COMMUNICATION CHALLENGES AND ROLE FUNCTIONS OF PERFORMING GROUPS

This article examines the internal and external communication of an un derresearched type of small group, the performing group. A participant observation case study of a nightclub band explores the challenge of engaging in internal and external group communication simultaneously. The author uses Bochner's typology of the five functions of communicat ion-impression management, expression, organization, validation, and p rotection-to define role functions salient to this performing group. S ignals sent by different members to other members and the audience pro vide evidence of three previously unidentified role functions-front pe rson, expressive leader and stage kader-described in terms of concern for different functions of communication.