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Consensus (Communication)
The generally agreed-on opinion held by two or more parties, usually pertaining to a group. A consensus may involve feelings of anxiety over loss of autonomy by group members. Consensus processes may refer to problem solving, negotiation, and decision-making models of communication. In such contexts, roles are defined, and specific vocabulary is used to reach agreement on the course of action and the tasks to achieve the decided ends. Groups with high versus low levels of consensus may have different types of communication, particularly in decision-making tasks. A positive consensus group involves members seeking collaborative insight to achieve a common rather than a personal end.