Ethics

What is communication Communication is passing on of information from one person or group to another. The message put across in a particular group sharing similar interests could be a way through which that particular group can be disintegrated or built. It is therefore very imperative that the communicator in such groups be careful in their choice of words and the manner in which they react to peoples opinions in the group.

What do you think will keep people together in the fabric of their group Many groups have been found to end even before they begin the mission of their members coming together (Nemiro, 2004).  There is therefore more that is needed in communication than just expressing ones efficacy through mere talking.

What are the values held in communication that count a lot in the building of an effective ethical, small group

Seeking Dialogue
When communicating in these small groups, dialogue is very much encouraged rather than just imposing ideas to your subjects if you happen to be the leader. Dialogue allows
The participation of all and also makes all to be proud and feel part of the group.
Members feel free to air their views and therefore the group is able to grow with less constraint.
Smooth conflict resolution (Trivers, 2000).

Each and every person should be left to express their views freely and without reserve. In many cases, many people will be found to see the same subject in a different perspective. However, this should not be seen as a dishonor or lack of respect within the group of fellows who have come together with a common goal of interest (Oehler, 2000). It calls for
Patience with each other as views, are put across
Focus on understanding rather than being understood

Comprehensive, critical Listening
You will often hear people in the streets say that a person has two ears and one mouth because they are expected to listen more than they speak. Whether true or not, the latter holds people are expected to listen more. In a group of three people, it is prudent to listen almost two thirds of the conversation and the other portion be left for talking. Therefore

Listen more than you can speak
Interruptions should be avoided
Taking time to listen to one another is a way of exhorting one another in the things that have brought you together. People will tend to be positive about the group if each and every member is allowed to talk and that they are listened to, carefully (Nemiro, 2004).

The virtue of listening to another person promotes high valued decision making. Making decision from a wide range of opinions enhances unity and reduces conflicts.

Productive Conflict
People are able to reach a compromise in their diversity. Conflicts cannot be avoided but can be managed. The process of managing conflicts involves creating a collaborative atmosphere of working towards the desired end in such a group (Oehler, 2000). A productive conflict permits
Thorough analysis of the problems
More ideas through creative thinking
Strengthened relationships
Defensive versus Supportive Communication

Members of a group should be careful to realize the times when they just want to defend their course this only reduces listening levels and therefore leading to unfruitful discussion as it leads to
Diverted attention thus affecting listening
Motive interpretation
Supportive communication works for the good of the group as it
Makes members pump in more energy to the group discussions
Promotes positive emotional atmosphere
However, all comments should be highly challenged to shake off any weak proposals made within the group and establish them in a strong manner

Engaging in Effective Argument
If a member of a group can expect people to listen to them, then they should also be ready to let others talk while they listen (Trivers, 2000). Generally,
Argumentation should be used as a tool of influence
All matters should be brought to the table for the making of sound judgment from all members of the group

Effective argument seeks to enhance high standards of integrity unlike where members talk carelessly without listening to one another which may lead to repetition of the same ideas and a waste of time in the end.

How does a leader deal with disharmony in a small group
Borrowing the four agreements of Ruiz (1997) we can conclude that.
It is not easy to be a leader and therefore the leader must not take things personal
The leader should also be impeccable with the group members
The leader should not make assumptions
Moreover, the leader should always do their best in promoting group harmony
Questions for class
What other barriers are evident in the process of communication within a group
What other ways can be used to manage conflicts within the group
Is effective communication the only way in building an ethical small group
Do all small groups face the same challenges while trying to get established