Learning Objectives

1.

Define group. In communication theory, a group is defined as a collection of people who interact verbally and nonverbally, occupy certain roles with respect to one another, and cooperate with each other to accomplish a definite goal. Some of our most important communication experiences take place in small groups. Today, groups are used, both online and offline, to solve common problems and make decisions by sharing information.

2.

Enumerate advantages and disadvantages of group decision making and problem solving. The advantages of using a group instead of an individual are that resources can be pooled, motivation is increased, errors are more likely to be detected, decisions are more readily accepted by those outside the group, and group members can enjoy the companionship and rewards of working with others. There are, however, potential disadvantages to group problem solving: It may encourage laziness among some members; conflict may arise between personal and group goals; the group may be dominated by a few; one or two stubborn members may create a deadlock; the group may make an excessively risky decision; and the decision itself usually takes longer to reach.

3.

Provide examples of how a group's climate affects its operations. To operate effectively, group members need to be supportive; exercise participative decision making; show trust, openness, and candor; and set high performance goals. The healthier the group climate, the more cohesive the group. Keep in mind that in group meetings, men tend to speak more often, and longer, than women. Thus women should make an effort to take the initiative, and men should give women the opportunity to air their views.

4.

Compare and contrast various decision-making methods. Groups use a number of methods to make decisions-decision by an expert, by chance, by majority, by the leader, by the minority, by the average of individual decisions, and by consensus-or the group can defer a decision entirely. Making decisions by consensus is considered the most effective strategy. When a group achieves consensus, all members have helped formulate the decision, all have agreed on it, and all will support it.

5.

Apply the reflective-thinking framework to increase your effectiveness at problem solving. The behavior of group members can be plotted and analyzed on a decision-making grid, which provides a picture of the relationship between concern that a decision will actually work and concern that group members will be committed to the decision. Most groups can improve their problem-solving effectiveness by using the reflective-
thinking framework, a systematic six-step approach to decision making.

6.

Describe and use brainstorming. Another technique that is useful in some situations is brainstorming, which encourages each member's potential for creativity. Brainstorming can help you change your patterns of thinking and find new solutions.

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