Transcript Small-Group Communication and Problem Solving

Chapter 9:
Small-Group Communication and
Problem Solving
Characteristics of a Small Group
• Small-group communication
– Small number of people (optimum size is FIVE).
– Face-to-Face interaction (occurs in presence of all the
group members).
– Actively working together toward a common goal
Three Categories of Groups Used
in Organizations
• Learning groups- involved in seeking or
sharing information
• Self-maintenance groups- seek to inspire
desirable attitudes, understanding, and
communication patterns rather than
merely to inform.
• Problem-solving groups- make a series of
decisions in an attempt to solve a
particular problem.
Characteristics of Effective
Problem-Solving Teams
• Effective Teams are well organized
• Effective Teams receive periodic training
• Effective Teams examine assumptions and
opinions
– Example page 237
•
•
•
•
Effective Teams evaluate possible solutions
Effective Teams avoid groupthink
Effective Teams manage cultural diversity
Effective Teams operate virtually
The Basic Problem-Solving
Procedure
• Step 1: Define the Problem
– Discuss the problem’s symptoms,
seriousness, and impact
– Write the problem in question form
• Questions of fact
• Questions of value
• Questions of policy
– Define any confusing terms
The Basic Problem-Solving
Procedure
• Step 2: Research and Analyze the
Problem
– List all the topics that must be researched and
discussed
– Gather needed information
– Discuss the information and opinions for each
topic in an organized manner
The Basic Problem-Solving
Procedure
• Step 3: Establish a Checklist of Criteria
– What Are Criteria? guidelines that a group agrees to
follow to reach a solution.
– Types of criteria
• Task or Operational: Task criteria- relate to the actual
problem or task being discussed;
• Operational criteria- relate to group procedural matters
• Must or Want Criteria: Must criteria are required and want
criteria are desired items
– When to establish criteria
– How to use criteria effectively
The Basic Problem-Solving
Procedure
• Step 4: List Possible Alternatives
– Brainstorming- spontaneous contribution of
ideas by all members of the team.
– Electronic brainstorming- ideas are generated
individually by typing them and sending them
electronically.
– Nominal Group Technique- gives all team
members an equal chance to participate
– Combination methods
The Basic Problem-Solving
Procedure
• Step 5: Evaluate Each Alternative
– Eliminate unacceptable alternatives
– Combine similar alternatives
– Eliminate any alternatives that do not meet all
must criteria.
– Compare remaining alternatives to want
criteria and assign numerical values; calculate
totals.
The Basic Problem-Solving
Procedure
• Step 6: Select the Best Alternative
– Best solutions are those with the highest totals.
– Decisions can be reached through consensus,
compromise, or vote.
• Consensus- all members agree to accept a particular solution
even though it may not have been their original choice.
• Compromise- all parties forfeit some of their requirements,
but no one completely loses.
• Voting should be used as a last resort because it often
causes resentment by creating winners and losers.
Selecting the Group Format
• Roundtable- a small group discussion conducted in
private using the basic problem solving procedure; most
often used,
• Panel- a small-informed individuals discussing a problem
or topic of interest in front of a larger group; members
contribute freely and equally.
• Symposium- composed of small group of experts, also in
front of a larger audience; however, each members gives
a formal 5 to 10 minute presentation on an aspect of that
member’s expertise.
• Forum- audience members are allowed to participate
following a panel or symposium (question and answer
period, general discussion, or organized groups).