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Small group (Advantages and Disadvantages of Small Groups (Advantages of…
Small group
Advantages and Disadvantages of Small Groups
Advantages of small groups include shared decision making, shared resources, synergy, and exposure to diversity.
In a democratic society, participation in decision making is a key part of citizenship
Groups also help in making decisions involving judgment calls that have ethical implications or the potential to negatively affect people.
Could have negative consequences given the lack of feedback, input, questioning, and proposals for alternatives that would come from group interaction
Group members also help expand our social networks, which provide access to more resources
The increased knowledge, diverse perspectives, and access to resources that groups possess relates to another advantage of small groups—synergy.
Discussion before Decision Making
Silently and individually list ideas.
Create a master list of ideas.
Clarify ideas as needed.
Take a secret vote to rank group members’ acceptance of ideas.
Decision-Making Technique
Majority rule
Decision quality is better than what less knowledgeable people could produce
Experts can be difficult to find / pay for
Minority rule by expert
Efficient in large groups
Minority may feel alienated
Minority rule by authority
Buy-in could be high if authority is respected
Unethical authorities could make decisions that benefit them and harm group members
Consensus rule
Time consuming
High-quality decisions due to time invested
Group Cohesion and Climate
Group climate refers to the relatively enduring tone and quality of group interaction that is experienced similarly by group members.
Task cohesion
The commitment of group members to the purpose and activities of the group.
Social cohesion
the attraction and liking among group members
Leadership Styles
Autocratic leaders set policies and make decisions primarily on their own, taking advantage of the power present in their title or status to set the agenda for the group.
Democratic leaders facilitate group discussion and like to take input from all members before making a decision.
Laissez-faire leaders take a “hands-off” approach, preferring to give group members freedom to reach and implement their own decisions.
Characteristics of Small Groups
focus on some sort of task completion or goal accomplishment
Different groups have different characteristics, serve different purposes, and can lead to positive, neutral, or negative experiences.
Types of Small Groups
Task-oriented groups
Formed to solve a problem, promote a cause, or generate ideas or information.
The three main types of tasks are production, discussion, and problem-solving tasks
Requires honed problem-solving skills to accomplish goals, and the structure of these groups is more rigid than that of relational-oriented groups.
Relational-oriented groups
Formed to promote interpersonal connections and are more focused on quality interactions that contribute to the well-being of group members.
although a family unit works together daily to accomplish tasks like getting the kids ready for school and friendship groups may plan a surprise party for one of the members, their primary and most meaningful interactions are still relational.
Group Problem Solving
some common problems include budgeting funds, raising funds, planning events, addressing customer or citizen complaints, creating or adapting products or services to fit needs, supporting members, and raising awareness about issues or causes.
Group Problem-Solving Process
Step 1: Define the Problem
Define the problem by considering the three elements shared by every problem: the current undesirable situation, the goal or more desirable situation, and obstacles in the way.
Step 2: Analyze the Problem
This step focuses on the “why.”
Step 3: Generate Possible Solutions
Making sure to have multiple solutions for each part of the problem
Step 4: Evaluate Solutions
Once the potential solutions have been narrowed based on more obvious differences in relevance and/or merit, the group should analyze each solution based on its potential effects—especially negative effects.
Step 5: Implement and Assess the Solution
Implementing the solution requires some advanced planning, and it should not be rushed unless the group is operating under strict time restraints or delay may lead to some kind of harm
Decision Making in Groups
Group decisions also benefit from synergy, one of the key advantages of group communication
Most groups do not use a specific method of decision making, perhaps thinking that they’ll work things out as they go.
This can lead to unequal participation, social loafing, premature decisions, prolonged discussion, and a host of other negative consequences.
Brainstorming before Decision Making
The originator of the term brainstorming said the following four rules must be followed for the technique to be effective: Alex F. Osborn, Applied Imagination (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1959).
Evaluation of ideas is forbidden.
Wild and crazy ideas are encouraged
Quantity of ideas, not quality, is the goal.
New combinations of ideas presented are encouraged.
Interactions among three or more people who are connected through a common purpose, mutual influence, and a shared identity