In a group, we interact and rely on each other. Besides this, we also share a common standard of beliefs and expection from each other. Being in a group, we identify ourselves with each other as well. What is group communication? Thus, group communication is a collection of individuals who as a result of interacting with each other become interdependent and develops shared patterns of behaviour and a collective identity. The importance of working in groups is because of group synergy. The word synergy means bringing together everything; able to unite towards a goal and bring things together. With group synergy, we are able to collect more input than individuals. In other words, we are able to bring out the best in the group. Working in a group, there need to be committment and we are able to lend support to meet member’s interpersonal needs.

As an individual, we are able to make simple decisions with clear rationale, which has very little risk involved. However, as a group, we make complex decisions with complex resources at high risk. The full support of the group is needed in decision making and sometimes, group members might disagree with the discussion. Furthermore, because we are in a group, sufficient time is needed in order to make the right decision for the best of the team. Group pressure, we have to balance between individual and group needs as well.


Source: Youtube
Link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=DjLzZLxxoxM

This video that I found on Youtube is a commercial by FedEx. It is about how a FedEx delivery man had his truck stuck in the mud and how a team of two big muscular men came to lift the truck up and allowing the delivery man to be able to send his parcel to the client. Group synergy can be found in this advertisement, the two men brought together their strength and aimed to lift the truck out of the mud. This brought out the best of the team. There is group communication between all the men as two lift the truck while the other starts the engine. The two strong men are in a group as they interdepend on each other to life the truck together. Furthermore, they have a collective identity; to lift the truck and their physical appearance. This advertisement also shows on how individuals and groups are different and how it illustrates on the point where individuals can make simple decisions will groups make complex decisions, whereby the delivery man will not be able to life the truck out of the mud, but only as a group are they able to deliver the package on time.

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