The groups referred to in this course are task groups where group communication roles are played to increase the effectiveness of the communication in the groups. This is not the same as a group of people who are doing their jobs and their workplace roles are their job titles. Please contact your instructor if you have any questions about this.
QUESTION
Read all of the directions for Part I and Part II carefully before you start your work.
Reminder: The groups referred to in this course are task groups where group communication roles are played to increase the effectiveness of the communication in the groups. This is not the same as a group of people who are doing their jobs and their workplace roles are their job titles. Please contact your instructor if you have any questions about this.
Watch the following:
A Conference Call in Real Life (https://youtu.be/DYu_bGbZiiQ ).
The purpose of the group meeting in this video is for group members to discuss problems with deliverables and staffing and come up with a plan of attack in the second quarter.
Take notes while you watch the show so that you can notice and recall the use of, or lack of, group communication skills and group problem solving skills in a group communication situation involving their use of technology.
Your notes in Part I should be integrated into your answers to the assignment questions in Part II.
It is important for your answers to show evidence of your understanding of key concepts in this
Part II.
Read the following five questions. Write the answers to the questions, review your work, and submit your answers. Integrate the key concepts and key terms from this lesson and from lesson 4 and 5 into your answers.
The answer to each question should be approximately 6 to 10 sentences in length. You should write your responses in complete sentences free of spelling and grammatical errors. Please type your answers in a Word document and then paste your answers below each question in the space provided.
Before completing this assignment, review the Grading Rubric.
If you were a group member in this meeting, what group communication norms would you suggest to the group for the group to discuss in order to have more effective group communication in this group communication situation where they are using technology. Why? How could the group enforce these group communication norms?
What group communication roles would you suggest to the group would be most helpful for group members to play in order to help the group have more effective group communication in this group communication situation where they are using technology. Why?
What evidence is there in this video clip this group has discussed Step 1 – Define the Problem in the group problem solving process. What questions would you ask the group to discuss about the three elements shared by every problem? (Chapter 14.3)
If you were asked to play the group communication role of leader in this meeting, what leadership style would you decide to use. Explain why you would choose the directive leadership style, the participative leadership style, the supportive leadership style or the achievement oriented leadership style. How would this increase the effectiveness of the group communication?
What do you think are two important and effective strategies for group decision making? Why? How would you suggest these to the group so the group can discuss and decide which strategy they would use for Step 4 – Evaluate Solutions in the group problem solving process?
ANSWER
Part II: Analysis of Group Communication in the Video “A Conference Call in Real Life”
Question 1: If you were a group member in this meeting, what group communication norms would you suggest to the group for the group to discuss in order to have more effective group communication in this group communication situation where they are using technology. Why? How could the group enforce these group communication norms?
One group communication norm that I would suggest is active listening. In the video, there are instances where participants seem distracted or not fully engaged in the conversation. Active listening involves giving full attention to the speaker, avoiding interruptions, and providing feedback. This norm would improve understanding, reduce misunderstandings, and promote a more productive discussion.
Another important norm would be respect for different perspectives. In the video, there are instances of interruptions and dismissive behavior. By promoting a respectful environment, group members would feel comfortable sharing their ideas and opinions, leading to more diverse and innovative solutions.
To enforce these group communication norms, the group could establish guidelines at the beginning of the meeting. They could set expectations for active listening, such as turning off distractions and giving their full attention. Additionally, the group could emphasize the importance of respect and encourage participants to wait for their turn to speak without interrupting others.
Question 2: What group communication roles would you suggest to the group would be most helpful for group members to play in order to help the group have more effective group communication in this group communication situation where they are using technology. Why?
In this group communication situation, several group communication roles would be beneficial. Firstly, a facilitator role would help ensure that the meeting stays on track and that everyone has an opportunity to contribute. The facilitator would guide the discussion, manage time, and encourage participation.
Another important role is the information provider. This role involves sharing relevant data, facts, or expertise that contribute to the problem-solving process. By having someone designated as an information provider, the group can rely on accurate and credible information to inform their decisions.
Additionally, a relationship builder role would be helpful to maintain positive group dynamics and foster collaboration. This role involves creating a supportive and inclusive environment, encouraging active participation, and mediating conflicts if they arise.
Question 3: What evidence is there in this video clip this group has discussed Step 1 – Define the Problem in the group problem-solving process. What questions would you ask the group to discuss about the three elements shared by every problem? (Chapter 14.3)
In the video, there is evidence that the group has discussed the first step of problem-solving, which is defining the problem. They identify issues with deliverables and staffing and discuss the need for a plan of attack in the second quarter.
To further explore the elements shared by every problem, the group could discuss the following questions:
What is the nature of the problem? Is it a technical problem, an interpersonal issue, or a combination of both?
What are the underlying causes of the problem? Are there any root causes that need to be addressed?
How does this problem impact the goals and objectives of the group or organization? What are the consequences of not resolving it?
Question 4: If you were asked to play the group communication role of leader in this meeting, what leadership style would you decide to use? Explain why you would choose the directive leadership style, the participative leadership style, the supportive leadership style, or the achievement-oriented leadership style. How would this increase the effectiveness of the group communication?
If I were the leader in this meeting, I would choose the participative leadership style. This style involves actively involving group members in the decision-making process and encouraging their input. Given the diverse perspectives and expertise of the group, the participative leadership style would foster collaboration, generate creative ideas, and enhance group cohesion.
By involving group members in the decision-making process, it would increase their commitment and ownership of the solutions generated. This style would also create a sense of empowerment among the participants, as their opinions and ideas are valued and considered.
Question 5: What do you think are two important and effective strategies for group decision-making? Why? How would you suggest these to the group so the group can discuss and decide which strategy they would use for Step 4 – Evaluate Solutions in the group problem-solving process?
Two important and effective strategies for group decision-making are brainstorming and consensus building.
Brainstorming encourages the generation of a wide range of ideas without judgment. It promotes creativity and encourages participants to think outside the box. By suggesting this strategy, the group can create a safe space for sharing diverse ideas and perspectives, ultimately leading to more innovative solutions.
Consensus building involves seeking agreement and shared understanding among group members. This strategy ensures that all voices are heard and considered in the decision-making process. I would suggest this strategy to the group by emphasizing the importance of open communication, active listening, and finding common ground. They can discuss the benefits of consensus building, such as increased buy-in and commitment to the chosen solution.
To decide which strategy to use for Step 4 – Evaluate Solutions, the group can have a discussion, weighing the pros and cons of each strategy in relation to the specific problem they are trying to solve. They can consider the complexity of the problem, time constraints, and the need for consensus. Ultimately, the group can collectively decide on the most suitable strategy for evaluating solutions.
