New Contexts for Relational Communication in Groups

Abstract

This article discusses the importance of relational communication in groups. Connections are made with potentially fruitful theoretical concepts, while findings from related group research are used to discuss new and interesting directions with regard to relational communication in three pivotal group contexts. Each section provides a rationale for why these group contexts should be studied and suggests propositions to guide future research. The discussion highlights the many facets of the relational side of members’ intentions in groups: cooperation, connection, autonomy, similarity, flexibility/rigidity, cohesion/withdrawal, harmony/conflict, stereotyping, and stigmatization. Concerning group process analysis, the authors revisit the family, as one’s first group experience, from a relational communication perspective. Next, the influence of heterogeneity of group membership and intercultural diversity is discussed with regard to relational dynamics. Finally, the effects of computer-mediated communication (CMC) on relational communication in groups are investigated.