Small Group Communication In The Movie 'Pitch Perfect'

In the movie Pitch Perfect the theories that best describe the small group communication seen in the film would be Functional theory and Symbolic Convergence Theory. The Functional theory focuses on the results or outcomes of the group's behavior and structure. This view sees this relationship as a tool for team members to solve problems and make decisions, it helps team members by encouraging rational decision making and critical thinking, and reminds team members to not make inaccurate and incorrect decisions. Therefore, plays an important role because it provides a means by which team members can achieve their goals, beat the Treblemakers and win the ICCA’s. For example, Beca suggests that the Bellas should try something new instead of the

same original acapella routine.
Next, the Symbolic Convergence Theory studies the meaning of Constructing Communication. In the group, members develop intimate code words and signals that only those in the group understand. When groups achieve symbolic integration, they have community awareness based on shared experience and understanding. For example, when the Bellas confess secrets that no one else knows about them. So, an example of group communication in term of group development is when the Bellas are practicing in the empty parking lot and are all working together in perfect pitch. Another, example is Beca since she can relate to the theories of development like Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs.
Additionally, Beca can relate to the pyramid because she has achieve each tier. Physiological needs–– she has food, drinks, she sleeps and breaths. Security Needs–– Beca has a job at the record store, sleeps in her dorm room every night, and has her father close by. Social Needs–– she is loved by some of her members on the Barden Bellas, her father loves her, also Jesse has feelings for her. Esteem Needs–– she has confidence to dance and sing in front of an audience, also she makes her own music which takes confidence.
Again, aesthetic needs–– Beca has explored such as becoming a Barden Bella girl, she came out of her "shell." Self- Actualization Needs–– she creates her own music, she also led the Barden bellas song choice and dance for the finals.

As can be seen, the Bella’s have many roles. For example, Aubrey has task/individual, Chloe has maintenance, Beca has individual/task and maintenance, Fat Amy has task/maintenance and individual, Stacie has Individual/Task, Cynthia Rose has Task, and Lilly has Task. Also, Aubrey shows legitimate power because her seniority influences every Bella. Beca earns referent power. Amid, a key nonverbal communication is eye contact.

For example, Beca makes eye contact with her father, but then turns away even though he continues looking in her direction. It is an example that she does not care that he is there or the conversation. Another, key verbal communication is when Jesse tells Beca’s roommate, Kimmy, “always a pleasure.” Even so, a moment of conflict with the Bella’s was when Beca gets arrested for a broken window and everyone runs away, Jesse calls Beca’s dad and she gets angry and yells at Jesse. A way Beca works through problem solving is that she cools down and thinks about what would be her best action to

make.
The type of leadership that most stands out to me from the film is authoritarian leadership, it is best shown through Aubrey and Bumper. Authoritarian leaders hold high position because of their intellect and behavior in groups. Aubrey shows behavioral superiority through her actions. For example, when the Bella’s were fighting Chloe tells Aubrey that she is too controlling. Bumper only accepts two new members in the Treblemakers and rejects Benji who was a good acapella singer.
Lastly, creativity plays a role in the Bella’s new routine for the ICCA’s. For example, there is a scene where they are in the empty parking lot and are mashing up a song together in perfect pitch.