We learn many things within the groups we live in. We improve ourselves with the groups. Firstly, our family is the first pattern for us, our mother or father is our role model. They teach us what do, they think for us or in some situation tell us what to do. Then, we join other groups; like friends, workmates, clubs, university ... Groups tell us what to think, feel and how to act because we are part of them. We develop our personality, with the contribution from the group. There are many advantages of group communication, but some disadvantages are worth mentioning.
In Maslow’s Need Hierarchy, there is a “Belonging Need”. We want to belong to some groups. Groups can meet members’ interpersonal needs. Group members are more interested in our personal problems and they will try to help us. Whenever we have a problem, they support us and they try to find a solution. For instance, I have three best friends. Whenever I have a problem, they help me. When I am ill, they care about me. Whenever I feel bad, I call them and they listen to me and solve my problems. As an individual, you are alone and need love. For example, I am from Istanbul, my family, my friends, my groups live in Istanbul. Whenever I go to Istanbul and meet them, I feel comfortable and happy because I know that they love me.
In contrast, it is sometimes difficult to communicate with some groups. You are included in a group, it is a good thing but if the group members are tightly linked to each other, they do not want anyone else. It is as if they built a wall around them against others and they do not allow someone outside the group to communicate with them. For example, I graduated from Bahcesehir University then I came to Izmir university of economics. When I came into the classroom, no one said “hello” to me. Nobody spoke to me. When I sat anywhere, they said to me that it is their place and they always sat there with their friends, I had to sit at another place. They did not care about me. They did not wan’t anyone outside their group. When I asked a question to someone, he/she didn’t answer me, because I am a foreigner to them. I felt alone at that time.
However, sometimes it is good to work individually when you have experience of the issue and you have limited time. If there is disagreement between group members, time coulbe wasted because if team members do not have any idea of the issue in question, you first have to teach them or orient them to the subject then you can work together. For example, I have experience in Marketing Communication and Public Relations as part of my professional life. Whenever I had to do a project, my group wanted to get project done on the last date thought they did not have knowledge of the project coverage. On the last week before delivery of the project, they would come to me to start doing the project, I explained and shared my knowledge but they objected what I was saying. I lost too much of my time and much effort to teach them. When I worked alone, I completed my work successfully and effectively.
On the other hand, it is sometimes a good thing working with others, because you can create synergy within the group. In the past, working as marketing Communication Specialist at a private company, I had to do a campaign and I couldn’t decide how to plan and send them. My team supported me, we did brain storming and got many good ideas. We found a good slogan for the new product. We planned the campaign and we posted them in a very short time.
In conclusion, sometimes working as with a group has some advantages if time is limited and a good solution is a risk. Tasks are best done by groups when the decision is complex and needs an innovative or creative solution. On the other hand, if you are experienced, or you have an enough time, or the desicion is simple and little risk is involved, working an individual is a good way. In some days, if you don’t need anyone to do anything, working alone is saving of your time and you will not get much more. However, a group could give you love and support your personal needs. We feel better within groups.
Mehtap Malumbo
20090301106
