Chapter 6 Group Discussion

Benefits In a discussion, group members help bring all sides of a problem to the surface for consideration. We tend to talk each other out of biases and preconceived ideas.

Drawbacks Some people who aren’t listening may repeat what’s already been said. People who do most of the talking seem to have the least to say

Verdict Group discussion works when we make it work. Whenever one group member decides to let others do the work, that person weakens the discussion.

Discussion Formats Panel discussion – informal discussion that takes place before an audience; purpose is to help audiences become better informed on public issues Forum: panel members invite questions and comments from the audience Round table: a group of participants (3-8) talk about a topic of common concern

Discussion Formats continued Symposium- formal, purpose is to present opposing points of view (“Hannity & Colmes,” “Hardball with Chris Matthews”) Town Hall Meeting- assembly in a large hall to discuss problems (Obama, Mayor Lanham Lyne)

Factors for Success Group size: 5-7 members is best Seating Arrangements: Circular seating, open area (close confinement produces high levels of stress, cramped quarters increase conflict and aggression) Cohesion- determines the success of the group. Members have respect for each other, share some of the same values, and look to each other for support

Group Problem Solving 1. Define the problem – What is the group’s goal, what needs to be accomplished? Note: (Many groups start a discussion without recording what happens. Later on, when they want to remember what someone said, they discover that nobody was keeping track. Select a recorder who will be responsible for writing down the minutes)

2. Establish Criteria for a Workable Solution (criteria- a set of standards) – what are your boundaries? 3. Analyze the problem – figure out what’s causing it 4. Suggest possible solutions during brainstorming sessions.

Group Problem Solving continued Brainstorming – a group bombards the problem with fresh ideas, every idea is welcome; none are rejected or laughed at 5. Evaluate each solution and select the best one 6. Suggest Ways for Testing or Carrying Out the Solution

Managing Conflict Only when we entertain conflicting ideas can we understand how complex most problems really are. Conflict, when effectively and sensitively managed, can be extremely valuable in our efforts to reach the best solution

Conflict as a Positive Force Develops when members use their differences to discover the best ideas and not to score points against one another.

Disruptive conflict Polarizes the members and turns discussion into a debate where personal victory is more important than a successful group decision.

Group Nuisances Nitpickers want everything spelled out and will quibble until they get what they want. (Be sure these group members get opportunities to speak, but insist that they keep their comments brief.) Eager beavers want to offer a solution whether or not they have given it any thought.

Group Nuisances continued Fence sitters don’t dare take a position until they’re sure of what “key people” will say Wisecrackers are the group clowns, people who seek attention in any way possible.

Group Nuisances continued Superior beings – look down at the whole situation; make these members feel needed Dominators – don’t know when to quit talking; make such persons recorders or evaluators

How to Contribute to Discussion Member Responsibilities: Be clear and simple. Reinforce what you say with looks and gestures Encourage members to react to your ideas. Questions like, “Was I clear?” “What do you think about what I just said?” and “Do you have any questions?” indicate that you want feedback Be interesting, speak with vitality and enthusiasm

Member Responsibilities continued Offer reasons for what you say Think before speaking, but don’t think so long that an opportunity slips by

Active Listening Even if you don’t have anything to say at a particular time, you aren’t free to stop listening. Examine ideas as they are presented and figure out whether you understand them Avoid making silly or irrelevant comments

Preparing for Discussion Think out what questions and objections might be raised about your position ahead of time Know how you work under pressure in a group setting If you start out as a silent member, people will expect you to be silent the next time, and you will eventually get ingored

Contributing as a Leader The group should designate a leader so that members of the group know who is responsible for settling disputes and maintaining a safe atmosphere Leadership may change with topic

What a Leader Should Know How to run a meeting The people in the group Issues the group will discuss

Beginning Moderator (the leader of the group is first and foremost a moderator) begins discussion, keeps it moving, and brings it to a close A useful method for starting a discussion is to pose a question directed to the group as a whole

Types of Discussion Questions Question of fact – recall information relating to the topic Question of interpretation – group opinions Question of evaluation – ask members to agree or disagree with solutions

Good Interpretive Questions Contain doubt Can be answered Likely to interest the group

Keep the Discussion Going Good leaders strive for balanced participation They work to see that everyone participates and no one monopolizes the group’s time Have diplomacy (rely on tact and good humor)

Keep the Discussion Going Provide occasional paraphrases of what someone has said Leaders should also provide occasional summaries of what the group has accomplished

Benefits of Summaries Summaries help the group avoid repetition Summaries spotlight areas of agreement or disagreement Summaries help everyone know where the group is in the discussion

Leaders must set a good example Give positive feedback when appropriate Avoid negative nonverbal signs

Close the Discussion The leader must be alert to signs that the group is ready to quit Group may repeat itself Take up minor points Wander away from the question Be aware of time limits

Idea Conclusion: Consensus Consensus – a nearly unanimous agreement among the group’s members about a particular solution

Guard against “Group Think” Giving up an argument or position too easily just to go along with the group