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Communicating For Results
Eighth Edition 9 Small Group Communication & Problem Solving
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Columbia Space Shuttle Disaster
Associated Press NASA: Case Study
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Team Definitions, Uses & Types
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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
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Advantages of Teams Resistance to change reduced
Decisions usually superior Decisions more readily accepted Hostility reduced; productivity increased Satisfaction & morale greater Responsibility shared
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Types of Teams Learning groups Self-maintenance groups
Types include . . . Learning groups Self-maintenance groups Problem-solving groups
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Characteristics of Effective Teams
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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!
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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
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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>
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Groupthink Symptoms Illusion of invulnerability Shared stereotypes
Rationalization Illusion of morality Self-censorship Illusion of unanimity Direct pressure Mind guarding Image Club
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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
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The Basic Problem-Solving Procedure
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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6. Select Best Alternative
In the basic problem-solving procedure: Decision reached by: --Consensus --Compromise --Vote Discuss how to implement best alternative Nova Development
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Selecting Group Format
Forum Roundtable Symposium Panel
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Group Discussion 9 How effective is the following problem-solving discussion (p. 272 in text)? © Jason Harris
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The End 9
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