Process View of Group Problem-Solving

Process View of Group Problem-Solving

1. Problem Solving Talk

   • Stage 1: Orientation
     • Begin with the purpose of the group and agenda of the meeting
     • Involve asking a lot of questions
     • Repeat questions in order to get oriented
     • Experiencing primary tension
   • Stage 2: Idea Conflict
     • Most complex phase
     • Suggestions of ideas to a problem (Ideas can be accepted/ rejected)
     • Attempts to persuade increase
     • Maximized without disrespecting others and others opinions
     • Leaders emerge
   • Stage 3: Idea Emergence
     • Longest (gradual) phase
     • Ambiguity emerges (ambiguous disagreement-modified/ muted dissent)
     • Decisions emerge naturally through group interaction
     • Compromise to achieve consensus, progresses toward unanimity
   • Stage 4: Idea Reinforcement
     • Enter with a strong emerging decision, reaches decision consensus and committed to the decision
     • The decision reflects real agreement rather than avoidance of conflict
     • Favorable views of decision proposal are expressed, then receive agreement and reinforcement
     • A strong spirit of unity and verbal backslapping
     • Solidarity is created

2. Role Talk

   • Stage 1: Primary Tension
     • Discomfort caused by unfamiliarity with the task and other group members
     • 5 major group roles: Task leader, Social-Emotional leader, Central negative, Tension Releaser and Information Provider
     • Jokes are shared to reduce awkwardness. Use safe humor.
     • Marked by silence
   • Stage 2: Secondary Tension
     • Discomfort caused by disagreement
     • A good type of tension, More secondary a group can manage, the better the eventual group result (More diverse viewpoints)
     • Marked by loudness
     • Overcome by role flexible, should play any role
   • More Episode of Primary and Secondary Tension

3. Occurs simultaneously

   • May temporary exits. Reasons:
     • Consciousness-raising (CR)/ Team-building talk
     • Relationship-building talk
     • Scheduled breaks and delays
     • Group think
     • Group flight breaks

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