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

2. Columbia Space Shuttle Disaster
Associated Press
NASA: Case Study

3. Team Definitions, Uses & Types

4. 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

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

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

7. Characteristics of Effective Teams

8. 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!

9. 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

10. 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>

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

12. 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

13. The Basic Problem-Solving Procedure

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. Using Criteria
Musts: Wants:
--$2,000 max
1. Free software
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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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)

22. 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

23. 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

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

25. Selecting Group Format
Forum
Roundtable
Symposium
Panel

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

27. The End 9