Page 404 - Effective group discussion theory and practice by Adams, Katherine H. Brilhart, John K. Galanes, Gloria J

Glossary 387

Phasic progression: The movement of a group through Problem solving: A multistage procedure for moving from
fairly predictable phases or stages, each of which is some unsatisfactory state to a more satisfactory one,
characterized by specific kinds of statements. or developing a plan for doing so.
Population familiarity: The degree to which members of a Problem- solving group: A group that discusses to devise a
group are familiar with the nature of a problem and expe- course of action to solve a problem.
rienced in solving similar problems or performing similar Procedural Model of Problem Solving (P- MOPS): A
tasks. five- step general procedure, based on the scientific
method, for structuring problem- solving discussions;
Postmeeting reaction (PMR) form: A form, completed P- MOPS is adaptable to any type of problem.
after a discussion, on which group members evaluate
the discussion, the group, and/or the leader; PMR Process conflict: Conflict resulting from disagreement
responses are usually tabulated and reported back to about how to do something.
the group. Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT): A pro-
cedure for planning the details to implement a com-
Power: The potential to influence behavior of others, plex solution that involves many people and resources.
derived from such bases as the ability to reward and Proxemics: The study of uses of space and territory
punish, expertise, legitimate title or position, and per- between and among people.
sonal attraction or charisma.
Power distance: The degree to which a culture emphasizes Q
status and power differences among members of the Quality control circle: A group of employees meeting on
culture; in low power- distance cultures, status differ- company time to investigate work- related problems and
ences are minimized, but in high power- distance cul- to make recommendations for solving these problems.
tures, they are highly emphasized. Question of conjecture: A question that asks a group to
Primary group: A group whose main purpose is to meet speculate or make an educated guess about something.
members’ needs for inclusion and affection. Question of fact: A question that asks whether something
Primary tension: Tension and discomfort in members is true or not, or actually happened or not.
that stems from interpersonal (i.e., primary) sources, Question of policy: A question that asks what course of
including the social unease that occurs when members action a group will take.
of a new group first meet or during competition for Question of value: A question that asks whether some-
power among members. thing is right, good, preferable, or acceptable.
Principled negotiation: A general strategy that enables R
parties in a conflict to express their needs openly
and search for alternatives that will meet the needs of Regulator: Nonverbal signals used to control who speaks
all parties without damaging the relationship among during a discussion.
parties. Relationship conflict: Conflict resulting from personality
clashes, likes, dislikes, and competition for power.
Problem: The difference between what actually happens
and what should be happening; components include Rhetorical sensitivity: Speaking and phrasing statements
an existing but undesired state of affairs, a goal, and in such a way that the feelings and beliefs of the lis-
tener are considered; phrasing statements in order not
obstacles to achieving the goal.
to offend others or trigger emotional overreactions.
Problem census: A technique in which members of a small RISK technique: A small group procedure for commu-
group are polled for topics and problems that are then nicating and dealing with all risks, fears, doubts, and
posted, ranked by voting, and used to create agendas worries that members have about a new policy or plan
for future meetings. before it is implemented.
Problem question: A question calling the attention of a Role: A pattern of behavior displayed by and expected of
group to a problem without suggesting any particular a member of a small group; a composite of a group
type of solution in the question. member’s frequently performed behavioral functions.

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