roles Encourager Offers praise, understanding, and acceptance
of others’ ideas and suggestions Harmonizer Mediates
disagreements among group members Compromiser Attempts to
resolve conflicts by trying to find an acceptable solution to
disagreements among group members Gatekeeper and expediter
Encourages less talkative group members to participate and tries
to limit lengthy contributions of other group members Standard
setter Helps to set standards and goals for the group Group
observer Keeps records of the group’s process and uses the
gathered information gathered to evaluate the group’s
procedures Follower Basically goes along with the suggestions
and ideas of other group members; serves as an audience in
group discussions and decision making Individual Roles
Aggressor Destroys or deflates the status of other group

members; may try to take credit for someone else’s contribution
Blocker Is generally negative, stubborn, and disagreeable
without apparent reason Recognition seeker Seeks the spotlight
by boasting and reporting on his or her personal achievements
Self-confessor Uses the group as an audience to report personal
feelings, insights, and observations Joker Reflects a lack of
involvement in the group’s process by telling stories and jokes
that do not help the group; lack of interest may result in
cynicism, nonchalance, or other behaviors that indicate lack of
enthusiasm for the group and a focus on himself or herself
Dominator Makes an effort to assert authority by manipulating
group members or attempting to take over the entire group; may
use flattery or assertive behavior to dominate the discussion
Help seeker Tries to evoke a sympathetic response from others;
often expresses insecurity or feelings of low self-worth Special-
interest pleader Works to serve an individual need; speaks for a
special group or organization that best fits his or her own biases
In looking at the preceding list of roles, you may have
recognized yourself—for instance, as a harmonizer or a
follower—and said, “Yes, that’s me. That’s the role I usually
take.” You may also have tried to classify other members of
some group into these categories. Although identifying the
characteristics of roles may help you understand their nature
and function in small-group communication, stereotyping
individuals can lock them into roles. Ernest Bormann has
extensively studied role behavior in groups and notes that, when
asked to analyze group roles, group members often categorize
and label other members, based on the roles they are perceived
to fill.14 As you identify the roles adopted by group members,
be flexible in your classifications. Realize that you and other
members can assume several roles during a group discussion. In
fact, a group member rarely serves only as an “encourager,”
“opinion seeker,” or “follower.” Roles are dynamic; they change
with changing perceptions, experiences, and expectations. An
individual can assume leadership responsibilities at one meeting
and play a supporting role at the next. Because a role is worked

out jointly between you and the group, you will no doubt find
yourself assuming different roles in different groups. Perhaps a
committee you belong to needs someone to serve as a
procedural leader to keep the meeting in order. Because you
recognize this need and no one else keeps the group organized,
you may find yourself steering the group back on to the topic,
making sure all members have a chance to participate. In
another committee, where others serve as procedural leaders,
you may be the person who generates new ideas. Whether
consciously or not, you develop a role unique to your talents
and the needs of the group. Your role, then, changes from group
to group. Both group task roles and group-building and
maintenance roles are important to a group’s success. What
roles do you usually take in a group? Roles in groups and teams
can be either informal, as we’ve discussed, or formal. In the
case of teams, roles are likely to be more formally defined. For
example, one team member may have primary responsibility for
communicating with the supervisor or with other teams and
departments. Another may head up project planning. When roles
within a team are formally established, it is important that these
roles be clearly defined and coordinated with one another.15
Lack of clarity can result in role stress and loss of team
productivity.16 If you understand how group roles form and
how various roles function, you will be better able to help a
group achieve its purpose. Studies of asynchronous college
discussion groups have found significant improvement in their
performance when roles such as moderator, starter, and
summarizer are assigned.17 Groups need members to perform
both maintenance and task functions. Task functions help the
group get the job done, and maintenance functions help the
group run smoothly. If no one is performing maintenance
functions, you could point this out to the group, or assume some
responsibility for them. If you notice individuals hindering the
group’s progress because they have adopted individual roles
(blocker, aggressor, recognition seeker, etc.), you could bring
this to the attention of the offending group member. Explain

that individual roles can make the group less efficient and can
lead to conflict among members. Although you cannot assume
complete responsibility for distributing roles within your group,
your insights can help solve some of the group’s potential
problems. Understanding group roles—and when to use them—
is an important part of becoming a competent group
communicator. Norms Have you noticed that in some classes it
is okay to say something without raising your hand, but in
others the instructor must call on you before you speak? Raising
your hand is a norm. Norms are rules or standards that
determine appropriate and inappropriate behavior in a group.
How did different norms develop in two similar situations?
There are at least two key reasons: (1) People develop norms in
new groups based on those of previous groups they have
belonged to, and (2) norms develop based on what happens
early in a group’s existence. How Do Norms Develop? Marshall
Scott Poole suggests that a group organizes itself based, in part,
on norms that members encountered in previous groups.18 As
we noted in Chapter 2, Giddens and Poole call this process
structuration. Groups do things (become structured) based on
the ways those things were done in other groups. If many of
your classmates previously had classes in which they had to
raise their hands before speaking, then they will probably
introduce that behavior into other groups. If enough people
accept it, a norm is born—or, more accurately, a norm is reborn.
In the long run, having a clear mutual understanding of a
group’s norms frees group members to focus their attention on
the actual work of the group. Your own reflections on your
experience with group norms and your leadership in helping the
groups you are part of adopt norms that facilitate their work can
be important resources that you provide your groups. Norms
also develop from the kinds of behavior that occur early in a
group’s development. Because of member uncertainty about
how to behave when a group first meets, members are eager to
learn acceptable behavior. If, for example, on the first day of
class, a student raises his or her hand to respond to the

instructor, and another student does the same, that norm is
likely to stick. However, if several students respond without
raising a hand, chances are that raising hands will not become a
norm in the class. Identifying Group Norms Norms reduce some
of the uncertainty that occurs when people congregate. People’s
speech; the clothes they wear, or do not wear; and how and
where they sit are all influenced group norms. Group norms also
affect relationships among group members and the quality of
group decisions.19 Norms are neither good nor bad. It is even
possible for the same norm to be beneficial to one group but
harmful to another. For example, a norm of permitting side
conversations between two people within a group can be helpful
in problem solving in groups where faction forming and debate
are desirable. But the same behavior can impede a group’s
negotiation tasks where group unity is more desirable.20 If you
have recently joined a group, how do you recognize the group’s
norms? One way to do this is to observe repeated behavior
patterns. Note, for example, any consistencies in the way people
talk or dress. In identifying normative behavior in a group,
consider the following questions: How do group members dress?
What are group members’ attitudes toward time? (Do group
meetings begin and end on time? Are members often late to
meetings?) What type of language is used by most group
members? (Is swearing acceptable? Is the language formal?) Do
group members use humor to relieve tension? Do group
members address the group leader formally? Is it proper to
address group members by their first names? PUTTING
PRINCIPLES INTO PRACTICE: Establishing Group Norms
Norms are the rules or standards that tell us what is acceptable
and unacceptable behavior in a group. Structuration theory tells
us that groups are structured by members’ use of the rules and
resources they bring with them into the group. A group’s norms,
then, are established, in part, by members’ previous
experiences. Group members interact with one another to
establish new group norms. Real-Life Applications You can
leave the development of group norms to chance and relatively

random group interaction, or you can approach the
establishment of group norms intentionally. Often, spending
some time to establish norms when a group is first formed can
save time and conflict later on. Just as establishing mutuality of
concern among group members is important, as we suggested in
Chapter 3, so too is consciously setting some ground rules. You
might suggest discussing the ground rules for the group along
with the usual discussions about how frequently and where
you’ll meet. What is acceptable and unacceptable behavior? Is it
OK to show up late to a meeting or to miss one altogether?
What will happen if you do? If you have to miss a meeting, how
will you let the others know? What provisions will the group
establish for bringing a member who has missed a meeting up to
date? Answering these questions will help you identify a
group’s norms. Some groups even develop norms for developing
norms. For example, members may discuss the type of clothing
that should be worn to meetings or talk about how tardiness or
absenteeism should be handled. Noting when someone breaks a
rule can also reveal group norms. If a member arrives late and
other members scowl at that person, they probably do not
approve of the violation of the norm. If, after a member uses
obscene words, another member says, “I wish you wouldn’t use
words like that,” you can be certain that for at least one person
a norm has been broken. Thus, punishment indicates violated
norms. Often the severity of the punishment corresponds to the
significance of the norm.21 Punishment can range from subtle
nonverbal expressions of disapproval (which may not even be
noticed by the person expressing them) to exclusion from the
group. Conforming to Group Norms What influences how
quickly and rigidly people conform to the rules and standards of
a group? According to Harold Reitan and Marvin Shaw, at least
five factors affect conformity to group norms.22 1. The
individual characteristics of the group members: In
summarizing the research on conformity, Shaw makes the
following observation: More intelligent persons are less likely
to conform than less intelligent persons; women usually

conform more than men, at least on traditional tasks; there is a
curvilinear relationship between age and conformity; persons
who generally blame themselves for what happens to them
conform more than those low on self-blame; and authoritarians
conform more than nonauthoritarians.23 Thus, group members’
past experiences and unique personality characteristics
influence how they conform to established norms. 2. The clarity
of the norm and the certainty of punishment for breaking it: The
more ambiguous a group norm, the less likely it is that members
will conform to it. The military spells out behavior rules clearly
so that little if any ambiguity remains. A new recruit is drilled
on how to talk, march, salute, and eat. Failure to abide by the
rules results in swift and sure corrective sanctions. Thus, the
recruit quickly learns to conform. In small groups, as soon as
rules become clear and norms are established, members will
usually conform. 3. The number of people who have already
conformed to the norm: Imagine walking into a room with five
or six other people, as participants once did in a study by
Solomon Asch. Three lines have been drawn on a blackboard.
One line is clearly shorter than the other two. One by one, each
person is asked which line is the shortest, and each says that all
the lines are the same length. Finally, it is your turn to judge
which of the lines is the shortest. You are perplexed because
your eyes tell you that one line is definitely shorter. Yet can all
the other members of your group be wrong? You answer that all
of the lines are the same length—you conform. You do not want
to appear odd to the other group members. Factors such as the
size of a group, the number of people who agree with a certain
policy, and the status of those who conform contribute to the
pressure for conformity in a group.24 4. The quality of the
interpersonal relationships that have developed in the group: A
group whose members like one another and respect one
another’s opinions is more likely to support conformity than is a
less cohesive group. Employees who like their jobs, bosses, and
coworkers and take pride in their work are more likely to
support group norms than those who have negative or

frustrating relationships with their employers or colleagues. 5.
The sense of group identification that members have developed:
If group members can readily identify with the goals of the
group, they are more likely to conform to standards of behavior.
For example, church members who support the doctrine of a
church are probably going to conform to the wishes of those in
leadership positions. In addition, group members who feel they
will be a part of a group for some time are more likely to
conform to group norms. Conforming to group norms requires
participants to be aware of both general norms and more
specific operationalized norms. Groups often adopt general
norms very quickly. For example “We all need to communicate
with one another frequently” would be a common general group
norm. But while there may be clear consensus around this
general norm, it may mean different things to different people.
For one person, frequently might mean “weekly,” whereas
another team member may think it to mean “daily.” Thus, norms
tend to evolve from the general to the operational (what the
norms mean in terms of actual behaviors) over time as the
specifics are negotiated. As always, communication about
norms is key.25 © Jack Ziegler/Conde Nast
Publications/www.cartoonbank.com Norms and Culture
Culturally diverse groups often have difficulty establishing
satisfactory roles and norms because of differences in cultural
expectations. Such groups require extra effort in group building
and maintenance. COLLABORATING ETHICALLY: What
Would You Do? Relational communication is the process of
building relationships between and among group members. But
what happens when you see another group member behaving
unethically? Suppose that in the final semester of your senior
year, you and a classmate are student interns for a not-for-profit
organization that raises funds and develops programs to help
children who have suffered abuse. Each of you receives a small
stipend for your work on the organization’s programming team,
as well as three college credits (assuming successful completion
of the internship and a favorable review by your supervisors). It

has come to your attention that your friend has been taking
office supplies for personal use. At first it was small packages
of sticky notes, but now your friend has gone home with 500
sheets of printer paper, an ink cartridge, several rolls of
cellophane tape, a tape dispenser, and a stapler. What would
you do? When group members do not share a common native
language, some additional tactics may be necessary:26 Slow
down communication. Repeat or paraphrase when nonverbal
expressions suggest that listeners do not understand. Verify
common understanding by having others restate the argument or
idea. If necessary (and possible), encourage restatement in the
listener’s native language. Remember that cultures vary widely
in conversational style as well as the appropriateness assigned
to topics of conversation. Do not make the mistake of
attributing such differences to impoliteness or insensitivity.
Although violating a group norm usually results in group
disapproval and perhaps chastisement, such a violation can
occasionally benefit a group. Just because members conform
unanimously to a rule does not mean that the rule is beneficial.
For example, in some situations the opinion of group members
may matter more to decision making than the facts they
exchange.27 When most group members, especially those of
higher status, are in agreement, it is tempting for other group
members to disregard contradictory evidence or facts and to go
along with the majority. Such disregard for facts and evidence
can lead to unfortunate consequences, as we’ll discuss in
Chapter 8 when we consider groupthink. Establishing Ground
Rules Norms often develop in a group without anyone’s
explicitly identifying what is or is not acceptable behavior. A
group or team may decide to develop more precise rules to help
accomplish its task. According to communication researcher
Susan Shimanoff, a rule is “a followable prescription that
indicates what behavior is obligated, preferred, or prohibited in
certain con-texts.”28 Group or team ground rules are explicit,
agreed-on prescriptions for acceptable and appropriate behavior.
Undoubtedly your school has rules about what constitutes

appropriate behavior: Don’t cheat on a test, plagiarize a paper,
carry a gun to campus, or consume alcohol in class—these are
typical college and university rules. Rules help keep order so
that meaningful work can be accomplished. Rules also state
what the group or organization values. Honesty, fairness,
freedom of speech, and personal safety are typical values
embedded in rules. Because teams are usually more structured
and coordinated than a typical group discussion, most training
sessions that teach people how to become an effective team
stress that a high-performing team needs clear ground rules.29
How does a team develop ground rules? The team leader may
facilitate a discussion to establish the ground rules. If a group
has no designated leader, any team member can say, “To help us
stay organized and get our work done, let’s establish some
ground rules.” Groups and teams operate better if members
develop their own ground rules rather than having them imposed
from “on high” or from the leader. To help your group or team
develop ground rules, consider the following questions: How
long should our meetings last? Should we have a standard
meeting place and time? What should a member do if he or she
can’t attend a meeting? How will we follow up to ensure that
each member is doing his or her assigned work? Who is going to
organize the agenda for our meetings? How will we manage
conflict? How will we make our decisions—by majority vote or
consensus? What kind of climate do we want in our meetings?
What other kinds of guidelines do we need to develop? Typical
team ground rules include: Everyone will attend all meetings.
Meetings will start on time. Each team member will follow
through on individual assignments. Each team member will be
prepared for every meeting. We will make decisions by
consensus rather than majority vote. We will work together to
manage conflict when it arises. Often teams are given their
marching orders by someone from outside the group. Even when
the team is given its goal, sometimes called a charge—the
purpose of the team, group, or committee—the team should take
some time to discuss its ground rules so that each person clearly

understands and agrees to them. REVIEW: CONFORMITY TO
GROUP NORMS Conformity to group norms depends on the
following: The individual characteristics of group members The
clarity of the norm and the certainty of punishment for breaking
it The number of people who already conform to the norm The
quality of interpersonal relationships in the group The sense of
group identification that members have developed Status “My
dad can run faster than your dad.” “Oh, yeah? Well, my dad is
smarter than your dad.” “No, he’s not!” “Oh, yes he is!” “Says
who?” “Says me. Wanna make something of it?” Awareness of
status differences begins when we are children—who is better,
brighter, and more beautiful. Status is an individual’s relative
importance. People with higher social status generally have
more prestige and command more respect than do people of
lower status. People want to talk to and talk about, see and be
seen with those of high status. Privileges Accorded to High-
Status Group Members Most people like to be perceived as
enjoying some status within a group. Because occupying a
position of status fulfills a need for attention, it also builds self-
respect and self-esteem. Bormann explains why high-status
positions are pleasant: The group makes a high-status person
feel important and influential. They show him deference, listen
to him, ask his advice, and often reward him with a greater
share of the group’s goods. He gets a bigger office, more
secretaries, better furniture, more salary, a bigger car, and so
forth. Even in communication-class discussion groups, the high-
status members receive considerable gratification of their social
and esteem needs. One of the most powerful forces drawing
people into groups is the attraction of high status.30 Perhaps
you have participated in small groups in which the status of an
individual afforded him or her certain privileges that were not
available to the rest of the group. The chairperson of the board
may have a private dining room or an executive washroom,
while other members must eat in the company cafeteria and use
public washrooms. Effects of Status Differences In groups and
teams, members’ status exerts a significant effect on

interpersonal relationships. Status affects who talks to whom
and how often a member speaks. The status or reputation an
individual has before joining a group certainly affects the role
he or she assumes. In addition, norms that help groups
determine how they will deal with status differences and what
privileges they should allow those with greater prestige develop
quickly. Several researchers have observed how status
differences affect the relationships among members of a small
group. Consider the following research conclusions: High-status
group members talk more than low-status members.31 High-
status group members communicate more with other high-status
members than they do with those of lower status.32 Low-status
group members tend to direct their conversation to high-status
group members rather than to those of lower or equal status.33
Low-status group members communicate more positive
messages to high-status members than they do to those of equal
or lower status.34 High perceived status and expertise increase
a group member’s tendencies to participate actively and to
generate positive self-evaluations of his or her own input into
the group’s task.35 High-status group members usually abide by
the norms of the group more than do low-status group members.
(The exception to this research finding occurs when high-status
members realize that they can violate group norms and receive
less punishment than low-status group members would receive;
thus, depending on the situation, they may violate certain group
norms.)36 Group members are more likely to ignore the
comments and suggestions made by low-status members than
those made by high-status members.37 Low-status group
members communicate more irrelevant information than do
high-status members.38 High-status members are less likely
than low-status members to complain about their jobs or their
responsibilities.39 Communication with high-status group
members can replace the need for the upward movement of low-
status members in the group’s status hierarchy.40 High-status
group members tend to talk to the entire group more than
members of lower status do.41 The leader of a small group is

usually the member with the highest status. (The exception to
this conclusion occurs when the leader emerges because of
capability and competence and not necessarily because of
popularity. That kind of leader holds a lower status than does a
more popular and well-liked group member.)42 What’s your
status level? Research shows that your perception of your own
status in a group closely approximates others’ views of you.43
Status Differences in Online Groups Research by Amanda Dino
and others found that lower status members of online groups
were more conforming and agreeable in their messages. They
also used more first-person singular voice (I, we) as well as
more exclamation points. High-status members tended to be
more instructive. Their messages contained more complex
words and second-person (You) references.44 REVIEW:
EFFECTS OF STATUS DIFFERENCES IN GROUPS Group
members with high status Group members with low status Such
group members Talk more Communicate more often with other
high-status members Have more influence Generally abide by
group norms Are less likely to be ignored Are less likely to
complain about their responsibilities Talk to the entire group
Are likely to serve in leadership roles In online groups are more
likely to be instructive and use second-person pronouns Such
group members Direct conversation to high-status rather than
low-status members Communicate more positive messages to
high-status members Are more likely to have their comments
ignored Communicate more irrelevant information Talk to high-
status members as a substitute for climbing the social hierarchy
in the group In online groups are more likely than high-status
members to use first-person pronouns and exclamation points.
Observing Status Differences to Predict Group Dynamics
Knowing how status affects the relationships among group
members helps you predict who will talk with whom. If you can
perceive status differences, you can also predict the type of
messages communicated in a small-group discussion. These
research conclusions suggest that the social hierarchy of a group
affects group cohesiveness, group satisfaction, and even the

quality of a group’s solution. One of the benefits of increased
status within a group is the relative increase in the group
member’s influence or power. Power Sociologist Robert
Bierstedt once observed that in the “entire lexicon of
sociological concepts, none is more troublesome than the
concept of power. We may say about it in general only what St.
Augustine said about time, that we all know perfectly well what
it is—until someone asks us.”45 Although scholars debate
definitions of power as well as its relationship to other variables
such as status and authority, they generally agree that power, at
its core, involves the ability of one person to control or
influence some other person or decision.46 Power in a small
group, then, is reflected in an individual’s ability to get other
members to conform to his or her wishes. Power is about
influence. Certain group members may have more power in the
group than others. Sometimes the sources of their power are
clear to members, such as in groups with large status
differences, but in other cases, the sources of power are not so
clear. In order to map out the territory of social power in small
groups, you need to look at power bases and the effects of
power on group processes. Power Bases Your power base in a
group is the sum of the resources that you can use to control or
influence others. Because no two group members have exactly
the same resources, each member operates from a different
power base. What are some of these power bases? John French
and Bertram Raven identified five power bases in their study of
small groups: (1) legitimate power, (2) referent power, (3)
expert power, (4) reward power, and (5) coercive power.47
Legitimate power stems from a group member’s ability to
influence others because of being elected, appointed, or selected
to exert control over a group. Legitimate power comes from
occupying a position of responsibility. The principal of a school
has the legitimate power to control school policy; the senators
from your state have the legitimate power to represent their
constituents. Many of the privileges enjoyed by high-status
group members reflect this kind of power base. A small group

member who has been elected chairperson is given legitimate
power to influence the group’s procedures. Referent power is
the power of interpersonal attraction. Recall from Chapter 3 that
people are attracted to others whom they admire and want to
emulate. Put simply, people we like have more power over us
than people we do not like. Expert power stems from a group
member’s ability to influence others based on the knowledge
and information the member possesses. As the saying goes,
knowledge is power. Suppose you are a member of a group
studying ways to improve the environment of the river in your
community. If one of your group members has a PhD in aquatic
plant life, that person’s knowledge and access to information
give him or her expert power. More than likely, that person can
influence the group. However, just because a group member has
knowledge does not mean that he or she will exert more
influence in the group. The group must find the knowledge
credible and useful. VIRTUAL GROUPS Technology
development is not neutral but reflects the values of the cultures
in which it develops. A team of researchers at the University of
California at Santa Barbara analyzed the structure of the
Internet to determine the social impact of that technology. They
found that the primary use (70 percent) of the Internet was
information dissemination and gathering. Its decentralized
structure makes government regulation of the medium extremely
difficult and encourages open communication. According to the
authors, these democratic values implicit in the technology
reflect a North American cultural influence that will most
certainly drive the future development of the Internet. These
democratic values may also reflect the fact that communication
on a computer screen minimizes status differences that are far
more influential in face-to-face situations. Students and faculty
members who use online chat rooms or threaded discussions in
their classes report an interesting finding that supports this
notion. Students who participate most actively in online
discussions are often not the ones who participate most actively
in face-to-face classroom discussions. Some students are simply

more comfortable in an environment where they can choose
their words more carefully and less publicly; it suits their
personalities better. As you add virtual group communication to
your group communication repertoire, keep in mind these tips:
Online discussions may seem more democratic because of the
factors noted above. However, status differences don’t
disappear when we no longer can see the other person.
Remember to adapt your messages to your audience—friend,
peer, colleague, professor, supervisor, CEO—as appropriate.
The disembodied messages of virtual communication can be
easily misinterpreted without attending nonverbal signals. Be
sure you understand the sender’s meaning before you react.
Resist the tendency to communicate solely online in lieu of face
to face. Convenience and effectiveness are often competing
values. Educators know that active engagement in the learning
process and time on task are the best predictors of student
academic success. It follows, then, that given the different
personalities of group members and the democratic value of
participation, a combination of face-to-face interaction and
virtual communication may reduce the effects of status
differences, maximize the contributions of each group member,
and consequently maximize the effectiveness of your group.
Source: For more information, see Andrew Flanigan and Wendy
Jo Mayard Farinola, “The Technical Code of the Internet/World
Wide Web,” Critical Studies in Media Communication 17
(2000): 409-28. Also see Merlyna Lim and Mark E. Kann,
“Democratic Deliberation and Mobilization on the Internet,”
Networked Publics-Annenberg Center for Communication
(2005-2006).
http://netpublics.annenberg.eduabout_netpublics/democratic_del
iberation_and_mobilization_on_the_internet. Reward power is
based on a person’s ability to reward behaviors. If you are in a
position to help another member gain money, status, power,
acceptance, or other rewards, you will have power over that
person. Of course, group members are motivated by different
needs and goals. What is rewarding to one may not be rewarding

to others. Reward power is effective only if a person finds the
reward satisfying or valuable. Others must also believe that a
person actually has the power and resources to bestow the
reward. Coercive power, the negative side of reward power, is
based on the perception that you can be punished for acting or
not acting in a certain way. The ability to demote others, reduce
their salaries or benefits, force them to work overtime hours, or
fire them are examples of resources that can make up this power
base. Even though coercive power may achieve a desired effect,
group members usually resent threats of punishment intended to
make them conform to group norms. Punished group members
often try to dominate in other interactions or escape from
heavy-handed efforts to accomplish a group goal. Effects of
Power on Group Process Members who have power influence
the group process. Whether their influence will be positive or
negative depends on how wisely the members use their
influence. The following principles summarize the impact of
power on group deliberations: A struggle for power among
group members can result in poor group decisions and less
group cohesion. Members who overtly seek dominance and
control over a group often focus attention on themselves rather
than on achieving group goals. They typically serve as
aggressors, blockers, recognition seekers, dominators, or
special-interest pleaders (roles discussed earlier in this chapter).
Group members with little power often talk less frequently in a
group. Charles Berger observed that “persons who talk most
frequently and for the longest periods of time are assumed to be
the most dominant group members. In addition, persons
receiving the most communication are assumed to be most
powerful.”48 While not all powerful members dominate group
conversations, there is a relationship between verbal
contributions to the group and influence. The exceptions to this
principle are members who talk so frequently that they are
ignored by the group. Cultural variations can influence this
dynamic as well. Group members can lose power if other
members think they use power for personal gain or to keep a

group from achieving its goals. Group members usually expect
individuals with greater power to have high-status privileges.
However, if members believe that powerful members are having
a detrimental effect on the group, their credibility and influence
are likely to diminish. Too many perks and privileges given to
some members sap a group’s ability to do its job and can result
in challenges to the influential group members. Too much power
in one individual can lead to less group decision making and
more autocratic decision making. Autocratic decision making
occurs when one person with several power bases (for example,
one who can reward and punish, has needed information, is well
liked, and has been appointed to lead) makes a decision alone
rather than with the group as a whole. Group members may not
speak their minds for fear of reprisals. A person’s power base in
a group is the sum of the resources that the person can use to
control or influence others. What types of power do you think
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie uses when trying to
persuade others? Increasing your level of activity in a group can
increase your power and influence. Research shows that
individuals with high levels of dominance in their personalities
attain high levels of influence in groups, not because of
competence, but because their high level of activity makes them
appear competent.49 Groups with equal power distribution show
higher-quality group communication than do groups with
unequal power distribution.50 In corporate work teams,
individual power is related to the fact that group members must
depend on one another.51 If you participate in a group and
sense that your influence is diminishing, try to participate more
and to take an active role in helping the group achieve its goal.
Volunteering to help with tasks and increasing your knowledge
about group problems, issues, or decisions can also enhance
your influence. If you see other group members losing
influence, you can give them (or suggest that they take
responsibility for) specific tasks that will bring them back into
the group’s mainstream (assuming that they are willing to
accept the responsibility). REVIEW: POWER BASES Types of

Power and Sources of Influence Legitimate: Being elected,
appointed, or selected to lead the group Reference: Being well
liked Expert: A member’s knowledge and information Reward:
The ability to provide rewards for desired behavior Coercive:
The ability to punish others Power and Gender Stereotypes
portray women as being more easily influenced than men and as
having less power over others than their male counterparts.
However, although results are mixed, research tends to dispel
these illusions.52 In one study, when women were placed in
positions of power, they were just as likely as men to use
strategies associated with power. Because men typically occupy
roles of higher power in society, the opportunity for them to use
power strategies is greater than for women. This observation led
the researcher to conclude that the unequal distribution of
power results in the illusion of gender differences, which are
really the result of women’s and men’s relative social status.
Thus, apparent gender differences must be understood within a
context of status and power.53 Clearly there are inequities in
the workplace. But social and organizational expectations for
men and women have changed and will continue to do so.
Indeed, there is evidence that more and more firms value
diversity in the ranks of management and believe that such
diversity provides a competitive advantage. Indeed, there is
evidence that having women at the top of management teams in
initial public offering firms is associated with gains in both
short-term and long-term financial performance.54 Status and
Power: A Cultural Footnote It is important to remember that
status is primarily in the eye of the beholder. Frequently status
becomes meaningless when someone crosses a cultural
boundary; a PhD will not be revered in a country-and-western
bar. Communication scholar Marshall Singer offers this
observation: The Ph.D. holder and the famous athlete have
acquired high status and the ability to influence their respective
“constituents.” Because high status—whether ascribed or
acquired—depends so much on its being perceived as such, it
may be the least transferable, across cultural barriers, of all the

components of power we are discussing.55 Cultural differences
in perceptions of status are revealed pointedly in the following
letter. On June 17, 1744, commissioners from Maryland and
Virginia negotiated a treaty with the Native American members
of the Six Nations at Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The Native
Americans were invited to send young men to William and Mary
College. The next day they declined the offer, as the letter
explains. We know that you highly esteem the kind of learning
taught in those Colleges, and that the Maintenance of our young
Men, while with you, would be very expensive to you. We are
convinced, that you mean to do us Good by your Proposal; and
we thank you heartily. But you, who are wise must know that
different Nations have different Conceptions of things and you
will therefore not take it amiss, if our ideas of this kind of
Education happen not to be the same as yours. We have had
some Experience of it. Several of our young People were
formerly brought up at the Colleges of the Northern Provinces:
They were instructed in all your Sciences; but, when they came
back to us, they were bad Runners, ignorant of every means of
living in the woods . . . neither fit for Hunters, Warriors, nor
Counsellors, they were totally good for nothing. We are,
however, not the less oblig’d by your kind Offer, tho’ we
decline accepting it; and, to show our grateful Sense of it, if the
Gentlemen of Virginia will send us a Dozen of their Sons, we
will take Care of their Education, instruct them in all we know,
and make Men of them.56 Trust What do used-car salespeople
and politicians have in common? They are often stereotyped as
people whose credibility is suspect. The untrustworthy images
of such people are not always justified, but when they want
something from you, whether it is money or a vote, you are
often suspicious of the promises they make. When you trust
people, you have faith that they will not try to take advantage of
you and that they will be mindful of your best interests. In
small groups, the degree of trust you have in others affects your
developing interpersonal relationships with them. The following
sections consider how trust in relationships affects group

members and suggests how you can elicit more trust as you
interact with others. Developing Trusting Relationships Why do
you trust some people more than others? What is it about your
closest friend that enables you to confide your most private
feelings? How can group members develop trusting
relationships? First, developing trusting relationships in a group
takes time. Just as assuming a role in a group discussion
requires time, so does developing confidence in others. Second,
you base trust on the previous experiences you have had with
others. You probably would not give a stranger your bank
account number. You would, however, more than likely trust
this number to your spouse or to a friend you have known for
many years. As you communicate with other people, you
gradually learn whether you can trust them. First you observe
how they complete various tasks and responsibilities. Then you
decide whether you can rely on them to get things done. Trust in
groups has been defined as “the extent to which a person is
confident in, and willing to act on the basis of, the words,
actions, and decisions of another.”57 As you participate in a
group, you trust those who, because of their actions in the past,
have given you reason to believe that they will behave
predictably in the future. Group members establish trusting
relationships as they develop mutual respect and as the group
becomes more cohesive. One interesting piece of research
shows that in computer-mediated teams, levels of trust among
group members start lower than in face-to-face groups. But over
time, trust increases to a level comparable to that in face-to-
face teams.58 However, even time and experience cannot
guarantee trust. A certain amount of risk is always involved
whenever you trust another person. As Richard Reichert
suggests, “Trust is always a risk, a kind of leap in the dark. It is
not based on any solid proof that the other person will not hurt
you… trust is always a gamble.”59 Sometimes the gamble does
not pay off. And if you have worked in a small group with
several people who proved untrustworthy, you may be reluctant
to trust others in future groups. Thus, your good and bad

experiences in past groups affect the way in which you relate to
people in future groups. Trust in Face-to-Face and Virtual
Teams Groups and teams that have limited or no face-to-face
interaction develop trust differently from those where face-to-
face contact is frequent. Face-to-face teams develop trust
mostly through social and emotional bonds that grow as they get
to know one another. In virtual teams, trust is more likely to
develop through task-oriented responses such as timely
information sharing and appropriate, sound responses to
electronic communications.60 Trust will develop more rapidly
in computer-mediated relationships when the participants first
have an opportunity for face-to-face interaction. This is
especially true when the context is competitive.61 The
Development of Group Relationships over Time We noted in
Chapter 3 that group formation takes place over time. It takes
time for trusting relationships to develop. You experience some
tension and anxiety the first time you participate in a small
group. You may be uncertain of your role, and the group may
not have met long enough for norms to develop. Status
differences among group members can also create tension.
Bormann has defined this initial uneasiness as primary tension,
or the social unease and stiffness that accompanies getting
acquainted. Students placed in a discussion group with strangers
will experience these tensions most strongly during the opening
minutes of their first meetings. The earmarks of primary
tensions are extreme politeness, apparent boredom or tiredness,
and considerable sighing or yawning. When members show
primary tension, they speak softly and tentatively. Frequently
they can think of nothing to say, and many long pauses result.62
Expect to find some primary tension during initial meetings. It
is a normal part of group development. A group leader can
minimize this tension, however, by helping members get to
know one another, perhaps through get-acquainted exercises or
brief statements of introduction. While members of groups that
meet only once might deem getting to know one another
impractical, using a few minutes to break the ice and reduce

some of the primary tension can help create more satisfying
relationships among group members. CASE STUDY: Adjusting
to Variable Status and Power Your university has a Strategic
Planning Committee composed of the following people: The
Dean of the College The Vice President for Finance The Vice
President for Development (fundraising) A representative from
the Board of Trustees The Director of Admissions The Director
of Planning and Institutional Research Three elected faculty
members Two students selected by the Student Government
Association An alumni representative Some committee members
(administrators) are appointed to the committee permanently.
Others (faculty members and students) are appointed to one-
year terms. The committee’s charge is to make
recommendations to the president about new goals and
objectives for the Strategic Plan. To do this, the committee has
been asked first to review the University’s Mission Statement,
as well as the Institutional Goals for Graduates and how they
relate to the Mission. Then the committee is asked to evaluate
progress made toward these goals since establishment of the
previous Strategic Plan. The committee then must facilitate and
coordinate the annual update of the Plan before finally making
their recommendations. Questions for Analysis 1. Consider the
membership of this group. What source(s) of power can you
identify for each member based on the member’s title or
affiliation? 2. Review the list of group roles on pages 106–107.
Can you predict which group members are most likely to enact
certain group roles? Which members and which roles? Why do
you think this? 3. Rank committee members by their status.
What is the basis for your rankings? 4. This is a committee that
has relatively permanent members (dean, vice presidents, and
directors), as well as members who are more short-term
(representatives from trustees, alumni, students, faculty). How
will this affect the establishment of group norms from year to
year? After a group resolves primary tension and its members
become more comfortable with one another, another type of
tension, known as secondary tension, develops. Secondary

tension, according to Bormann, occurs as conflicts arise and
differences of opinion emerge. Whether recognized as a
personality conflict or simply as a disagreement, secondary
tension surfaces when members try to solve the problem or
accomplish the task facing the group. Secondary tension also
results from power struggles, and it usually establishes group
norms. Joking or laughing often helps manage secondary
tension. But no matter how cohesive a group may be, some
conflict over procedure will normally develop as relationships
among members form. Chapter 8 will consider some suggestions
for managing the conflict and controversy that result from
secondary tension, and Chapter 10 will discuss the phases of a
group’s growth and development in more detail. Gender and
Communication Deborah Tannen’s best-selling book You Just
Don’t Understand struck a responsive chord by identifying
gender differences in verbal communication. Her work
popularized a research conclusion that most of us already knew:
Both within a given culture and from one culture to another,
men and women have different communication patterns.
Evidence indicates that men and women sometimes use
language differently and that they also interpret nonverbal
behavior differently. Clara Mayo and Nancy Henley63 as well
as Diana Ivy and Phil Backlund64 are among the scholars who
provide excellent comparisons of how males and females use
and respond to nonverbal cues. Note the following conclusions
about gender differences in sending and receiving nonverbal
messages: REVIEW: GROUP TENSION Primary tension
Uneasiness and discomfort in getting acquainted and managing
initial group uncertainty about the group task and group
relationships Secondary tension Tension that occurs as group
members struggle for influence, develop roles and norms, and
explore differences in approaching the group task People of
both sexes tend to move closer to women than to men.65
Women tend to move closer to others than men do.66 Men tend
to maintain less eye contact with others than women do.67
Women seem to use more expressive facial expressions than

men do.68 Men tend to use more gestures than women do.69
Men initiate touch more often than women do.70 Women speak
with less volume than men do.71 Besides differing from men in
their use of nonverbal behaviors, there is evidence that women
tend to receive and interpret nonverbal messages more
accurately. Why are there differences in the way males and
females use and respond to nonverbal messages? Some theorize
that the answer lies in physiological differences between men
and women. But the leading explanation focuses on how men
and women are socialized into society. Women typically are
socialized to value interpersonal relationships and to respond to
others’ emotions, which are largely expressed nonverbally.
Also, men typically have higher status in North American
culture and in many other cultures throughout the world. And as
we noted earlier, those of higher status are typically talked to
more; receiving verbal information from others may lessen
men’s need to interpret nonverbal messages. The research
conclusions reviewed here can help explain some of the
differences in the way that men and women communicate in
groups and teams. We emphasize, however, that these are
research generalizations; do not expect all men and all women
to exhibit these differences. In your group deliberations, be
cautious about always expecting to see these differences. But
knowing that there can be gender differences in both verbal and
nonverbal behavior may help you become both more flexible
and tolerant when communicating with others in groups. Culture
In Chapters 1 and 3 we introduced several cultural variables
that affect group formation and development—
individualism/collectivism, high-context/low-context cultures,
and high-contact/low-contact cultures. These variables also
affect the relational factors discussed in this chapter. And to
these cultural differences we add two more in the following
sections: conversational style and time orientation.
Conversational Style “Jane is friendly.” “Jane brings cakes to
my family on festival days” These two statements reflect
cultural differences in descriptions of the social world. People

in the West are more likely to describe a personality trait such
as “friendly”; the more contextual Asian tendency is to describe
a person’s actions.72 Conversational norms vary by culture.73
If not understood, these differences can cause
misunderstanding, anxiety, and group conflict. The white
middle-class North American norm that leads one group member
to quietly await a turn to speak may cau
se him or her to wait a very long time when those from other
cultures do not share that norm. People from some cultures love
a good argument, whereas others revere harmony and the ability
to assimilate differences to build consensus.74 Some cultures
are put off by North Americans’ frankness and relative lack of
inhibition about sharing negative information. In Western
cultures, control is exerted through speaking; in Eastern
cultures, control is expressed through silence and in the outward
show of reticence.75 The topics we address and our willingness
to talk about personal matters vary by culture. Whereas
Mexicans may talk about a person’s soul or spirit, such talk may
make North Americans uncomfortable. Persons from Hispanic
cultures often begin conversations with inquiries about one’s
family, even with casual acquaintances or in a business meeting.
Many North Americans view family matters as too personal to
be discussed casually.76 Time Thomas Fitzgerald recounts an
anecdote that illustrates cultural differences in the temporal
dimension. While interviewing a group of Brazilian students,
Fitzgerald asked them how they felt about a person who was
consistently late. He was surprised to find that the students
viewed such a person as probably more successful than those
who were on time. A person of status, they reasoned, is
expected to be late.77 Cultural differences and similarities
influence nonverbal interaction when people communicate. How
would you manage cultural differences in a group? Some people
are monochronic. They are most comfortable doing only one
thing at a time, like to concentrate on the job at hand, are more
serious and sensitive to deadlines and schedules, like to plan
how to use their time, and stress the importance of starting and

ending meetings on time.78 Other people are polychronic. Such
individuals can do many things at once, are less influenced by
deadlines and schedules, feel that relationships are more
important than producing volumes of work, frequently change
plans, and are less concerned about punctuality than are
monochronic individuals. Table 5.1 Cultural Differences in the
Use of Time In Western Cultures In Eastern Cultures Time is
something to be manipulated. Time simply exists. The present is
a way-station between the past and the future. The present is
more important than the past or the future. Time is a resource
that can be saved, spent, or wasted. Time is a limitless pool.
Time is an aspect of history rather than part of an immediate
experience. Events occur in time; they cause ripples, and the
ripples subside. Source: From Donald W. Klopf and James
McCroskey, International Encounters: An Introduction to
Intercultural Communication (Boston: Allyn & Bacon, 2006).
Communication researchers Dawna Ballard and David Seibold
confirmed what scholars have suspected: Groups have different
approaches to how they use time. Ballard and Seibold found that
groups they investigated had three general approaches to time:
(1) flexible, (2) separation, and (3) concurrency.79 Groups with
a flexible approach to time set fewer deadlines and provided
group members more autonomy. Groups with a separation
approach to time preferred literally to separate themselves from
others when working on a group task; they were more likely to
keep the door closed and get away from others. Concurrency
groups were more likely to attempt to do several things at once
(multitask); they would look for ways to combine projects and
activities. Being aware of how groups and teams in which you
participate use time can help you better understand why your
group behaves as it does. If you’re in a flexible group, you may
need to monitor deadlines more closely. Separation groups may
need to ensure they don’t separate themselves so far from the
organization that they lose sight of the overall organizational
goal. Because concurrency groups have a tendency to do several
things at once, such groups may need added structure and a

system to keep track of the various projects undertaken. The use
of time and expectations about time can cause conflict and
frustration if group members have widely differing
perspectives. Time use and expectations vary from culture to
culture.80 People from the United States and Northern Europe
tend to be more monochronic; attention to deadlines and
punctuality are important. Latin Americans, Southern
Europeans, and Middle Easterners are more often polychronic;
they give less attention to deadlines and schedules. Western
cultures tend to approach problems in a linear, step-by-step
fashion. How events are structured and sequenced is important.
Eastern cultures (Chinese and Japanese) approach time with a
less-structured perspective. The observations of several
researchers have been summarized in Table 5.1.81 Even if your
group does not have members from widely different cultures,
you may notice that people have different approaches to time.
Groups develop their own norms about time. It may be useful to
explicitly discuss and clarify norms, such as the importance of
deadlines, expectations for group productivity, and general
attitudes about punctuality, in order to manage any uncertainty
about time that may exist. Whether a group is struggling with
cultural differences or differences in role expectations, norms,
status, perceived power, or trust, it’s important to remember
that through effective and appropriate communication, we can
bridge differences and develop productive relationships with
others. In the next chapter we examine those communication
variables that can contribute to a positive group climate

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