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Small Group ((deliberate -- done consciously and intentionally.,…

- - - - During this step, group members generate possible solutions to the problem. Again, solutions should not be evaluated at this point, only proposed and clarified. The question should be what could we do to address this problem, not what should we do to address it.
    - - During this step, solutions can be critically evaluated based on their credibility, completeness, and worth. 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.
    - - During this step a group should analyze the problem and the group’s relationship to the problem. At this stage, group members can discuss the potential causes of the difficulty.
    - - 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.
    - - 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.
    - - We all engage in personal decision making daily, and we all know that some decisions are more difficult than others.Group decisions also benefit from synergy, one of the key advantages of group communication that we discussed earlier.
    - - Taking a deliberate and systematic approach to problem solving has been shown to benefit group functioning and performance.
    - - Before groups can make a decision, they need to generate possible solutions to their problem. The most commonly used method is brainstorming. To make brainstorming more of a decision-making method rather than an idea-generating method, group communication scholars have suggested additional steps that precede and follow brainstorming.
    - - The problem-solving process involves thoughts, discussions, actions, and decisions that occur from the first consideration of a problematic situation to the goal.
  - - - Advantages of small groups include shared decision making, shared resources, synergy, and exposure to diversity.
    - - Task cohesion refers to the commitment of group members to the purpose and activities of the group. Social cohesion refers to the attraction and liking among group members.
    - - Task-oriented groups and Relational-oriented groups
    - - These leadership styles can be described as follows:
        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.
    - - Different groups have different characteristics, serve different purposes, and can lead to positive, neutral, or negative experiences.