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Solving Problems in Groups and Teams (Overcoming Dangers in Groups…
Solving Problems in Groups and Teams
Approach and Strategies in Problem Solving
A Structured Problem-solving Approach
1.Identify the Problem
3.Develop Creative Solutions
brainstorming: A method for creatively generating ideas in groups by minimizing criticism and encouraging a large quantity of ideas without regard to their workability or ownership by individual members.
my experience: When we really need to come up with a solution, we often do this.
nominal group technique: A method for including the ideas of all group members in a problem-solving session.
4.Evaluate Possible Solutions
2.Analyze the Problem
Word the Problem as a Broad, Open Question
Identify Criteria for Success
Gather Relevant Information
Identify Supporting and Restraining Forces
force field analysis: A method of problem analysis that identifies the forces contributing to the resolution of the problem and the forces that inhibit its resolution.
5.Implement the Plan
6.Follow Up on the Solution
Decision-Making methods
consensus: Agreement among group members about a decision.
Minority Control Sometimes a few members of a group decide matters.
my experience: sometimes minority control can let things be solved more quickly
Expert Opinion: Sometimes one group member is defined as an expert and, as such, is given the power to make decisions.
For example, if a group of friends is backpacking in the wilderness and one becomes injured, it would probably be foolish to argue with the advice of a doctor in the group.
Authority Rule Autocratic leaders most often use authority rule.
example: The approach is also acceptable with routine matters that don’t require discussion in order to gain approva
Majority Control: A naive belief of many people is that the democratic method of majority rule is always superior.
Group Problem-Solving Strategies and Formats
Group Discussion Formats
Focus Group: Sponsoring organizations often use focus groups to learn how potential users or the public at large regards a new product or idea.
Parliamentary Procedure: Problem-solving meetings can follow a variety of for- mats. A session that uses parliamentary procedure observes specific rules about how topics may be discussed and decisions made
Problem Census: When some members are more vocal than others, problem census can help equalize participation. Members use a separate card to list each of their ideas
Parliamentary Procedure: Problem-solving meetings can follow a variety of for- mats. A session that uses parliamentary procedure observes specific rules about how topics may be discussed and decisions made
Breakout Group: When the number of members is too large for effective discussion, breakout groups can be used to maximize effective participation.
Symposium: In a symposium, the participants divide the topic in a manner that allows each member to deliver in-depth information without interruption.
Forum: A forum allows 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
One advantage of virtual teamwork is autonomy.
example: The company Automattic holds few formal meetings. There are few rules and no set working hours.
Overcoming Dangers in Groups Discussion
Unequal Participation
text example: Domination by a few vocal or high-status members can reduce a group’s ability to solve a problem effectively.
Pressure to Conform
There’s a strong tendency for group members to go along with the crowd, which often results in bad decisions.
my experience; sometimes even I don't agree with the group decision, I still conform it, because I'm afraid of having dispute with others
groupthink: A group’s collective striving for una- nimity that discourages realistic appraisals of alter- natives to its chosen decision.
Information Underload and Overload
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.
my experience: sometimes when all the members in a groups have something tp say, this problem happens
Setting the Stage for Problem Solving
Maintain Positive Relationship
Build Cohesiveness
cohesiveness The totality of forces that causes members to feel themselves part of a group and makes them want to remain in that group.
Establish shared norms and values.
4.Minimize perceived threats between members
2.Recognize progress toward goals
5.Emphasize members’ interdependence.
1.Focus on shared or compatible goals.
6.Recognize threats from outside the group
7.Develop mutual liking and friendship.
8.Share group experiences
Recognize Stages Of Team Development
conflict stage: When group members openly defend their positions and question those of others.
emergence stage When a group moves from conflict toward a single solution.
my experience: when something need to be done, group members can often compromise and come up with a solution quickly
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.
my experience: when a group decision is made, I will support the decision even thought I don't like it.
Problem solving in Groups: When and Why
Advantage of Group Problem Solving
Accuracy
my experience: When I make mistake, my teammate can help me correct it.
Commitment
participative decision making: A process in which people contribute to the decisions that will affect them.
Resource
For example, three or four people can put up a tent or dig a ditch better than a lone person
Diversity
For example, in teams that consist of both Asian-born and American-born members, Ameri- cans do most of the talking and are more likely than their Asian teammates to interrupt.
When to Use Groups for Problem Solving
Is the Job Beyond the Capacity of One Person?
my experience: sometimes the job is just too much for a person
Are Individuals’ Tasks Interdependent?
Is There Potential for Disagreement?
Tackling a problem as a group is essential if you need the support of everyone involved
Letting one or two people choose the destination, schedule, and budget would be asking for trouble because their decisions would almost certainly disappoint at least some of the people who weren’t consulted.
Is There More Than One Decision or Solution?
Groups are best suited to tackling problems that have no single, straightforward answer.
Question
I think the concept about emergence stage is really interesting to me, because in my experience when members feel the emergence to settle something they usually can come up with a solution really quick, but if they don't feel the solution they usually will keep arguing.
I think the concept of pressure to conform is really confusing to me, since I realized this kind of pressure, but I have no idea how to fix it.