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Group Communication Small Group Communication Term Paper

Rather than focusing on the problem that requires solving, group members are more likely to entertain themselves with methods they can employ to "win" other members of the group to their line of thinking or problem-solving methods. Behaviors that promote best practices in group decision-making include behaviors that encourage all team members to participate in strategic development and open expression of their thoughts, feelings and opinions such that each member feels included in the decision-making process (Johnson & Johnson, 2000; Katzenbach & Smith, 1992). To make this environment possible it is important each member of the team feel their contribution to the decision-making process and solution is important, even if their idea or proposed solution is not adopted once a final decision is made.

Other behaviors that promote best practices include appointing a team leader, not so much to govern the actions or activities of other group members (Katzenbach & Smith, 1992) but rather to consistently remind the group of their purpose, and to remind the group to stay on task and focused. Staying focused is often difficult when a group consists of individuals from diverse backgrounds and multiple ideologies, but it can occur with proper leadership.

Conclusion

Group communication can easily manifest into problem-solving sessions with positive outcomes when approached in an orderly fashion. Problem-solving methods often apply in group settings to facilitate open communication and...

It is important in a decision-making model one identifies which of seven traditional formations defined by Johnson & Johnson (2000) the group identifies with. Most researchers conclude that in a small group environment, decision-making by consensus offers the best possible solution and facilitates greater satisfaction among all members of a group. Even when consensus decision-making is not possible, it is important group leaders encourage all team members to participate, so each feels his or her contributions to the group are relevant and meaningful. Best practices encourage lack of conflict within the group environment, and expose group decision-makers to multiple alternatives for reaching acceptable solutions to the problem at hand.
References

Foundation Coalition. (2007, May). "Effective decision making in teams: Methods."

Created May, 2001 Foundation Coalition. Accessed 4, May, 2007:

http://www.foundationcoalition.org/home/keycomponents/teams/decision2.html

Intrax Technology Group, Ltd. "Problem solving tools and methods." Intrax Ltd. Accessed 4, May, 2007: http://www.intraxltd.com

Johnson, D.W. & Johnson, F.P. (2000). Joining together: Group theory and group skills, 7th ed. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

Katzenbach, J.R. & Smith, D.K. (1992). Wisdom and Teams. Boston (Harvard

Business School Press).

Group Communication

Sources used in this document:
References

Foundation Coalition. (2007, May). "Effective decision making in teams: Methods."

Created May, 2001 Foundation Coalition. Accessed 4, May, 2007:

http://www.foundationcoalition.org/home/keycomponents/teams/decision2.html

Intrax Technology Group, Ltd. "Problem solving tools and methods." Intrax Ltd. Accessed 4, May, 2007: http://www.intraxltd.com
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