Fundamentals of Small group communication

24/ Chapter 2 • The Small Group Socialization Process

Photo 2.1 A positive socialization experience is necessary for group members to feel accepted in any small group, including work groups.

Source: ©iStockphoto.com/shironosov.

As a not-for-profit organization, the March of Dimes depends on volunteers. Its organizational goals include raising awareness about prevention of birth defects, as well as raising money for health education and research of this health issue. Besides this information, the group members knew no project details until they met their appointed March of Dimes representative.

No different from most group members meeting for the first time, Jason, Jamie, Pat, Chris, and Lei felt nervous about the project. Jamie and Pat had not worked together on a project before. Jason and Lei had experienced poor group relations at their prior employment organizations, where one or two group members completed most of the work and thus carried the load for the rest.

Michelle Lewis, promotions director for the March of Dimes, entered the meeting room with lots of handouts and a prepared presentation explaining the organization's mission and the multiple projects it needed the work group to complete. The first project, a "walk- and run-a-thon event," would be held in the summer, allowing the group just three weeks to design the event.

Chapter 2 • The Small Group Socialization Process 125

bison: Let's get to know each other better. I think it will be important with all of these projects to bid on. Chances are we will be working long hours together.

We only have three weeks to come up with a plan. Who cares who we are? Let's talk about this project. That's what group members are sup- posed to be doing. I have responsibilities at home and have little time for socializing. My baby needs me.

Come on, we have a few minutes. I think working on this project is great. My sister had a child with a birth defect, and the March of Dimes helped.

I agree with Lei. I work here all day and attend night school getting my master's degree. Let's just get to it. I can't spend extra time on this project.

Well, I see I'm going to have to take charge of this group. Who wants to do what?

Look. We are all in this together, so lighten up. This project could be fun. Now, let's see what we know and what we need to know. Has anyone ever been involved in a "walk- and run-a-thoni"

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As the above case study demonstrates, employeesendeavoring to begin group work sometimes findestablishing how best to proceed with the task, as well as building relationships, difficult. Tension among members arises, too, when personal goals appear more important than group goals. This case study well exempli- fies "getting started" in group work and relationship building, especially in a work setting.

This chapter purports to highlight the processes and practices of socializa- tion of group members and the group as a whole. To do so, we will discuss ideas surrounding why we join groups and how group members come together to work on tasks and build relationships through successful socialization. We will define socialization from a communication perspective, present a five-phase model of group socialization, discuss positive outcomes of socialization, and offer guidelines for competencies that will help you and your group members become successful in completing tasks and building positive relationships.