GROUP DISCUSSION REVIEW

What are the 3 W’s in planning a group discussion? Who, When, Where Know the difference between public and closed discussions and which groups fall into those areas.

Public Panel, symposium, forum Closed Free-form, moderated free-form, standing committee, ad-hoc committee, round table, progressive Know the various discussion groups

What factors should be taken into account when choosing a topic? Interesting, significant, properly limited, know something about What are the characteristics of a discussion question? Clear + concise, objective, more than a yes/no answer

Characteristic of a question of fact. Evidence Characteristic of a question of value. Words like effective, good, worthy, better or their opposites Characteristic of a question of policy. Action taken; uses should

What should an outline provide the group? Fact – define key words Policy – suggest a solution Value – circumstances that might affect decisions

What are the three styles of leadership? Laissez-faire (non-directive) Authoritarian (directive) Democratic (supportive) What are emergent and appointed leaders? An outside person selects or the group votes; a person who just seems to take command

What are the responsibilities of the leader? Introduce Moderate Keep it moving Keep it on track Conclude

What are the responsibilities of the secretary? Definitions Major points of agreement and disagreement Issues that are important Issues to return to

What are the responsibilities of the participants? Prepare Take an active part Listen carefully Listen critically Respect Appropriate speaking voice

How does a clique affect a group? Distracts the group from reaching its goal What is cohesiveness? Group spirit What are task and maintenance messages? Task – keeps the group working toward the goal Maintenance – provides group harmony

Decision-making group A group with a specific goal in mind Enlightenment group Share information Symposium Group members giving prepared speeches before the group has a discussion on the topic

Syntality Group personality Consensus The group agrees on the outcome Compromise Each side gives up something in order to retain another part of the proposal

Majority vote One more than half False consensus The group appears to agree, but some members have held back their concerns and leave disgruntled

Four stages of a group Forming The group comes together; assess the capabilities of the group and participants; infancy stage Storming Adolescent stage; challenge differences; power struggle; create order and establish rules

Norming Teen years; begin to resolve conflicts over control and purpose; group becomes cohesive Performing Adult years; trust among members; work efficiently on details; bond of unity; each feels they are a key player