The main difference between dyadic and group communication is that dyadic communications take place between two people, but group communications take place between three or more people.
There are five major types of communication as interpersonal communication, dyadic communication, group communication, public communication, and mass communication. Both dyadic communication and group communication involve a comparatively small number of people.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Dyadic Communication
– Definition, Characteristics, Examples
2. What is Group Communication
– Definition, Characteristics, Examples
3. What is the Difference Between Dyadic and Group Communication
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Communication, Dyadic Communication, Group Communication
What is Dyadic Communication
Dyadic communication is an interaction that involves only two people. Here, a person shares his thoughts with another. There are two forms of dyadic communication as formal and informal. Job interviews, counselling, confessions, etc. are some examples of formal dyadic communications. These usually occur when the two participants are not an equal position. Informal dyadic communications, on the other hand, include talking with friends or family members.
The conversation is the most common form of dyadic communication. Here, the two participants take turns in acting as the speaker and listener. Therefore, this is a back-and-forth discussion. This type of communication also include gestures, body language, facial expressions, etc. Note that two-participant interactions that occur over the telephone, video chat, etc. are also forms of dyadic communication.
What is Group Communication
Group communication is a form of communication that involves more than two people. It is also known as small group communication, especially if the communication involves a lesser number of people (around 3 -20). While the minimum number of people in group communication is three, there is no exact maximum number of members; the group size actually depends on the purpose of the group. Moreover, group communication usually focuses on some kind of goal accomplishment or task completion. For example, communication in a group of students engaged in a math assignment, a marketing team working on a new product launch, a campaign team for a politician, a group of researchers in a laboratory, etc.
Several factors, including the characteristics or personalities of members of the group, group task, resources available, and group size, can affect the structure of the group. For example, a person who knows more information about the task or subject may come forward to take leadership of the group. Different members may also take on different roles according to their personalities, knowledge and experience. Furthermore, the size and structure of the group may also affect communication within the group. For instance, a large group may face issues in coordination and corporation. Since group members share a common purpose and a common fate, there is interdependence among group members.
Difference Between Dyadic and Group Communication
Definition
Dyadic communication is an interaction that takes place between two people, but a group communication is an interaction that takes place between three or more people.
Group Size
While dyadic communication always involves two people, group communication can involve a large number of people.
Purpose
The purpose of dyadic communication can be idea sharing or relationship building, but the purpose of group communication is task complement or goal achievement.
Roles
In dyadic communication, the two participants take turns playing the roles of listener and speaker. However, in group communication, different members of the group may take on different roles in addition to being speakers and listeners.
Examples
Two friends chatting, a meeting between boss and employee, an individual counselling session, conversation between a mother and daughter, etc. are some examples of dyadic communication. Interactions happening in a board meeting, a study group, a library committee, a marketing team of a company, etc. are some examples of group communication.
Conclusion
Dyadic communication and group communication are the two major forms of communication. The main difference between dyadic and group communication is that dyadic communications take place between two people, but group communications take place between three or more people.
Reference:
1. “Chapter 13 Small Group Communication.” 2012 Book Archive – Lardbucket, Available here.
2. “What Is Dyadic Communication?” Reference, IAC Publishing, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1.“Two Men Talking While Sitting Beside Table” By LinkedIn Sales Navigator (CC0) via Pexels
2. “Photo Of People Having Discussion” By fauxels (CC0) via Pexels
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