Communicating in Groups and Teams

Paper Summary:

The writer of the paper contends that speaking in public is probably one of the hardest things in life confronting most people today and that people who experience high levels of communication apprehension have been shown to score lower on college entrance examinations, have lower overall grade point averages and have been found to be at a higher risk for dropping out of college compared with those with low communication apprehension levels. In the paper, the writer attempts to identify the importance of communicating in today's team-based work environment; to identify the importance of communicating in everyday life; to determine the quantity and quality of talk of an apprehensive individual; to determine the perceptions of other group members; and to deliver guidelines for coping with communication apprehension that can be readily applied by most people today. The paper's writer also interpolates a critical review of the literature with the results of a survey of currently employed individuals to help answer the research questions. A summary of the research and salient findings are presented in the concluding chapter. The paper includes a number of graphs and one appendix which is a copy of a questionnaire used in the research.

Outline:
Abstract
Chapter 1: Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of Study
Importance of Study
Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature
Chapter 3: Methodology
Description of the Study Approach
Data-gathering Method and Database of Study
Chapter 4: Findings
Chapter 5: Discussion
Chapter 6: Summary and Conclusions
References
Appendix

From the Paper:

"Individuals who suffer from high levels of communication apprehension have been shown to score lower on college entrance examinations, have lower overall grade point averages and have been found to be at a higher risk for dropping out of college compared with those with low communication apprehension levels (Greene & Burleson). Moreover, people with high levels of communication apprehension have been found to be regarded as being less competent, composed, and attractive compared with more gregarious individuals (Greene & Burleson). In addition, these high communication apprehension level individuals are also less likely to receive job interviews and, when hired, are less likely to seek career advancement. The negative consequences associated with communication apprehension have been found to result in an overall diminished sense of self. The vast majority of research on communication apprehension has been directed toward helping college students manage their anxiety in the context of a basic public speaking course; in addition, communication researchers have documented the impact of instruction on reducing apprehension and improving competence and success. Of all of the treatment approaches investigated to date, the three most popular treatments of communication apprehension involve one or more of the following: skills training, systematic desensitization, and cognitive modification and restructuring, with skills training being the most common technique used (Greene & Burleson)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Alexander, M., Davis, R., & Underwood, R. (2000, April). Advantages and disadvantages of using teams in the classroom. Paper presented at the Association for Business Communication Midwest Regional Conference, Indianapolis in Schullery & Gibson at p. 9.
• Beatty, M., McCroskey, J. C., & Valencic, K. (2001). The biology of communication: A community biological perspective. Cresskill, NJ: Hampton in Powell & Caseau at p. 39.
• Bline, D., Lowe, D. R., Meixner, W. F. & Nouri, H. (2003). Measurement data on commonly used scales to measure oral communication and writing apprehensions. The Journal of Business Communication, 40(4), 266-267.
• Chesbro, J. L., McCroskey, J. C., Atwater, D., Bahrenfuss, R., Cawelti, G., Gaudino, J., & Hodges, H. (1992). Communication apprehension and self-perceived communication competence of at/ risk students. Communication Education, 37, 270-277.
• Eberly, M. & Wall, A. D. (2003, Fall). Cognitive-behavior therapy: Applications and skills. Remuda Ranch, 2(4), 1-3.

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