Solving Problems in Groups and Teams
Problem Solving in Groups: When and Why?
Group Problem-Solving Strategies and Formats
Setting the Stage for Problem Solving
Approaches and Strategies in Problem Solving
Overcoming Dangers in Group Discussion
Advantages of Group Problem Solving
When to Use Groups for Problem Solving
Maintain Positive Relationships
Recognize Stages in Virtual Groups
Group Discussion Formats
Solving Problems in Virtual Groups
A Structured Problem-Solving Approach
Decision-Making Methods
Information Underload and Overload
Unequal Participation
Pressure to Conform
groupthink---A group's collective striving for unanimity that discourages realistic appraisals of alternatives to its chosen decision.
Avoiding groupthink
Recognize early warning signs of groupthink.
Minimize status differences.
Make respectful disagreement the norm.
Information underload---The decline in efficiency that occurs when there is a shortage of the information necessary to operate effectively.
Information overload---The decline in efficiency that occurs when the rate or complexity of material is too great to manage.
Overlooking parts of a problem.
Confronting with too much information.
Encouragements
Keep the group small.
Soliciting groups opinions.
Reinforce their contributions.
Assign specific tasks to normally quiet members.
Offering communication-friendly gathering areas.
Specialize whenever possible.
Be selective.
Limit your search.
Majority Control
Expert Opinion
Consensus
Minority Control
Authority Rule
Agreement among group members about a decision.
Advantage:full participation increase the quality of decision making
Disadvantage:take a great deal of time, often frustrating.
unhappy members, inferior.
One of the group member is defined as an expert and is given the power to make decisions.
Sometimes a few members of a group decide matters.
Quick. Acceptable.
1. Identify the problem.
2. Analyze the problem.
3. Develop creative solutions through brainstorming or the nominal group technique.
a. Determine the group's goal.
b. Determine individual members' goals.
a. Word the problem as a broad, open question.
b. Identify Criteria for Success.
c. Gather relevant information.
d. Identify supporting and restraining forces.
Brainstorm
Use the nominal group technique
a. Criticism is forbidden.
b. Share a lot of ideas.
c. Share whatever comes to mind.
d. Combine and build upon ideas.
b. Implement the plan
c. follow up on the solution.
a. Evaluate possible solutions
Will this proposal produce the desired changes?
Can the proposal be implemented by the group?
Does the proposal contain any serious disadvantages?
Identify specific tasks to be accomplished.
Determine necessary resources.
Define individual responsibilities.
Plan ahead for emergencies.
Meet periodically to evaluate progress.
Revise the group's approach as necessary.
Accuracy
Commitment
Resource
Diversity
Groups have access to a greater collection of resources than do most individuals. Involving physical effort.
Increased likelihood of catching errors.
Participative decision making---A process in which people contribute to the decisions that will affect them.
Approaches and solutions we might not think of otherwise.
Is the job beyond the capacity of one person?
Are the individuals' tasks interdependent?
Is there more than one decision or solution?
Is there potential for disagreement?
Build Cohesiveness
- Focus on shared or compatible goals.
- Recognize progress toward goals.
- Establish shared norms and values.
- Minimize perceived threats between members.
- Emphasize members' interdependence.
- Recognize threats from outside the group.
- Develop mutual liking and friendship.
- Share group experiences.
Conflict Stage--- When group members openly defend their positions and questions and question those of others.
Emergence Stage---When a group moves from conflict toward a single solution.
Orientation Stage---When group members become familiar with one another's positions and tentatively volunteer their own.
Reinforcement Stage---When group members endorse the decision they have made.
Autonomy
Breakout Group---can be used to maximize effective participation.
Problem Census---help equalize participation.
Focus Group---learn how potential users or the public at large regards a new product or idea.
Parliamentary Procedure---observe specific rules about how topics may be discussed and decision made.
Panel Discussion---participants discuss the topic informally.
Symposium---participants divide the topic in a manner that allows each member to deliver in-depth information without interruption.
Forum---allow nonmembers to add their opinions to the group's deliberations before the group makes a decision.
Dialogue---A process in which people let go of the notion that their ideas are more correct or superior to others' and instead seek to understand an issue from many different perspectives.