SOLVING PROBLEMS IN GROUPS

SOLVING PROBLEMS IN GROUPS

1. PROBLEM SOLVING IN GROUPS: WHEN AND WHY

   • Advantages of Group Problem Solving: Groups can produce more solutions of higher quality to a problem than individuals working alone. (Resources, Accuracy, Commitment: participative decision making: pp contribute to the decision that will affect them)
   • When To Use Groups for Problem Solving. Is the job too big for 1 person to manage? Are individual's tasks interdependent? Is there more than 1 decision or solution? Is ther potential or disagreement?

2. GROUP PROBLEM-SOLVING STRATEGIES AND FORMATS

   • Problem Solving Formats.
     • Breakout Groups used to maximize effective participation.
     • Problem census works when some members are more vocal than others.
     • Focus Group: members' comments used by decision makers to figure out how people in the wider world might react to ideas.
     • Parliamentary Procedure: observes specific rules about how topics may be discussed and decisions made.
     • Panel Discussion: participants talk over the topic informally.
     • Symposium: participants divide the topic in a manner that allows each member to deliver in-depth info without interruption.
     • Forum: allows nonmembers to add their opinions to the group's deliberations before the group makes a decision.
   • Solving Problems in Virtual Groups. Typing takes more effort than speaking, messages conveyed via computer can lack the detail of spoken ones.

3. APPROACHES AND STAGES IN PROBLEM SOLVING

   • A Structured Problem-Solving Approach. 1.IDENTIFY THE PROB: Determine the group's goal - Determine individual members' goals/ 2. ANALYZE THE PROB: Word the problem as a broad, open question - Identify criteria for success - Gather relevant information - Identify supporting and restraining forces/ 3. DEVELOP CREATIVE SOLUTIONS THROUGH BRAINSTORMING OR THE NORMAL GROUP TACHNIQUE: Avoid criticism at this stage - Encourage "freewheeling" ideas - Develop a large number of ideas - Combine 2 or more individual ideas/ 4. EVALUATE THE SOLUTIONS BY ASKING WHICH SOLUTION: Will best produce the desired changes - is most achievable - contains the fewest serious disadvantages/ 5. IMPLEMENT THE PLAN: Identify specific tasks - Determine necessary resources - Define individual responsibilities - Provide for emergencies/ 6. FOLLOW UP THE SOLUTION: Meet to evaluate progress - Revise approach as necessary.
   • Force Field Analysis: a list of forces that help and hinder the group. Brainstorming: Criticism is Forbidden, Freewheeling is Encouraged, Quantity is Sought, Combination ans Improvement are Desirable.
   • Developmental Stages in Problem-Solving Groups: Orientation Stage-Conflict Stage-Emergence Stage-Reinforcement Stage

4. MAINTAINING POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS

   • Baisc skills: Mutual respect, Win-win problem solving method
   • Building Cohensiveness: Cohensiveness is the degree to which members feel connected with and committed to their group.
     • 1. Share or Compatible Goals/ 2. Progress Toward Goals/ 3. Shared Norms and Values/ 4. Lack of Perceived Threat Between Members/ 5. Interdependence of Members/ 6. Threat from Outside the Group/ 7. Mutual Attraction and Friendship/ 8. Shared Group Experiences.

5. OVERCOMING DANGERS IN GROUP DISCUSSION

   • Information Underload: when a group lacks info necessary to operate effectively. Information overload: the rate or complexity of material is too great to manage.
   • Unequal Participation
   • Pressure to Conform: tendency for group members to go along with the crowd