Intragroup Communication: What It Is And What Are Its Characteristics
Do you know what intragroup communication consists of? In this article we will talk about this concept: its definition, functions and the three principles that govern it. But first we will analyze the concept of group, essential to understand intragroup communication processes.
Finally, we will talk about the Johari window technique, developed by Luft and Ingram (1970) and which is used in companies to analyze intragroup (internal) communication that occurs within a work team.
To understand the concept of intragroup communication well, we believe it is necessary to first know what is meant by a group, since intragroup communication, as we will see, is what occurs within (or inside) a group.
In the context of social and group psychology, we find multiple definitions of group We have selected, because it is quite complete, one by Mc David and Harari. These authors maintain that a group is “an organized system of two or more individuals who carry out some function, role relationships between members, and a set of norms that regulate the function.”
Besides, the group encompasses different individual behaviors which, although they are not homogenized in intragroup interaction (through intragroup communication), can become perceived as part of an entity (the group).
Essential factors
But what factors determine the constitution of a group? According to one author, Shaw, for a group of subjects to form a group, these three characteristics must exist (not all authors have the same opinion):
1. Common destiny
This means that all its members go through similar experiences and that have the same common objective.
2. Similarity
The members of the group are similar in terms of observable appearance.
3. Proximity
This feature has to do with the specific spaces that group members share and that make it easier to consider this group as a unit.
Before continuing, let’s define the concept of intragroup communication. Intragroup communication is that communication that occurs between a group of people belonging to the same group It encompasses all those interactions that occur within a group that is united by one or more common objectives or interests.
In other words, intragroup communication includes all the communicative exchanges that occur between the different members that make up the same group. It encompasses behaviors and behaviors, conversations, attitudes, beliefs, etc (everything that is shared in the group for some purpose).
Features
What function does intragroup communication serve in a group? Mostly, offers it a certain hierarchical and organizational structure In addition, it also provides the group with the required compatibility so that it can articulate with other groups.
This second function is developed thanks to the communicative or development network, a formal network that allows groups to communicate with each other, that is, exchange information and knowledge.
Intragroup communication that occurs within groups can be formal or informal, and the two types of communication allow the group to mature, grow, be nourished and, ultimately, consolidate as such. Of course, formal and informal exchanges vary in terms of their characteristics, logically.
Principles of intragroup communication
We can talk about up to three principles that govern intragroup communication (which can also be applied to intergroup communication, that which occurs between groups):
1. Principle of congruence
This principle of intragroup communication refers to an open attitude towards others when expressing our thoughts and feelings
2. Principle of recognition
The principle of recognition implies an attitude of listening (and even “looking”) towards the other, stripping ourselves of all prejudice and stereotypes and always avoiding prejudging or disqualifying behaviors thoughts or feelings of the other for the mere fact of not agreeing with them.
The third principle of intragroup (and intergroup) communication has to do with a benevolent attitude that allows us to delve into the thoughts and feelings of the other, of course, without denying our own identity
In addition, it also entails recognizing that the thoughts and feelings of the other are unique, and are the only way for us to establish a relationship of sympathy or compassion with them.
Internal communication technique in companies
This technique, developed by Luft and Ingram (1970), is called “The Johari Window”, and its mission is to analyze intragroup communication in work teams. To apply it, we must imagine that each person has an imaginary window, called the Johari window.
This window allows each person to communicate with the rest of the team, and Each window indicates what degree of communication exists between that person and the rest of the members of the group or team
Areas in intragroup communication
The authors of this technique propose up to four areas that are configured within intragroup communication, and that They constitute the basis of the Johari window technique to analyze this type of communication in work teams
1. Free area
It is the area where all the aspects that we know about ourselves are found, aspects that others also know. These are usually things that we can talk about normally, that do not cause any major problems.
This area It is usually very limited in new work teams, so there is no free and sincere communication
2. Blind area
This area contains the aspects that others see and know about us, but that we do not see or perceive at first glance (for example, excessive sincerity, lack of tact, small behaviors that can hurt or bother others, etc.).
3. Hidden area
It is the area where everything that we know about ourselves, but that we refuse to reveal, is found because these are personal topics for us, intimate or that we simply do not want to explain (out of fear, shame, suspicion of our privacy, etc.).
Finally, in the fourth area of intragroup communication proposed by Luft and Ingram, we find all those aspects that neither we nor the rest of the people (in this case, the rest of the work team) know (or are not aware of)
They are aspects (behaviors, motivations…) that may be known by people outside the team, and that could even become part of one of the previous areas.
Evolution of the four areas and intragroup communication
Continuing with the Johari window technique, as the group (in this case, work team) evolves and matures, so does its intragroup communication. This translates into an increase in the first area (free area), because trust between members gradually increases and more conversations, more confessions, etc. occur. For this reason, people gradually tend to hide less things and reveal more information about themselves.
So, when information is crossed between the hidden area and the free area, this is called self-opening (that is, when we reveal “hidden” information about us, leaving it “free”).
For its part, the second area, the blind area, is the one that takes the longest to reduce in size, since this involves calling someone’s attention for a certain attitude or behavior they have had and that we did not like.
Normally these are behaviors that interfere with the proper functioning of a work team. Bringing these behaviors to light is called effective feedback.
Objective of the work team
In relation to the intragroup communication of the work teams, and referring to the aforementioned areas, the objective of these teams is that little by little the free area increases, and possible taboos, secrecy or lack of communication are reduced (and even eliminated). trust in the group.
