when do we work in small groups?

I was at an interview before the break and met up with a class of students who majors in Public Relations. During the Q&A session, I was asked this question: how can a class like Small Group Communication relate to Public Relations?

I was stunned for a few minutes because I never get this question when I teach COM 320 at Purdue. Since the class is offered from the Department of Communication, and it is an elective, I seldom get Communication students in my class.

Nobody questions the link between Small Group Communication and Public Relations.

I think this is a good question. Why is Small Group Communication relevant to PR? Engineering? Marketing? OLS? Computer Technology? Accounting? Why study group processes at all?

This is a good question and the short answer is: you cannot get away from working in small groups. Being adaptable and having the flexibility to work with groups is essential in today's work place.

So what have we learned about small group communication so far?
- 5 theories of group communication (social exchange, functional, systems, symbolic convergence, structuration)
- the group formation process
-enhancing creativity within small groups
- relating to others in groups and teams (cultural and interpersonal aspects)
- preparation to collaborate

Start putting these knowledge into practice and continue to refine your small group communication skills!