The document discusses different communication structures that can exist within groups: - Wheel structures have a centralized network with one central leader who communicates with all members but members cannot communicate with each other directly. They are effective for simple tasks but members and leaders may have low satisfaction. - Circle structures are similar to chain structures but with the end members also connected, allowing more connections. - Line structures restrict communication only between certain members but all are ultimately connected. Leadership may not be clear. They can work moderately well for both simple and complex tasks but may lack coordination. - Completely connected structures are decentralized with all members able to interact. They are superior for complex tasks but can be slow. Leadership is unclear as it is

1. Communication Structure in a Group Divye Bokdia IIT Guwahati

2. Affective or “liking ” structure Sociometric methods to find out the structure. Personal Interview to plot the “affective links” between all the members.

3. Communication Structure Who communicate in small group and with whom officially and unofficially . Channel of communication in a group often reflects the structure.

4. Network Structures Wheel Circle Chain Y Completely connected

5. Wheel Centralized network, Superior on simple tasks Preferred by organizations where headquarters are totally in charge. Members can’t communicate with each other, hence perhaps low overall satisfaction. Leader is very clear, and so is only satisfied. Effective in simple task if, members accept the leader’s authority.

6. Y Very similar to the ‘wheel’ structure

7. Completely connected Decentralized network, Superior on complex tasks More democratic, but can be very slow Everyone can interact with all Leadership is unclear as it is shared by all members Performance in simple task is low, as it takes longer time than normal.

8. Line When the communication is restricted only to certain group members, but all are somehow connected. Leader is not clear, may be 2 or more. Members satisfaction is better than the ‘wheel’ pattern. Works moderately well for both simple and complex tasks. Major drawbacks are Do not work as a team Weak leadership Lack of Coordinated effort

9. Circle Quite similar to the chain pattern with end 2 members also connected.

10. Overview Characteristics of information exchange Characteristics of members high High Moderate Low Low Saturation good Poor Fair Fair Good Accuracy Fast/slow slow slow slow Fast Speed Connected Circle Chain Y Wheel no No Moderate Yes Yes Centralization no No Yes Yes Yes Leadership emergence high High Low Low Low Overall Satisfaction Connected Circle Chain Y Wheel

11. Thanks