COMM 2011 Verderber, Verderber, Sellnow Chapter 10 Problem-Solving in Groups 2011 Cengage Learning Learning Outcomes LO1 Identify the steps in the problemsolving process LO2 Discuss shared leadership roles
LO3 Examine ways to make meeting effective LO4 Identify ways that groups can communicate solutions 2011 Cengage Learning LO1 Identify steps in the problem solving process
2011 Cengage Learning LO1 The Problem Solving Process 2011 Cengage Learning Step One: Identify and Define the Problem Problem definition a formal written
statement describing the problem. Questions of fact asks what is true. Questions of value asks whether something is moral. Questions of policy asks what course of action should be taken. 2011 Cengage Learning LO
1 1 LO Step Two: Analyze The Problem 2011 Cengage Learning LO
1 Step Three: Determine Criteria 2011 Cengage Learning Step Four: Identify Alternative Solutions One of the most important activities of problem solving is
coming up with solution ideas. Brainstorming uncritical, nonevaluative process of generating ideas by being creative, suspending judgment, and combining ideas. 2011 Cengage Learning LO1 Step Five: Evaluate Solutions and Decide
Expert opinion method member with most expertise makes final decision. Average group method alternative with highest average rank Majority rule method alternative that has most votes is selected. LO1
2011 Cengage Learning Step Five: Evaluate Solutions and Decide Unanimous decision method group deliberates until all members agree. Consensus method group deliberates until
all find an acceptable solution. LO1 2011 Cengage Learning Step Six: Implement the Solution What tasks are required by the solution?
Who will carry out the tasks? What is a reasonable time frame for completion? LO1 2011 Cengage Learning LO2 Discuss shared leadership roles
2011 Cengage Learning Shared Leadership Leadership is a set of functions that can be performed by one or all group members. Informal leaders group members who emerge to help meet group challenges. Shared leadership functions roles
that members perform to facilitate groups work. 2011 Cengage Learning LO2 LO 2 Leadership Roles
2011 Cengage Learning Task Roles Information/opinion givers Information/opinion seekers Information/opinion analyzers LO2
2011 Cengage Learning Maintenance Roles Supporters Interpreters Harmonizers Mediators Tension Relievers 2
2011 Cengage Learning LO Procedural Roles Logistics coordinators Expediters Gatekeepers Recorders LO2
2011 Cengage Learning LO3 Examine ways to make meetings effective 2011 Cengage Learning Guidelines for Leaders: Before the Meeting
LO3 1.Prepare and distribute an agenda. 2. Decide who should attend 3. Manage meeting logistics 4. Speak with each particpant 2011 Cengage Learning
Guidelines for Leaders: LO3 During the Meeting 1. Review and modify the agenda 2. Monitor member interaction 3. Monitor the time 4. Praise in public, reprimand in private 5. Check periodically for a decision 6. Implement the groups decision rules 7. Summarize decisions and assignments 8. Set the next meeting
2011 Cengage Learning Guidelines for Leaders: Following Up 1.Review the meeting outcomes and process. 2.Prepare and distribute a meeting summary. 3.Repair damaged relationships. 4.Conduct informal progress reports.
2011 Cengage Learning LO3 Guidelines for Participants: Before the Meeting 1.Study the agenda 2. Study the minutes 3. Do your homework 4. List questions
5.Play to play leadership role LO3 2011 Cengage Learning Guidelines for Participants: LO3 During the Meeting 1.Listen attentively 2.Stay focused 3.Ask questions
4.Take notes 5.Play devils advocate 6.Monitor your contributions 2011 Cengage Learning Guidelines for Participants: Following Up 1. Review and summarize your notes. 2. Evaluate your effectiveness. 3. Review decisions.
4. Communicate progress. 5. Complete your tasks. 6. Review minutes. 2011 Cengage Learning LO3 LO4 Identify ways that groups can communicate solutions
2011 Cengage Learning LO4Communicating Solutions Deliverables tangible or intangible work products that must be provided to someone
else. 2011 Cengage Learning Written Formats LO4 Written brief short document that describes problem, process, decision
and rationale. Comprehensive report detailed review of problem-solving process. Executive summary one page synopsis of report. 2011 Cengage Learning Oral Formats Oral brief summary of a written brief. Oral report similar to a comprehensive report.
Symposium set of prepared oral reports delivered sequentially to a gathering of people. Panel discussion structured problem-solving discussion held by a group in front of an audience. LO4 2011 Cengage Learning LO 4
Virtual Reports Remote access reports computer-mediated audiovisual presentation of groups process and outcome. Streaming videos prerecorded video sent over the Internet. 2011 Cengage Learning
