Chapter 8 – Groups Part 2: Oct. 24, 2011

Reducing Groupthink Solutions focused on leadership – Solutions focused on decision making – Solutions focused on group members -

Improving Group Performance Through goal setting – –What types of goals work best? Through technology – –What decision making methods work well? Through diversity – –Distinguish betw short-term & long-term outcomes:

Group Performance Process loss can reduce group perf. –How? –Brainstorming example –

Group Polarization Group discussion strengthens members’ initial attitudes  polarization Typical Group Study: –What is the procedure/method? ‘Risky shift’ effect – what is it? –Dominant viewpoint - –Social comparison effects -

Conflict in Groups Groups w/mixed motives can create social dilemmas –If everyone chooses self-interest  worst outcome –Studied in lab using conflict games - Prisoner’s Dilemma as example (see Fig 8.9) Results? Resource Dilemma as example Non-zero sum games

Conflict Management Strategies Options involve use of a 3 rd party and extent of their power –Bargaining – –Mediation – –How do they differ? –Distinguish betw win-win and win-lose orientations:

Arbitration as alternative –Differs from mediation – how? –Differences betw conventional and final-offer arbitration: –Effects of arbitration on long-term outcomes?