Communicating For Results Eighth Edition 9 Small Group Communication & Problem Solving

Columbia Space Shuttle Disaster Associated Press NASA: Case Study

Team Definitions, Uses & Types

Definition of Small Group “Involves a small number of people, usually engaged in face-to-face interaction, actively working toward a common goal.” Walter Hodges/Stone/Getty Images

Advantages of Teams Resistance to change reduced Decisions usually superior Decisions more readily accepted Hostility reduced; productivity increased Satisfaction & morale greater Responsibility shared

Types of Teams Learning groups Self-maintenance groups Types include . . . Learning groups Self-maintenance groups Problem-solving groups

Characteristics of Effective Teams

Effective Teams Well organized Receive periodic training Effective teams are . . . Well organized Receive periodic training Examine assumptions and opinions Evaluate possible solutions Operate virtually Manage cultural diversity> Lucidio Studio, Inc./SuperStock Non-effective team!

To Manage Cultural Diversity Recognize differences Select members for task-related abilities Find purpose that transcends differences Avoid cultural dominance Develop mutual respect Seek high level of feedback Bob Daemmrich/The Image works

Effective Teams (con’t) Continued characteristics include . . . Well organized Receive periodic training Examine assumptions and opinions Evaluate possible solutions Operate virtually Manage cultural diversity Avoid groupthink>

Groupthink Symptoms Illusion of invulnerability Shared stereotypes Rationalization Illusion of morality Self-censorship Illusion of unanimity Direct pressure Mind guarding Image Club

To Avoid Groupthink: Bring in outside experts Ask members to be “critical evaluators” Leader should voice opinions after others Provide “second chance” to rethink choices

The Basic Problem-Solving Procedure

1. Define Problem Discuss symptoms, seriousness, & impact In the basic problem-solving procedure: Discuss symptoms, seriousness, & impact Write problem in question form: --Written for widest range of answers (avoid yes or no questions) --Specific rather than general --Specific about who should act --Written in unbiased manner Define confusing terms Walter Hodges/Stone/Getty Images

2. Research & Analyze List all topics to research & discuss In the basic problem-solving procedure: List all topics to research & discuss Gather needed information Discuss information & opinions in organized manner Steven Niedorf Photography/The Image Bank/Getty Images

3. Establish Criteria Definition of Criteria: Types of criteria: In the basic problem-solving procedure: Definition of Criteria: Types of criteria: -- “Guidelines (boundaries, rules, or checklist) the group agrees to follow in reaching a solution” --Task & Operational --Must have & Want> © Jason Harris

Using Criteria Must Criteria greatly reduce any search. Musts: Wants: --$2,000 max --100 GB hard drive --1 GB RAM --Instant availability Must Criteria greatly reduce any search. Personal Computers

Using Criteria Musts: Wants: --$2,000 max 1. Free software 2. 250 GB drive 3. 2 GB RAM 4. Etc. --100 GB hard drive --1 GB RAM --Instant availability Want Criteria are ranked & used to decide among remaining items. Personal Computers

4. List Possible Alternatives Methods include: Brainstorming --Avoid negative feedback --Strive for longest list possible --Strive for creative, unusual ideas --Build from previously mentioned ideas

4. List Possible Alternatives Methods include: Brainstorming Electronic Brainstorming --Ideas typed on computer by each member --Ideas stored for later group viewing --Software gives option of concealing identities --Generally produces more ideas; sometimes better ideas --Very effective with large groups

4. List Possible Alternatives Methods include: Brainstorming Electronic Brainstorming Nominal Group Technique (NGT) 1. Ideas generated silently by each member 2. Ideas recorded (in round-robin fashion) on board 3. Ideas discussed for clarification only 4. Each member privately selects top five (After ideas recorded, #4 repeated until obvious solution reached)

4. List Possible Alternatives Methods include: Brainstorming Electronic Brainstorming Nominal Group Technique Brainwriting --Write down four ideas and place on table --Select another person’s paper from table --Use new ideas to generate additional or revised ideas --Keep selecting new papers & adding ideas until time is up --After 30 minutes, collect all papers & evaluate

5. Evaluate Alternatives In the basic problem-solving procedure: Eliminate unacceptable alternatives Combine similar alternatives Eliminate alternatives that don’t meet must criteria Compare remaining alternatives to want criteria Assign numerical values & calculate totals> Nova Development

6. Select Best Alternative In the basic problem-solving procedure: Decision reached by: --Consensus --Compromise --Vote Discuss how to implement best alternative Nova Development

Selecting Group Format Forum Roundtable Symposium Panel

Group Discussion 9 How effective is the following problem-solving discussion (p. 272 in text)? © Jason Harris

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