Page 75 - Effective group discussion theory and practice by Adams, Katherine H. Brilhart, John K. Galanes, Gloria J

58 Chapter 3

also discuss how best to enact them in an ideal system. Good participant–observers in
a group understand what these components are and how best to use them to facilitate
positive rather than negative synergy.
A small group system works when members use communication to transform
information and other resources into outcomes that are tangible (e.g., a written
report, a group presentation) or intangible (e.g., a decision, a team orientation, trust).
We can begin to examine in detail how this process works by looking at those system
components: input, throughput process, and output.
Inputs Inputs are components from which a small group is formed and that it uses to do
The energy, its work, including the members; the reasons for the group’s formation; resources
information, and raw such as information, expertise, money, and computer technology; and environmental
material used by an conditions and forces that influence the group. In the church committee, members
open system that are with their diverse areas of expertise were inputs. For instance, both Sunni and Sally
transformed into had examples of bylaws from other churches, and Bill knew what to do to incorporate
output by throughput and receive tax-exempt status. All this information, possessed by individuals and
processes. shared with the group, served as resource inputs that ultimately affected both the
group’s deliberations and its success. Consider this exchange, after the minister died:
Sunni: I’m in shock from the past week, but I don’t want to give up.
Norm: Me, neither. We’re just on the verge of creating something that people have
been wanting for two years, and I want to see us keep going.
Marina: Me, too. It’s really important for me to have a church where I feel
comfortable, so I’m willing to give whatever time is necessary to pull this off!

Members communicated the high level of commitment they brought to this daunting
task and their willingness to see it through—important inputs.
Just recognizing group inputs is not enough to ensure group success. Group
members must regularly assess how effective those inputs are and determine how best
to enact them as they strive toward their goal. The following standards for inputs are
the ideal. Even though many groups rarely meet these standards, they should strive to
meet them. You will note that paying attention to the standards and working to come
closer to achieving them reflects a participant–observer perspective.
1. Members share basic beliefs and values about the purpose of the group. The
church board members made their commitment to the group and its purpose
clear: “It’s really important to me to have church where I feel comfortable”
and “I’m willing to give whatever time necessary to pull this off!”
Furthermore, the board members, while bringing different perspectives and
information to their problem, shared central group values and goals—they
demonstrated an invaluable team orientation. 12
2. Members understand and accept the group’s purpose. If half of the church
congregation thought that its purpose was to emphasize the split from the
original church and the other half thought the purpose was to create a self-
sustaining congregation, both parties would have been pulling the church in
different directions. Goal clarity is important.

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