Page 378 - Effective group discussion theory and practice by Adams, Katherine H. Brilhart, John K. Galanes, Gloria J

Preparing for Problem- Solving Discussions 361

Once you have decided on some tentative major issues or topic areas, arrange
your notes into piles, one per issue or outline item, or in subfolders on a shared
electronic space. Some of the piles can be further divided into subheadings. For
example, information concerning the nature of the problem might be arranged
under such subheadings as “who is affected,” “seriousness of the problem,” “con-
tributing causes,” “previous attempts to solve the problem,” and so forth. Organiz-
ing your information like this makes it easier for you to locate pertinent information
when a topic arises during group discussion, helps you prepare questions the group
needs to consider, and generally helps you and the group conduct an orderly and
comprehensive discussion of a complex topic.
When you prepare for a problem- solving discussion, your outline is likely to
contain some possible solutions you have found or thought of. You may have evi-
dence or reasoning that shows how similar solutions were tried on a similar prob-
lem or even some suggestions about how to implement a plan. However, such
thinking and planning should be tentative. It is easy to become attached to an issue
after you have spent hours preparing to discuss it, but it is absolutely essential that
your mind be open. Resist coming to a discussion prepared to defend your solution
against all comers.
The information- gathering strategies we have suggested here can be modified to
suit the particular needs of the group. For consequential decisions that will affect
many people, something like this full procedure should be used. However, for rela-
tively minor problems with few risks of making a mistake, the group can focus just
on the parts most relevant to the group’s problem. Use your common sense in
applying any tools.

KEY TERMS

Test your knowledge of these key terms in this chapter. Definitions can be found in the Glossary.
Bibliography Focus group Search engine

NOTE

1. David W. Stewart and Prem Shamdasani, “Online
Focus Groups,” Journal of Advertising, 46 (January
2017): 48–60.

gal37018_appA_353_362.indd 361 3/30/18 11:12 AM