Communication

Within groups, communication is undoubtedly the most fundamental factor in ensuring the effective participation by all members, and perhaps leads to the strengthening of the overall output in productivity by the group. With communication being a key factor towards the possible success of groups, and communities, platforms such as e-mail, social media and getting together to discuss aims for the group collectively prove their success in keeping members close to the achievements of the group, and many theories have been devised over the years to provide further insight on how to limit the any issues that may arise in the group. 

Johari’s Window Model 

One such model that is used to advance communication is called the ‘Johari Window Model’ which was theorised by American Psychologists  Joseph Luft, and Harry Ingham. This model looks at four key areas (known as quadrants) within the main personalities of each member – open, blind, hidden and unknown – with all areas differing in size to reflect each individual member of the group, rather than all of the members collectively. Each quadrant within the window all begin at an equal size, which slowly expand and/or contract to facilitate the needs of the group’s communication as it moves on to achieve its overall end goal. The exact nature of this model allows for those in the group to tell fellow members aspects of themselves which will prove to be important in order to understand one another individually, and to essentially bind the group together in order to achieve the end goal. 

Six Thinking Hats 

Edward de Bono’s ‘Six Thinking Hats’ is a theory created to explore and deal with elements that halt the overall progression of groups. By being straightforward and readily accessible, each respective coloured hat has a different meaning, but are all essential when put into practice and executed successfully. The representation of communication as coloured hats within this theory is broken down as such; White – Information, Red – Feelings, Black – Caretaking, Yellow – Optimism, Green – Ideas, Blue – Overview. The whole purpose of the theory is to facilitate a clear and straight-forward narrative for members to express ideas and opinions and allows for all individuals to have an equal say