{"id":87,"date":"2023-10-13T01:29:53","date_gmt":"2023-10-13T05:29:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/cultivatingsuccessfulsmallgroupdynamics\/?post_type=chapter&p=87"},"modified":"2024-03-04T11:27:31","modified_gmt":"2024-03-04T16:27:31","slug":"part-ii-ii-emotional-intelligence","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/cultivatingsuccessfulsmallgroupdynamics\/chapter\/part-ii-ii-emotional-intelligence\/","title":{"raw":"Part IV: Managing Uncertainty","rendered":"Part IV: Managing Uncertainty"},"content":{"raw":"In a professional group setting, relationships amongst team members are valuable systems of information exchange -- and the reduction of uncertainty is essential for the group's survival (Berger as cited in Redmond, 2015).\r\n

Uncertainty Reduction Theory<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nUncertainly can be defined as \"having a number of possible alternative predictions or explanations\" (Berger and Calabrese as cited by Redmond, 2015, p.4).\u00a0There are a number of unpredictable factors when interacting with others in a group context. Members will naturally seek to reduce these uncertainties, and (unconsciously or consciously) follow the Uncertainty Reduction Theory<\/span> (summarized in the three stages below) in an effort to predict potential outcomes (Redmond, 2015).<\/span>\r\n
    \r\n \t
  • STAGE ONE:<\/strong> Uncertainty<\/li>\r\n \t
  • STAGE TWO:<\/strong> Information Seeking<\/li>\r\n \t
  • STAGE THREE:<\/strong> Uncertainty Reduction<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nFeelings of uncertainty may be heighten amongst the group when a member or members behaves in a way which violates the group's expectations. This sparks uncertainty as other group members are no longer able to feel confident in their ability to predict another's actions. Figure #1 demonstrates different elements of uncertainty which can appear in interpersonal interactions (especially in a group dynamic).\r\n

    Uncertainty Reduction<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nBerger and Calabrese (1975) identify seven variables (shown below) associated to impact an individual's level of uncertainty when engaging in initial interactions with others.\r\n
      \r\n \t
    1. Verbal communication<\/strong>\r\nAmount of verbal words exchanged amongst group members during the course of an interaction.<\/li>\r\n \t
    2. Nonverbal affiliative expressiveness<\/strong>\r\nShowcase of goodwill through nonverbal communication (such as a smile, head nods, and open hand\/arm gestures).<\/li>\r\n \t
    3. Information-seeking behaviour<\/strong>\r\nAmount of questions asked by individuals in the group.<\/li>\r\n \t
    4. Intimacy level of communication content<\/strong>\r\nExchange of personal information amongst the group members ranging from low risk (e.g. demographics) to high risk (e.g. belief systems, viewpoints, and opinions).<\/li>\r\n \t
    5. Reciprocity<\/strong>\r\nRelatively equal exchange of information (and effort invested) amongst the group members.<\/li>\r\n \t
    6. Similarity<\/strong>\r\nSimilarities in attitudes and engagement levels shared.<\/li>\r\n \t
    7. Liking<\/strong>\r\nPleasant and positive feelings shared amongst the group members.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nTo complement the seven variables, group members can (1) seek information, (2) choose their complexity of their plan, (3) use hedging techniques as needed, and (4) implement The Hierarchy Hypothesis.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n ","rendered":"

      In a professional group setting, relationships amongst team members are valuable systems of information exchange — and the reduction of uncertainty is essential for the group’s survival (Berger as cited in Redmond, 2015).<\/p>\n

      Uncertainty Reduction Theory<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      Uncertainly can be defined as “having a number of possible alternative predictions or explanations” (Berger and Calabrese as cited by Redmond, 2015, p.4).\u00a0There are a number of unpredictable factors when interacting with others in a group context. Members will naturally seek to reduce these uncertainties, and (unconsciously or consciously) follow the Uncertainty Reduction Theory<\/span> (summarized in the three stages below) in an effort to predict potential outcomes (Redmond, 2015).<\/span><\/p>\n

        \n
      • STAGE ONE:<\/strong> Uncertainty<\/li>\n
      • STAGE TWO:<\/strong> Information Seeking<\/li>\n
      • STAGE THREE:<\/strong> Uncertainty Reduction<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Feelings of uncertainty may be heighten amongst the group when a member or members behaves in a way which violates the group’s expectations. This sparks uncertainty as other group members are no longer able to feel confident in their ability to predict another’s actions. Figure #1 demonstrates different elements of uncertainty which can appear in interpersonal interactions (especially in a group dynamic).<\/p>\n

        Uncertainty Reduction<\/strong><\/h3>\n

        Berger and Calabrese (1975) identify seven variables (shown below) associated to impact an individual’s level of uncertainty when engaging in initial interactions with others.<\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Verbal communication<\/strong>
          \nAmount of verbal words exchanged amongst group members during the course of an interaction.<\/li>\n
        2. Nonverbal affiliative expressiveness<\/strong>
          \nShowcase of goodwill through nonverbal communication (such as a smile, head nods, and open hand\/arm gestures).<\/li>\n
        3. Information-seeking behaviour<\/strong>
          \nAmount of questions asked by individuals in the group.<\/li>\n
        4. Intimacy level of communication content<\/strong>
          \nExchange of personal information amongst the group members ranging from low risk (e.g. demographics) to high risk (e.g. belief systems, viewpoints, and opinions).<\/li>\n
        5. Reciprocity<\/strong>
          \nRelatively equal exchange of information (and effort invested) amongst the group members.<\/li>\n
        6. Similarity<\/strong>
          \nSimilarities in attitudes and engagement levels shared.<\/li>\n
        7. Liking<\/strong>
          \nPleasant and positive feelings shared amongst the group members.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          To complement the seven variables, group members can (1) seek information, (2) choose their complexity of their plan, (3) use hedging techniques as needed, and (4) implement The Hierarchy Hypothesis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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