This document defines small group communication and its primary features. A small group has 3-15 members who communicate freely and have common goals and purposes. Key characteristics include interdependence between members, as the actions of one affect the whole group, and a common task that is the purpose of the group. Small groups also have norms and an identity that distinguishes members from non-members. There are different types of small groups including primary, social, self-help, learning, service, public, and work groups.

1. SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION
DEFINITION
interpersonal communication is observed
members
communicate freely
have common purpose/goals
PRIMARY FEATURES
Group size
 3-15 members
Interdependence>Members coordinate to do certain
tasks.
“ What a member do will affect the entire group.”
Task
Considered as the purpose of the group
Secondary features
NORMS
 limits of allowable behaviors of individual members of
the group.
 It is a guideline or rule to regulate the behavior of the goup
members.

2. Identity
Psychological and/or physical boundaries that distinguished
group members from a non- group members.
 Types of small groupPrimary group
Family, close friends
Social group
Same interest, hobbies, with common activities
Self-help group
 membership comprises individuals who share a common
problem or life situation (Meissen, Warren, & Kendall,
1996).
Learning group
Study groups, research groups, etc
Service group
Volunteers, service groups in campus, etc
Public group
Symposium, panel discussion.
Work group
Common in organizational context.
Complete a common task on behalf of an organization.