Q.6 Group communication advantages and disadvantages.

ANS:

Introduction :

A major objective of communication is to help decisionmaking by collecting, processing and transmitting information. A decision-making process must involve discussion, consultation and consensus. For example, the members of the examination committee meet before conducting an examination to decide on the dates, schedules, time required for evaluation, and declaration of results. Any decision, taken individually on behalf of an organisation without consultation with others, is considered arbitrary and autocratic.

Advantages of group communication:

A group is a reserve of collective intellect, diverse opinions, different perspectives aimed at creating a pool of ideas to obtain the best possible results of any endeavour. Apart from helping the common cause, it enriches individuals in the group by exposing them to plurality of ideas. It also engenders a sense of involvement in an organization, and strengthens relationships between the management and employees. A collective decision-making process encourages latent talents. Members learn to value compromise and still contribute to the cause. Delphi techniques, meetings, conferences, seminars and workshops, brain-storming sessions are the various ways of group decision making in the organization.

Disadvantages of group communication:

Working in a group on an idea is a time-consuming affair, particularly when a consensus is required. Levels of background research, knowledge, sense of responsibility and intelligence vary, bringing about unintelligible differences and lack of participation. Often, the actual purpose of a meeting is lost in endless circumlocution. A better idea or opinion can get sacrificed in the collective bargain, rendering the process a waste of time and resources.