Lecture 12 - Small Group Communication

8/3/2019 Lecture 12 - Small Group Communication

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Small Group CommunicationSmall Group Communication

IdeaIdea Generating GroupsGenerating GroupsPersonal Growth GroupsPersonal Growth GroupsInformationInformation Sharing groupsSharing groupsProblemProblem Solving GroupsSolving Groups


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IdeaIdea Generating GroupsGenerating Groups


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Exist solely to generate ideas and oftenExist solely to generate ideas and oftenfollow a formula called brainstorming.follow a formula called brainstorming.BrainstormingBrainstorming is a technique foris a technique forbombarding a problem and generating asbombarding a problem and generating asmany ideas as possible.many ideas as possible.


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The procedure:The procedure:1.1. A problem is selected. A problem is selected.2.2. Group members are informed about the problemGroup members are informed about the problem

to be brainstormed before the actual session soto be brainstormed before the actual session sothey can think about the topic.they can think about the topic.

3.3. When the group meets, each person contributesWhen the group meets, each person contributesas many ideas as he or she can think of.as many ideas as he or she can think of.

4.4. All ideas are recorded in writing or on tape. All ideas are recorded in writing or on tape.


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Four general rules are followed:Four general rules are followed:1.1. Brainstorm rule 1: Don t criticizeBrainstorm rule 1: Don t criticize

2.2. Brainstorm rule 2: Strive for qualityBrainstorm rule 2: Strive for quality3.3. Brainstorm rule 3: Combine and ExtendBrainstorm rule 3: Combine and Extend

IdeasIdeas

4.4. Brainstorm rule 4: Develop the wildest Brainstorm rule 4: Develop the wildest ideas possibleideas possible


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Brainstorm rule 1: Don t criticizeBrainstorm rule 1: Don t criticize All ideas recorded. Ideas not evaluated, nor All ideas recorded. Ideas not evaluated, noreven discussed.even discussed.

All your ideas need time to develop before All your ideas need time to develop beforeyou look for problems with it.you look for problems with it.Brainstorm rule 2: Strive for qualityBrainstorm rule 2: Strive for quality

List down as many ideas as possibleList down as many ideas as possible


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Brainstorm rule 3: Combine and ExtendBrainstorm rule 3: Combine and ExtendIdeasIdeas

You are encouraged to extend it or You are encouraged to extend it orcombine it in some way.combine it in some way.Brainstorm rule 4: Develop the wildest Brainstorm rule 4: Develop the wildest ideas possibleideas possible

A wild idea can easily be tempered, but it s A wild idea can easily be tempered, but it snot so easy to elaborate on a simple ornot so easy to elaborate on a simple orconservative idea.conservative idea.


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After all the ideas are generated, the group After all the ideas are generated, the groupevaluates the entire list of ideas, using theevaluates the entire list of ideas, using the

critical thinking skills.critical thinking skills.The ideas that are unworkable are thrownThe ideas that are unworkable are thrownout; those that show promise are retainedout; those that show promise are retained

and evaluatedand evaluated


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Personal Growth GroupsPersonal Growth Groups


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Referred to as support group, aim to help members copeReferred to as support group, aim to help members copewith particular difficultieswith particular difficulties such as drug addiction, not such as drug addiction, not being assertive enough, having an alcoholic parent andbeing assertive enough, having an alcoholic parent andmany more problems.many more problems.Clearly therapeutic and are designed to change significant Clearly therapeutic and are designed to change significant aspects of an individual s personality or behaviour.aspects of an individual s personality or behaviour.Three types:Three types:

1.1. The Encounter GroupThe Encounter Group

2.2. The Assertive Training GroupThe Assertive Training Group3.3. The ConsciousnessThe Consciousness Raising GroupRaising Group


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The Encounter GroupThe Encounter Group Also known as sensitivity group or T (training) Also known as sensitivity group or T (training)groupsgroups

Assumption is that members will be more Assumption is that members will be moreeffective, both psychologically and interpersonally,effective, both psychologically and interpersonally,if they get to know and like themselves betterif they get to know and like themselves betterMembers are encouraged to express innerMembers are encouraged to express innerthoughts, fears, and doubts in the group, in whichthoughts, fears, and doubts in the group, in whichinteractions are always characterized by totalinteractions are always characterized by totalacceptance and support acceptance and support


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The Assertive Training GroupThe Assertive Training Group Aims to increase the willingness of its Aims to increase the willingness of itsmembers to stand up for their rights and tomembers to stand up for their rights and toact more assertively in a wide variety of act more assertively in a wide variety of

situations (Adler, 1977, Bishop, 2006)situations (Adler, 1977, Bishop, 2006)


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The ConsciousnessThe Consciousness Raising GroupRaising Group Aims to help people cope with the Aims to help people cope with theproblems society confronts them withproblems society confronts them with

(unwed mothers, gay fathers or recently(unwed mothers, gay fathers or recentlyunemployed executives)unemployed executives) Assumption is that similar people are best Assumption is that similar people are best

equipped to assist one another s personalequipped to assist one another s personalgrowthgrowth


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InformationInformation Sharing groupsSharing groups


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Purpose is to enable members to acquirePurpose is to enable members to acquirenew information or skills through a sharingnew information or skills through a sharingof knowledgeof knowledgeTwo types:Two types:

1.1. Educational or Learning GroupsEducational or Learning Groups2.2. Focus GroupsFocus Groups


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Educational or Learning GroupsEducational or Learning GroupsMembers pool their knowledge to theMembers pool their knowledge to thebenefit of all (law or medical student benefit of all (law or medical student

learning groups)learning groups)May follow a variety of discussion patternsMay follow a variety of discussion patternssuch as chronological pattern, spatialsuch as chronological pattern, spatialpattern, topical pattern, cause and effectspattern, topical pattern, cause and effectspattern, problems and solutions pattern orpattern, problems and solutions pattern orstructures or functionsstructures or functions


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Focus GroupsFocus Groups Aim here is to discover what people think Aim here is to discover what people thinkabout an issue or product: for example,about an issue or product: for example,what do men between 18 and 25 think of what do men between 18 and 25 think of the new aftershave lotion and its packaging.the new aftershave lotion and its packaging.

A leader tries to discover the beliefs, A leader tries to discover the beliefs,attitudes, thoughts, and feelings that attitudes, thoughts, and feelings that

members have so as to help an organizationmembers have so as to help an organizationmake decisions about the product ormake decisions about the product orservice.service.


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ProblemProblem Solving GroupsSolving Groups


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Work situationsWork situationsConflict among top managers revolvedConflict among top managers revolved

around issues of executivearound issues of executive responsibility andresponsibility andcoordination.coordination.Differences onDifferences on organizational objectives,organizational objectives,allocation of resources, appropriateallocation of resources, appropriatemanagement style, different personalitymanagement style, different personalitystyles.styles.


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The ProblemThe Problem Solving SequenceSolving Sequence1.1. Define and analyze the problemDefine and analyze the problem2.2. Establish criteria for evaluating solutionsEstablish criteria for evaluating solutions3.3. Identify possible solutionsIdentify possible solutions4.4. Evaluate solutionsEvaluate solutions5.5. Select best solutionsSelect best solutions6.6. Test selected solution (s)Test selected solution (s)


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S tep 1 : Define and Analyze theS tep 1 : Define and Analyze theProblemProblem

-- Specify the problem clearlySpecify the problem clearly

-- Limit the problem toLimit the problem to identify a manageableidentify a manageableareaarea for discussionfor discussion-- Define the problem as an open endedDefine the problem as an open ended

questionquestion rather than a statement rather than a statement -- Use theUse the questions concerning duration,questions concerning duration,

causes and effects to help analyze thecauses and effects to help analyze theproblemproblem


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S tep 2 : Establish Criteria forS tep 2 : Establish Criteria forEvaluating S olutionsEvaluating S olutions

-- Identify standards and criteria that will beIdentify standards and criteria that will beused in evaluating / selecting solutionsused in evaluating / selecting solutions

-- 2 Types of criteria2 Types of criteria practical criteria andpractical criteria andvalue criteriavalue criteria


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S tep 3: Identify Possible S olutionS tep 3: Identify Possible S olution-- Identify as many solution as possibleIdentify as many solution as possible

-- The focus is onThe focus is on quantityquantity rather than onrather than onqualityqualityS tep 4 : Evaluate solutionS tep 4 : Evaluate solution

-- Each solution isEach solution is evaluated according to theevaluated according to thecriteria that has been establishedcriteria that has been established


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Step 5 : Select the best solution in a problemStep 5 : Select the best solution in a problem- -solving groupsolving group

-- 3 methods3 methods can be used to select the best solutioncan be used to select the best solution1.1.

Decision by authorityDecision by authority (members voice out their(members voice out theiropinion but the leader makes the final decision)opinion but the leader makes the final decision)2.2. Majority rule (Majority rule (Abide by the majority decision Abide by the majority decision

through voting)through voting)

3.3. ConsensusConsensus (Unanimous agreement / everyone(Unanimous agreement / everyoneagreesagrees


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S tep 6 : Test selected solution (s)S tep 6 : Test selected solution (s)-- Solution (s) are testedSolution (s) are tested for theirfor their

effectivenesseffectiveness-- If the solution (s) are not effective , there isIf the solution (s) are not effective , there is

a need to go back to any of the previousa need to go back to any of the previous

stages and the process is repeated.stages and the process is repeated.


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ProblemProblem Solving Groups at WorkSolving Groups at Work

1.1. The Nominal Group TechniqueThe Nominal Group Technique2.2. The Delphi MethodThe Delphi Method3.3. Quality CirclesQuality Circles


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The Nominal Group TechniqueThe Nominal Group TechniqueMethod of problem solving that uses limitedMethod of problem solving that uses limiteddiscussion and confidential voting to obtaindiscussion and confidential voting to obtain

group discussion.group discussion.Helpful when some members may beHelpful when some members may bereluctant to voice their opinions in a regularreluctant to voice their opinions in a regularproblemproblem--solving group or when the issue issolving group or when the issue iscontroversial or sensitive.controversial or sensitive.


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The Nominal Group TechniqueThe Nominal Group TechniqueCan be divided into seven steps (Kelly, 1994):Can be divided into seven steps (Kelly, 1994):1.1. The problem is defined and clarified for allThe problem is defined and clarified for all

membersmembers2.2. Each member writes down (without Each member writes down (without

discussion or consultation with others) hisdiscussion or consultation with others) his

or her ideas on or possible solutions to theor her ideas on or possible solutions to theproblem.problem.


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The Nominal Group TechniqueThe Nominal Group Technique3.3. Each memberEach member in sequence states onein sequence states one

idea from his or her list, which is recordedidea from his or her list, which is recorded

on a board or flip chart so everyone canon a board or flip chart so everyone cansee it. This process is repeated until allsee it. This process is repeated until allsuggestions are stated and recorded.suggestions are stated and recorded.Duplicates are then eliminated. GroupDuplicates are then eliminated. Groupagreement is secured before overlappingagreement is secured before overlappingideas are combined.ideas are combined.


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The Nominal Group TechniqueThe Nominal Group Technique4.4. Each suggestion is clarified (without Each suggestion is clarified (without

debate). Ideally each suggestion is givendebate). Ideally each suggestion is given

equal time.equal time.5.5. Each member rankEach member rank- -orders the suggestionsorders the suggestions

in writing.in writing.

6.6. The rankings of the members areThe rankings of the members arecombined to get a group ranking, which iscombined to get a group ranking, which isthen written on the board.then written on the board.


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The Nominal Group TechniqueThe Nominal Group Technique8.8. Clarification, discussion, and possibleClarification, discussion, and possible

reordering may follow.reordering may follow.9.9. The highest The highest ranking solution may thenranking solution may then

be selected to be tested, or perhapsbe selected to be tested, or perhapsseveral high rankings solution may be put several high rankings solution may be put into operation.into operation.


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The Delphi MethodThe Delphi MethodIn this method a group of experts isIn this method a group of experts is

established, but there s no interactionestablished, but there s no interactionamong them; instead, they communicate byamong them; instead, they communicate byrepeatedly responding to questionnaire.repeatedly responding to questionnaire.The method is best explained as a series of The method is best explained as a series of stepssteps


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The Delphi MethodThe Delphi Method1.1. The problem is defined (for example, weThe problem is defined (for example, we

need to improve intradepartmentalneed to improve intradepartmental

communication ) What each member iscommunication ) What each member isexpected to do is specified (for example,expected to do is specified (for example,each member should contribute five ideaseach member should contribute five ideason this specific question)on this specific question)


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The Delphi MethodThe Delphi Method2.2. Each member than anonymouslyEach member than anonymously

contributes five ideas in writing. This stepcontributes five ideas in writing. This step

used to be completed throughused to be completed throughquestionnaires sent through traditionalquestionnaires sent through traditionalmail but now is more frequently donemail but now is more frequently donethrough email, which greatly increases thethrough email, which greatly increases thespeed with which this entire process canspeed with which this entire process canbe accomplishedbe accomplished


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The Delphi MethodThe Delphi Method3.3. The ideas of all members are combined,The ideas of all members are combined,

written up, and distributed to all members.written up, and distributed to all members.

4.4. Members then select the three or four best Members then select the three or four best ideas from this composite list and submit ideas from this composite list and submit these.these.

5.5. From these responses another list isFrom these responses another list isproduced and distributed to all members.produced and distributed to all members.


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The Delphi MethodThe Delphi Method6.6. Members then select the one or two best Members then select the one or two best

ideas from the new list and submit these.ideas from the new list and submit these.

7.7. From these responses another list isFrom these responses another list isproduced and distributed to all members.produced and distributed to all members.The process may be repeated any numberThe process may be repeated any number

of times, but usually three rounds areof times, but usually three rounds aresufficient for achieving a fair degree of sufficient for achieving a fair degree of agreement agreement


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The Delphi MethodThe Delphi Method8.8. The final solutions are identified and areThe final solutions are identified and are

communicated to all members.communicated to all members.


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Quality circlesQuality circles A group of workers (usually 6 A group of workers (usually 6- -12) whose task is12) whose task isto investigate and make recommendations forto investigate and make recommendations for

improving the quality of some organizationalimproving the quality of some organizationalfunction.function.The members are drawn from the workers whoseThe members are drawn from the workers whosearea is being studied; for example, if the problemarea is being studied; for example, if the problem

were how to improve advertising on the internet,were how to improve advertising on the internet,then the quality circle membership would bethen the quality circle membership would bedrawn from advertising and technologydrawn from advertising and technologydepartment.department.


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Quality circlesQuality circlesThe motivation is economic; the company sThe motivation is economic; the company s

aim is to improve profitability.aim is to improve profitability.To improve worker morale: because qualityTo improve worker morale: because qualitycircles involve workers in decision making,circles involve workers in decision making,workers may feel empowered and seeworkers may feel empowered and seethemselves as more essential to thethemselves as more essential to theorganization (Gorden & Nevins, 1993)organization (Gorden & Nevins, 1993)

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Lecture 12 - Small Group Communication