Intragroup communication: what is it and what are its characteristics?

A summary that will help you understand the characteristics of this common type of communication.

Do you know what intragroup communication is? 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, which is essential to understand the processes of intragroup communication.

Finally, we will talk about the Johari window technique, developed by Luft and Ingram (1970) and used in companies to analyze intragroup (internal) communication within a work team.

Elements of the group

In order to understand the concept of intragroup communication, we believe it is necessary to know first what is understood as a group, since intragroup communication, as we shall see, is that which takes place within (or inside) a group.

In the context of social and group psychology, we find multiple definitions of a group. We have selected, as 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".

Furthermore, the group encompasses different individual behaviorswhich, although not homogenized in intragroup interaction (through intragroup communication), may come to be perceived as part of one 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 are of the same opinion):

1. Common destiny.

This means that all its members go through similar experiencesand that they have the same common goal.

2. Similarity

The members of the group are similar in observable aspects.

3. Proximity

This characteristic has to do with the specific spaces shared by the members of the group, which make it easier to consider this group as a unit.This characteristic has to do with the specific spaces shared by the group members, and facilitates considering this group as a unit.

Intragroup communication: what is it?

Before going on, let's define the concept of intragroup communication. Intragroup communication is communication that takes place between a group of people belonging to the same group.. It encompasses all those interactions that take place within a group that is united by one or more common objectives or interests.

In other words, intra-group communication includes all the communicative exchanges that take place between the different members of the same group. It encompasses behaviors and behaviors, conversations, attitudes, beliefs, etc. (everything that is shared in the group for some purpose).

Functions

What is the function of intragroup communication in a group? Mainly, It provides the group with a certain hierarchical and organizational structure.. In addition, it also provides the group with the compatibility required for it to 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, i.e. to exchange information and knowledge.

Intra-group communication within groups can be formal or informal. can be formal or informalBoth types of communication allow the group to mature, grow, nurture and, ultimately, consolidate itself as a group. Formal and informal exchanges vary in their characteristics, of course.

Principles of intragroup communication

We can speak of up to three principles governing intragroup communication (which can also be applied to intergroup communication, i.e. communication between groups):

Principle of congruence 2.

This principle of intra-group communication refers to an open attitude towards each other when expressing our thoughts and feelings..

2. Principle of recognition

The principle of recognition implies a listening (and even "looking") attitude towards the other, We should be free of all prejudices and stereotypes and always avoid prejudging or disqualifying the behaviors, thoughts or feelings of the other person just because we do not agree with them.or disqualifying the behaviors, thoughts or feelings of the other just because we do not agree with them.

3. Principle of empathy

The third principle of intra-group (and inter-group) communication has to do with a benevolent attitude that allows us to enter into the thoughts and feelings of the other person, without denying our own identity..

In addition, it also involves recognizing that the thoughts and feelings of others are unique, and are the only way for us to establish a sympathetic or compassionate relationship with them.

Internal communication technique in companies

This technique, developed by Luft and Ingram (1970) is called "Johari's 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 how much communication exists between that person and the rest of the members of the group or team. each window indicates the degree of communication 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 intra-group communication, and that constitute the basis of the Johari window technique for analyzing this type of communication in work teams.

1. Free area

This is the area where we find all the aspects that we know about ourselves, aspects that are also known to others. They are usually things that we can talk about normally, that do not cause major problems.

This area is usually very limited in new work teams, so that there is no free and sincere communication..

2. Blind area

In this area are located the aspects that others see and know about us, but that we do not see or perceive with the naked eye (e.g. excessive sincerity, lack of tact, small behaviors that may hurt or annoy others, etc.).

3. Hidden area

This is the area where we find all that we know about ourselves, but that we refuse to reveal, because it is a personal matter for us.because they are personal, intimate or that we simply do not want to explain (out of fear, shame, distrust of our intimacy, etc.).

4. Unknown area

Finally, in the fourth area of intragroup communication proposed by Luft and Ingram, we find all those aspects that neither we nor the other group members are aware of. all those aspects that neither we nor the other people (in this case, the rest of the work team) know (or are not aware of)..

These 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 intra-group 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), due to the fact that trust between members gradually increases and more conversations, more confessions, etc. take place. For this reason, people gradually tend to hide less things and reveal more information about themselves.

Thus, when information crosses between the hidden area and the free area, this is called self-opening (i.e., when we reveal more information about ourselves). (i.e., when we reveal "hidden" information about ourselves, leaving it "free").

On the other hand, the second area, the blind area, is the one that takes longer to reduce its size, since this involves calling someone's attention to a certain attitude or behavior that he or she has had and that we did not like.

These are usually behaviors that interfere with the proper functioning of a work team. Bringing such behaviors to light is called effective feedback.

Teamwork objective

In relation to intra-group communication in work teams, and alluding to the areas mentioned above, the objective of these teams is that little by little the free area increases, and possible taboos, secrecy or lack of trust in the group are reduced (and even eliminated).

Bibliographical references:

• Andrade, H. (2005). Internal organizational communication: process, discipline and technique. Netbiblo: Spain.
• Fritzen, S.J. (1987). Johari's window. (7th Ed.). Editorial SAL Terrae Santander: Spain.
• Guardia de Viggiano, N. (2009). Lenguaje y comunicación. Central American Educational and Cultural Coordination (CECC): Costa Rica.
• Hogg, M.A. and Vaughan, M. (2010). Social psychology. Editorial Panamericana.