Page 251 - Effective group discussion theory and practice by Adams, Katherine H. Brilhart, John K. Galanes, Gloria J

234 Chapter 9

Recap: A Quick Review

roup problem solving and decision making are key throughput processes that
Glargely determine the quality of a group’s output.
1. Problem solving (a multistep procedure that includes analyzing a problem, creating
or finding solutions, evaluating the solutions, choosing the best, and implementing
it) and decision making (the act of choosing) are intertwined.
2. Groups can achieve an assembly effect when members work interdependently,
share what they know, and compensate for one another’s mistakes, so usually
group decisions are superior to individual decisions.
3. Groups do better than individuals on conjunctive tasks, when members have good
cognitive abilities and communication skills, when they all participate, and when
they create a positive group climate.
4. Without structure, group problem solving is haphazard and its ultimate products are
of lower quality.
5. The Functional Perspective focuses on five key functions that a group must perform
to succeed. Structured guidelines help ensure that these functions are fulfilled, but
no structured guideline is superior, although using any guideline works better than
using none.

Starting Out Right: Addressing the Charge,
Type of Question, and Criteria
Systematic problem solving works better than random problem solving because the
group is less likely to ignore or forget important elements of the problem- solving pro-
cess. Three such factors help a group focus clearly: the charge (including its limita-
tions), the type of question, and the criteria for evaluating solutions.

Understanding the Charge and Area of Freedom
Charge The charge is the assignment given to the group, usually by a parent organization or
A group’s assignment individual. Sometimes a group develops its own charge; neighbors who band together to
or task, often given try to reduce speeding in their neighborhood streets are not given the charge by an out-
by a parent side body but develop it out of mutual interests. The charge specifies what a group is to
organization or do; it usually includes the group’s area of freedom, or amount of authority it has, along
individual. with any limitations it faces. Are there budget restrictions? Is the recommendation to be
kept private or shared? Are there things the group should not do? For example, in recent
discussion of where budget cuts could be made at both Gloria’s and Kathy’s universities,
Area of Freedom
it was made clear at the beginning that early retirement incentives were off the table.
The amount of Make sure that all members of your group understand the charge: What is the group
authority and
limitations a supposed to do? By what time frame? What resources does the group have (e.g., money,
group has. computer time, secretarial help)? What should the group not do? What will the final prod-
uct be (e.g., a written report, an oral recommendation)? Who receives the final product?

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