Leading a CMC Group

3.) Pick one other concept in the book that you feel needs further discussion?

A concept I found interesting in Chapter 15 was Leading a CMC Group Meeting. I thought this concept was very beneficial when it comes to leading a CMC group through technology. In most cases, a group chooses a leader within a group to facilitate the members in a positive direction that leads to ultimate success. Choosing the group leader is a lot easier when you can physically see the individuals of a group and see first hand the qualities of their future leader. However, when it comes to CMC, the leader needs many requirements to make a group discussion flow properly and effectively. Numerous amounts of characteristics and qualities must be present in a CMC group leader that consist of: being well-structured, organized, calm, interactive, even-tempered and relaxed leadership skills. All of these are needed in order to facilitate proper discussions and communication. When the leader shows these skills to their CMC group members, it makes the group function better and also give individuals to become more involved in discussions. The most important aspect of a group leader is that he/she can make the group excited yet comfortable to participate in group communication. One aspect of this concept I found to be most interesting was learning about how aware an effective leader must be when it comes to nonverbal communication. Because CMC is used through technology, many members may be very intimidated and nervous about participating in group discussion. The effective leader must acknowledge these concerns and encourage these members without attitude or aggressive behavior. 

Anonymity, Group Size & Proximity

2.) How do anonymity, group size, and proximity influence participation and communication in CMC groups?

Anonymity exists in CMC groups mainly because an individual's identity isn't necessarily shown to the group. Because CMC focuses primarily on communicating through technology, it is normal for each member of the group to go pubicly unknown. The act of being anonymous through anonymity may or may not be beneficial depending on how an individual acts upon the CMC group. An individual may feel more comfortable to express their ideas via technology anonymously, while some may volunteer to publicize themselves towards the group. Regardless of what they choose, anonymity does indeed exist in CMC groups but doesn't necessarily hurt the group's communication process. When it comes to effective CMC groups, the text has explained that larger groups benefit more than smaller groups. This usually happens because the larger the group is, the more ideas per individual are able to generate rather than a smaller CMC group. Within a large group, there are many influential communication and involvement that comes from a greater diverse group of members. The more information that is shared, the more influential the communication becomes. When looking at a smaller CMC group, there are not as many heads put together to create more ideas, thus, the more members there are in a CMC group, the more beneficial the communication becomes. The variety of the group's characteristics, diversity, talents, personal background, experiences and physical proximity are all things that are put into the group communication to help progress to a decision-making process that is effective and positive. "Physical proximity of group members interacts with teh commnication medium to influence the group's CMC" (Valacich, George, Nunamaker, & Vogel, 1994).  This quote explains that it's not just the technology aspect that creates the groups' communication, rather, it is the physical contextual cues that becomes more influential towards the communication process. 

CMC vs. F2F

CMC (Computer-Mediated Communication) is a type of communciation that focuses on a variety of media through video, audio and text-based messaging whereas f2f communication (Face-to-Face) focuses on verbal, vocals, facial expressions, body movements, gestures and posture. These two types of communication differ a great amount because they are two completely different ways of communicating within a group. CMC focuses more on the technology prespective to provide successful communication while f2f focuses more on communicating with one another face to face. In our society today, I believe that we use a lot more CMC rather than f2f. We live in a world where technology is seen to be increasing and growing by the minute. Courses can be taught online, interviews are web based, and even portfolios are reviewed through the internet. The most influential part of CMC is when it comes to networking via internet. Websites such as YouTube, Facebook, Myspace, LinkedIn and Twitter are all forms of technology that is used to communicate with people all over the world. The text goes into depth of how CMC is in fact a great way to engage in less arguments, but they do tend to have a higher level of conflict. Althogh our society is seen to use CMC more often than f2f, it tends to experience less interpersonal communication and relationships for many obvious reasons. 

Face-to-Face  is the traditional way of communication where we use our physical presence to talk and listen to one another. This type of communication should never be forgotten or seen as a "weaker" form of communication. Although technology is on the rise (which is why a majority of us use CMC rather than f2f), nothing can really beat a face-to-face conversation. You are able to hear the person directly and sense emotions that technology could never reveal. For example, I believe that if a smiley face was used in a formal e-mail, it wouldn't be as meaningful as getting a smile from someone sitting across from me. It is more genuine and meaningful rather than seeing it in a text. These two different types of communication are used in our everyday lives and are seen to have very positive effects to them. Regardless of how different these two types of communication are, I believe they are both equally important when it comes to successful communication. 

Active Listening

Active Listening was a concept I found from the assigned reading this week that I found interesting. This was a very interesting concept to read about because there are many factors involved in active listening that is quite difficult to overcome. Prior to reading this chapter, I thought active listening was pretty self-explanatory and simple: you're suppose to listen actively with your brain. I was pretty surprised to see the numbers of barriers of active listening and how much I use these barriers in my everyday life which ultimately hurts the process of active listening. The concept of Arrogance and Disrespect was very interesting to me because I've met many people who use this method because of their cocky attitude. Many people have that know-it-all attitude, which is very difficult when it comes to listening within a group of people. It's hard to get through their hard head which usually ends up in arguments or disrespect towards an individual. This type of barrier becomes very annoying and through personal experience, I have seen how much it can hurt relationships and destroy the effects of active listening.

Another barrier I found interesting through the concept of Active Listening was Faking Attention--Pseudo-listening. I thought this was both interesting and quite humorous because I believe everyone does this without even knowing it. The fact that we "fake attention" because we don't want to listen to what's going on really effects the idea of Active Listening. This barrier is basically doing the complete opposite of Active Listening and is undoubtedly just training your bad habits to make your faking skills more effective. I'm glad the text went over this barrier because it shows that there is a way to overcome it. The only solution is to recognize the problem, than really work on listening. Many times, I don't think people realize that they are really faking attention, so it's quite beneficial to catch these types of things before it gets worse.

Selective Attention

2). Give a personal example where you have had selective attention. Why do you think that is? Is there a way you were able to overcome it?

A personal example I've had with selective attention is when it comes to my favorite hobbies and interests such as dance or fashion. I have been a dancer for many years, so every time I hear the word dance event or dance audition, my brain becomes immediately alerted. However, I am not a fan of politics so whenever I hear an important message pop up on the television I change the channel even though it's a worthwhile message. I feel as though selective attention always happens to everyone because of their personal interests and choices. Because I am such a big fan when it comes to dance or fashion, you will see me ignore all other magazines at Barnes & Noble and go straight to Vogue or Cosmopolitan. I think selective attention is a very serious matter though because it guards off your mind to only see the things you like while you ignore everything else around you. This can be dangerous because sometimes you need to be alert and aware of world-wide issues that personally affect you rather than focus on fashion, sports, music, arts, etc. that are only hobbies and personal interests.

I honestly don't believe there is a certain way to overcome it unless it is required by a class or group project. An example of this is when I had to watch the presidential debate for a class paper. I have no interest whatsoever in any kind of politic related issues, but when I knew I had to research and write about it, I was so alert to finding that channel and grasping every moment of it. I saw myself writing non-stop notes about the debate and learned a lot about current issues I never knew existed. Even though I would never voluntarily watch politics, I saw that being "forced" to watch it actually made me learn new things. So in many ways, I think I could overcome selective attention, but at the same time I do believe it would be quite difficult for many others to overcome it especially if they are out of school.

The Four Components of Listening

1). Think of a recent situation in which you found listening difficult. Which one (or more) of the four phases presented the most difficulty for you? Why? How could this have been overcome?

The Four Components of Learning: 

Sensing ( Hearing the Message)

Interpreting the Message

Evaluating the Message Content

Memory: Retaining and Responding to the Message

There are many times when I find myself in an awkward situation where I found listening to be incredibly difficult. A recent situation where this had happened was at work when I was trying to communicate with an Asian family who had difficulty speaking English. Because I work in the restaurant industry, I am constantly finding myself interacting with many people who are not originally from here. The most difficult people to communicate with are foreigners or who are from out of the country. In the text, the author states that hearing sounds or even repeating the words we are hearing isn't necessarily hearing the message. The phase of Sensing is always apparent when it comes to listening to a group of people or individual. 

In addition to the Sensing phase, there was another phase presented to me and was most difficult. Along the lines of Sensing comes Noise. The two types of noises are External and Internal noise. I come across these two types of noises quite often when I am in the work place. External noises always happen in the restaurant because of all the commotion going on around you and your patrons. Our restaurant is very well-known for the loud music, so it's inevitable that there will be much distraction when it comes to listening to my customers and trying to listen in a productive manner. Internal noise usually happens to me when it comes to judging or stereotyping my customers. Although stereotyping and judging are very negative traits to have in a person (I know I do it all the time and I'm trying to fix this), it is always a very difficult factor to avoid. If you haven't worked in the restaurant industry before, it is a well known fact that all servers will stereotype there customers prior to even serving them. Servers never want to serve a party of foreigners because we know they won't tip, or ignore Asian customers who don't speak English because they won't tip either. All these stereotypes and judgments are hurtful and also is the main cause of Internal noises which make the listening process extremely difficult. I believe this could be overcome if I opened my mind to not being so judgmental sometimes. I found that  the more I didn't stereotype, I found myself being wrong about my pre-assumptions about people and their stereotypes. The more I practice this, the more beneficial it will be for me and hopefully it will overcome my negative trait in stereotyping people. 

Another phase the was presented to me that I found very difficult to overcome was Memory. The text explains two types of memory that are Short-term memory and long-term memory. I constantly use Short-term memory to take quick food/drink orders when I don't have a notepad on me to write it down. This type of memory helps me concentrate on the specific message that is given to me within a short amount of time. However, the more chaotic and busy it gets, a lot of external noise and internal noise can come in the way in making this memory disappear very quickly. I practice Long-term memory when it comes to memorizing new items on the menu and ingredients for new drinks. Knowing that it will have to be repeated over and over again to new customers, the messages given from my managers stay in my long-term memory. This type of listening is seen very beneficial when it comes to the work field and school. 

Ethnocentrism & Homophily

3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading this week, not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.

A concept I found interesting that was not assigned this week was Powerless Stereotypes. This was interesting to me because I believe that everyone has judged someone through stereotypes when it comes to group work or any communication in general. Sex-role stereotyping usually happens when we automatically assume that men become leaders while women are required to just follow their orders. Sex-role stereotyping plays a negative role in certain group work when it isn't mentioned or ignored from the beginning. This greatly reminded me in multiple group work when a man decides to organize everything and he becomes the leader even before we agree upon anything. I believe this happens a lot not only in school, but in the work field as well. Just because these stereotypes exist, doesn't mean it will necessarily mean it will lead the group to success. 

Ethnocentrism is another concept that can ultimately hurt a group's progress. This can create lots of problems especially when you see it through a multicultural society. The text explains that your acceptance of different culture can have a great affect towards a group's success. An example of this is when people of multiple cultures come together in one group. Some cultures where they are verbally loud can be uncomfortable to another person who comes from a very quiet, conservative background. This creates problems because some people might take it offensively the way you are communicating because you don't accept it as "normal". When people don't expand their acceptance with the various ways their culture might has brought them up, it may be hard to create a smooth, functioning group. A personal example of this is when I am serving people who are foreigners. Usually, foreigners don't tip because it is not required in their culture. However, we may take it offensively because it is expected to leave a tip. 

Homophily was also a concept that linked to powerless stereotypes. Homophily is the act of people trying to be in groups with others who are similar to them. This creates problems because it never gives you the chance to work with others-just people you feel comfortable with. Although in some groups it may be beneficial, it doesn't expand your experience with multicultural groups. I see homophily as being stuck in your "bubble", never wanting to branch out to new experiences. 

Proxemics and Chronemics

Proxemics is explained as the study of how we use space to communicate with one another (Gass & Seiter, 2007). The way we communicate is important, as well as the space that we create in order for that communication to be done in a successful matter. If you stand too close to someone during a conversation, or are in their personal space, it is obvious that the communication will turn awkward and uncomfortable. The text explains a method of using an "invisible boundary" during conversation. This invisible boundary can be larger or small depending on your relationships with the people you are communicating with. An example of proxemics that I remember is when I was at work. I work at a restaurant, so it's inevitable that I am constantly communicating with each and every one of my customers. There was one time when my customer came up to me regarding a free desert for his girlfriend. Not only did he intrude my personal space by walking over to the server station (an area that is blocked off for customers), but what he didn't know was that I could smell the garlic edamame he had just eaten (I would know, I ordered it for them!). It was incredibly awkward when he came up to my face to discuss what he wanted and what time he wanted me to bring out the special cake. This made our conversation extremely awkward because his face was extremely close to mine (probably to be secretive and whisper so his girlfriend wouldn't hear) and the fact that he was in an area of the restaurant he wasn't supposed to be in. Regardless of his garlic breath that made the situation even more awkward, but the space he didn't give me made me extremely uncomfortable. I think all of us have been in situations where we don't want to continue a conversation because we don't want the other person to continue speaking. Even though I felt bad for the guy, I don't think it was his breath that really bothered me. It was more of the personal space that he invaded that caused me to end the conversation as soon as possible. 

Chronemics is explained as the study of the use of time that western cultures oriented towards clock-based time as an organizing principle in the work world (Dobkin & Pace, 2006). In western culture, they believed that all time is money which is completely understandable in today's culture as well. Many people should know that all of our time is valuable and because we all have different schedules, group work is hard to do because not all of us live the same lifestyles as each other. This quote from the text put chronemics in a more understandable way "Promptness is important but is also negotiable" (105, Sherblom). This quote explains the importance of time, yet, it can be worked around. An example of this is when your interacting in group work. If someone doesn't show up to a scheduled meeting or doesn't meet his/her obligations, they create negative outcomes. They waste the rest of the members' time just because he/she decided not to show up. This has happened multiple times when I was placed into group projects here at SJSU. There's always that one person who doesn't show up because they can't accommodate to our schedules. However, what this person may not realize is that we all had to bend over backwards in some kind of way in order to make our availabilities match. These types of individuals who aren't willing to pull in their own share of work is what makes a group's process fail. In order for a group's communication to be successful, time orientation must be present and respected within all members from the group.  

Two Principles of Nonverbal Communication

1). Return to the eight principles of nonverbal communication. Pick two principles, and provide new examples of how they operate in a group or team.

1. Our nonverbal communication effects the quality of our relationships.

This principle explains how nonverbal communication shows how we feel about certain relationships and the quality it has amongst one another. The text explains that nonverbal communication shows how we feel about another individual or group of people. When we decide to sit with someone during any kind of meeting, outing or event, it usually means we like this person and are attracted to the relationship we have for one another. If you think about your past experiences with nonverbal communication, you may remember that whenever you walk into a room, you automatically look around to find your friends or any familiar face so that you can sit with them. Why do you do that? Because you like the person, or because you have a feel of security and comfortability around that person. However, in the opposite effect, someone who isn't comfortable with you or just have a dislike towards that individual may get up and leave. These sorts of non verbal behaviors are very easy to catch and allows the other person to give off information without saying a single word. Thus, this sort of nonverbal communication can greatly effect the quality of any relationships- both positively and negatively. 

2. Our nonverbal communication is likely to be believed more than our verbal communication. 

Nonverbal communication is said to be more believed than verbal communication. Simply put, nonverbal communication is sometimes a more stronger type of communication even though there are no words or conversations involved. Sometimes, physical actions can have more meaning rather than through texts or verbal words. To understand this concept, we must realize that not all communication is done with words, rather, it is done by movement, body language and physical motions. An example of the importance of nonverbal communication is when you're interacting in group work. To show the rest of the members that you indeed care and share the same goals, you must interact by participating physically. This demonstrates the importance you feel towards the group. The more nonverbal actions you give towards a group, the more important you are making the group feel-making the group's process more productive. The more you neglect the group by not being there, it just shows that you aren't interested in the group which might give out the feeling that you don't like them. I believe that nonverbal communication is indeed more believable and stronger in many cases when it comes to relationships with one another.