Communicating for Results Seventh Edition Cheryl Hamilton, Ph.D.

Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth 2 Chapter 9 - Small Group Communication 9 Opening Quotation

Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth 3 Chapter 9 - Small Group Communication Advantages of Teams Resistance to change reduced Decisions usually superior Decisions more readily accepted Hostility reduced; productivity increased Satisfaction & morale greater Responsibility shared Microsoft Image

Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth 4 Chapter 9 - Small Group Communication Definition of Small Group “Involves a small number of people, usually engaged in face-to-face interaction, actively working toward a common goal.” Microsoft Image

Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth 5 Chapter 9 - Small Group Communication Types of Teams Learning groups Self-maintenance groups Problem-solving groups Microsoft Image Types include...

Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth 6 Chapter 9 - Small Group Communication Effective Teams Well organized Receive periodic training Examine assumptions and opinions Evaluate possible solutions Operate virtually Manage cultural diversity> Microsoft Image Characteristics include... (Click for more on diversity)

Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth 7 Chapter 9 - Small Group Communication Managing 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 Microsoft Image

Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth 8 Chapter 9 - Small Group Communication Effective Teams (con’t) Avoid groupthink> Microsoft Image Characteristics include... (Click for more on groupthink) Well organized Receive periodic training Examine assumptions and opinions Evaluate possible solutions Operate virtually Manage cultural diversity

Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth 9 Chapter 9 - Small Group Communication Symptoms of Groupthink Illusion of invulnerability Shared stereotypes Rationalization Illusion of morality Self-censorship Illusion of unanimity Direct pressure Mind Guarding Microsoft Image

Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth 10 Chapter 9 - Small Group Communication Avoiding Groupthink Bring in outside experts Ask members to be “critical evaluators” Leader voices opinions after others Provide “second chance” to rethink choices Microsoft Image

Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth 11 Chapter 9 - Small Group Communication Define Problem Discuss symptoms, seriousness, impact Write problem in question form --Possible wide range of answers --Specific rather than general --Specific about who should act --Written in unbiased manner Define confusing terms Step 1 of the basic problem-solving procedure... Microsoft Image

Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth 12 Chapter 9 - Small Group Communication Research & Analyze Problem Step 2 of the basic problem-solving procedure... List all topics to research & discuss Gather needed information Discuss information & opinions in organized manner Microsoft Image

Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth 13 Chapter 9 - Small Group Communication Establish Criteria Definition of Criteria: Types of criteria: Step 3 of the basic problem-solving procedure... (Click for more on criteria) “Guidelines (boundaries, rules, or checklist) the group agrees to follow in reaching a solution” --Task & Operational --Must & Want>

Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth 14 Chapter 9 - Small Group Communication --$1,000 max --60 GB hard drive RAM Personal Computers Must Criteria greatly reduce the search for a computer. --Instant availability Using Criteria Musts:Wants:

Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth 15 Chapter 9 - Small Group Communication --$1,000 max --60 GB hard drive RAM 1. free software GB drive RAM 4. Etc. Personal Computers Want Criteria ranked & used to decide among remaining computers --Instant availability Using Criteria Musts:Wants:

Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth 16 Chapter 9 - Small Group Communication Awareness Check Use of criteria Check answers at back of book

Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth 17 Chapter 9 - Small Group Communication List Possible Alternatives Brainstorming Step 4 of the basic problem-solving procedure includes... --Avoid negative feedback --Strive for longest list possible --Strive for creative, unusual ideas --Build from previously mentioned ideas Microsoft Image

Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth 18 Chapter 9 - Small Group Communication List Possible Alternatives Brainstorming Step 4 of the basic problem-solving procedure includes... Electronic brainstorming --Ideas typed on computer by each member --Ideas stored for later group viewing --Software gives option of concealing identities --Very effective with large groups

Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth 19 Chapter 9 - Small Group Communication List Possible Alternatives Brainstorming Electronic brainstorming Step 4 of the basic problem-solving procedure includes... Nominal group technique (NGT) 1. Ideas generated silently by each member 2. Ideas recorded (in round-robin fashion) on board/chart 3. Ideas discussed for clarification only 4. Each member privately selects top five (After ideas recorded, #4 repeated until obvious solution reached)

Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth 20 Chapter 9 - Small Group Communication List Possible Alternatives Brainstorming Electronic brainstorming Nominal group technique (NGT) Step 4 of the basic problem-solving procedure includes... --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 up --After 30 minutes, collect all papers & evaluate Brainwriting

Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth 21 Chapter 9 - Small Group Communication Evaluate Alternatives 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> Step 5 of the basic problem-solving procedure... (Click for more on evaluating alternatives)

Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth 22 Chapter 9 - Small Group Communication Evaluate Alternatives Comparing alternatives with want criteria (version #1)... Want criteria Want criteria ---Free software (1 x)5 = 53 = 31 = GB drive (2 x)5 = 103 = 61 = RAM (3 x)0 = 04 = 123 = 9 ---Printer included (3 x)1 = 33 = 94 = 12 Totals: ComputersABC

Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth 23 Chapter 9 - Small Group Communication Evaluate Alternatives Comparing alternatives with want criteria (version #2)... ComputersABC Want criteria Want criteria 1. Printer included (4 x)1 = 43 = 124 = RAM (3 x)0 = 04 = 123 = GB drive (2 x)5 = 103 = 61 = 2 4. Free software (1 x)5 = 53 = 31 = 1 Totals:

Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth 24 Chapter 9 - Small Group Communication Select Best Alternative(s) Decision reached by: ConsensusCompromiseVote Discuss how to implement best alternative Microsoft Image Step 6 of the basic problem-solving procedure...

Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth 25 Chapter 9 - Small Group Communication Selecting Group Format Roundtable Panel discussion SymposiumForum Microsoft Image

The End