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Solving Problems in Groups and Teams (Overcoming Dangers in Group…
Solving Problems in Groups and Teams
Problem Solving in Groups: When and Why?
Advantages of Group Problem Solving
Accuracy
Increased likelihood of catching errors.
Commitment
Participative decision making
---A process in which people contribute to the decisions that will affect them.
Resource
Groups have access to a greater collection of resources than do most individuals. Involving physical effort.
Diversity
Approaches and solutions we might not think of otherwise.
When to Use Groups for Problem Solving
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?
Group Problem-Solving Strategies and Formats
Group Discussion Formats
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.
Solving Problems in Virtual Groups
Autonomy
Setting the Stage for Problem Solving
Maintain Positive Relationships
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.
Recognize Stages in Virtual Groups
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.
Approaches and Strategies in Problem Solving
A Structured Problem-Solving Approach
1. Identify the problem.
a. Determine the group's goal.
b. Determine individual members' goals.
2. Analyze the problem.
a. Word the problem as a broad, open question.
b. Identify Criteria for Success.
c. Gather relevant information.
d. Identify supporting and restraining forces.
3. Develop creative solutions through brainstorming or the nominal group technique.
Brainstorm
a. Criticism is forbidden.
b. Share a lot of ideas.
c. Share whatever comes to mind.
d. Combine and build upon ideas.
Use the nominal group technique
b. Implement the plan
Identify specific tasks to be accomplished.
Determine necessary resources.
Define individual responsibilities.
Plan ahead for emergencies.
c. follow up on the solution.
Meet periodically to evaluate progress.
Revise the group's approach as necessary.
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?
Decision-Making Methods
Majority Control
unhappy members, inferior.
Expert Opinion
One of the group member is defined as an expert and is given the power to make decisions.
Consensus
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.
Minority Control
Sometimes a few members of a group decide matters.
Authority Rule
Quick. Acceptable.
Overcoming Dangers in Group Discussion
Information Underload and Overload
Information underload
---The decline in efficiency that occurs when there is a shortage of the information necessary to operate effectively.
Overlooking parts of a problem.
Information overload
---The decline in efficiency that occurs when the rate or complexity of material is too great to manage.
Confronting with too much information.
Specialize whenever possible.
Be selective.
Limit your search.
Unequal Participation
Encouragements
Keep the group small.
Soliciting groups opinions.
Reinforce their contributions.
Assign specific tasks to normally quiet members.
Offering communication-friendly gathering areas.
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.