Speech 225 – Small Group Communication Name:_____________________

Date:______________________________ Due: April 7, 2004

Journal Entry #1

Instructions: Instructions: Please answer the following questions completely, on a separate piece of paper, and use the Rothwell text (and terminology) to inform your answers. One to two pages, double-spaced, 12 point type with one inch margins should be sufficient for answering the questions below. I prefer your answers to be word processed for ease of reading! ;)

Chapter 1

1. Communication competence is defined in this chapter and the five elements of competence discussed. When you consider the five elements, what can happen if group members take on a “me” versus a “we” orientation? Give specific examples from your own experience and Rothwell to explain your answer.

Chapter 2

2. Think about a small group you belong(ed) to at work, socially, athletically or for education. Does this group fall within the definition of a small group on page 48 of Rothwell? What are the goals of the group? Are they a group or a team? Why? Apply the characteristics of Systems Theory to your group (i.e. interconnectedness of group members and the groups adaptability to change). What boundaries are erected? How does your group deal with difficult group members?