• Unit 2: Conflicts in Group Communication

    This unit explores the complexities of group communication. It sheds light on the common hurdles groups face and critically examines the peril of groupthink. Groupthink is where cohesive group members prioritize consensus and harmony over critical thinking, often stifling diverse perspectives. By scrutinizing groupthink, you will understand the potential dangers associated with conformity within a group setting. You will also explore the processes of identifying and effectively managing conflicts to ensure the smooth flow of group communication.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 2 hours.

    • Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

      • describe groupthink and various conflict types and their impact on decision-making; and
      • apply conflict management strategies that improve group communication.
    • The Nature of Conflict Page

      This video defines and explores the fundamental aspects and primary sources of conflict within interpersonal relationships.

    • Conformity and Groupthink Page

      This video explains the nature of groupthink as a deterrent to group participatory decision-making.

    • Leadership’s Role in Groupthink Page

      Read this article for additional insight into the challenges created by the group decision process. It provides tips for avoiding groupthink.

    • Managing Conflict Page

      This lecture explains strategies group members can use to manage conflict. It defines conflict and conflict management, addresses types of conflicts, and discusses possible outcomes of conflicts.

    • Resolving Conflict with Collaboration Page

      This video explores leveraging conflict for improved team and company dynamics. It covers structuring the team environment to encourage constructive conflict, mitigating detrimental conflicts, and managing personal conflicts when they arise.

    • Making Group-Work Work Page

      Watch this video of a small group attempting to complete a class project about small-group communication. Throughout the video, members of the group exhibit examples of positive and negative group behaviors as they attempt to employ a problem-solving model. As you watch the video, see how many principles from this unit you can identify.