Week 2: Question 1

1). Groups are living systems based on interdependence and interrelationships. What happens to a small group when parts of the system do not function well? Provide two examples from your own small group experiences that show the importance of understanding interdependence and interrelationships.
In any given interdependece and interrelationships, it is apparent that each person in any type of group rely on one another. The difference between interdependence/interrelationships from regular dependance/relationships is that a person doesn't rely solely on themselves; rather they need another member of the group to rely on. Because a person is in need of another member rather than themselves, it may cause alot of problems in small group interaction if members of the group don't accept or share the same motives as the rest of the group. Understanding interdependence and interrelationships are key in making small group communication effective. A personal example I have experienced in a small group is when I was placed in a group for a project in highschool. There was clearly an understading of an interdependence relationship throughout the group members because we relied on one another to complete the project rather than doing it alone. Although we all thought the project would do well because we were working "together", alot of problems arose as people only depended on others rather than taking responsibility into their own hands. Thus, the group did not do well because everyone thought the other was doing everything when in reality, nothing was getting done. Another example of an interrelationship was with my coworker. As a server in the restaraunt industry, we must work together as a team to make things go smoothly. At my work, I was paired with my close friend to be each other's "side kicks" for the entire night (she helps me, I help her). We needed to rely on one other and take responsibility for each other's tables. However, during our shifts she would ask me to do things when I was busy rather than doing it on her own. This caused many problems as it messed up the steps of service and ultimately gave patrons a bad dining experience. Reliance on others may be extremely dangerous if there isn't a mutual understanding of who does what and who is responsible for another's well being.