Page 280 - Effective group discussion theory and practice by Adams, Katherine H. Brilhart, John K. Galanes, Gloria J

Problem Solving and Decision Making in Groups 263

Recap: A Quick Review

number of techniques exist to help groups organize their problem-solving
Aprocess:
1. The Procedural Model of Problem Solving (P-MOPS) is a general, all-purpose pro-
cedure, based on Dewey’s work on reflective thinking, that can be adjusted to fit a
variety of problems.
2. The Single Question Format asks, What is the single question that when answered
means that the group knows how to accomplish its purpose? Its simpler structure
appeals to those who may prefer a looser order, and it focuses explicitly on building
collaborative climates.
3. The Ideal Solution Format engages members’ imaginations by asking them to
envision what the perfect solution would do and is particularly useful when
members and the groups they represent must accept the group’s solution.

Using P-MOPS to Address Complex Problems
We turn now to an in-depth discussion of P-MOPS, which we believe is one of the
most flexible procedures available to groups tackling any type of problem. In this
discussion, we identify the main goal for each step of P-MOPS and offer techniques
helpful to accomplish the goal.

Step 1 of P-MOPS: Problem Description and Analysis
In many ways, this is a deceptively simple step. Why? For complex problems, this step
alone can take up quite a bit of time. In addition, regardless of the complexity of the
problem, if groups shortchange this question, their subsequent work can be grounded
in misleading assumptions. The question to be addressed in step 1 is What is the
nature of the problem facing the group? Subquestions to think about are listed here.

Identify Problems to Work On How do groups find problems to address? Often,
someone—another group, a parent organization—gives the group the task of solving a
problem. Or, the group became aware of the problem and decided on its own to tackle
it. Sometimes, particularly in organizations or continuing groups, pro-active leaders
anticipate what problems loom on the horizon rather than waiting for them to become
obvious. The problem census is a “posting” technique used to identify important issues Problem Census
or problems. Thus, it is often used to build an agenda for future problem-solving meet- A technique in which
ings or discovering problems encountered by organization members. The steps are group members are
listed in Table 10.2. polled for topics and
The group prioritizes all concerns, problems, questions, or difficulties that any problems that are
member would like to discuss. The group thus establishes an order for which issues to then posted, ranked
by voting, and used
take on first; some of the issues or problems may be minor and can be answered or to create agendas for
handled right away. The remaining problems are developed into an agenda for the future meetings.
group to work on over time, with individual members usually taking the lead for

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