Communications 10-11

Problem Solving

A complex process in which groups make multiple decisions as they analyze a problem and develop a plan for solving the problem or reducing its harmful effects

5-M Model of Leadership Effectiveness

An integrated model of leadership effectiveness that emphasizes specific communication strategies and skills

Agenda

An outline that puts the meeting topics in the order they will be discussed

Committees

Are created by a larger group or by a person in a position of authority to take on specific tasks

Two-Thirds Vote

At least twice as many group members vote for a proposal as against it

Avoidant Decision Makers

Feel uncomfortable making decisions

Task Roles

Focus on communication behaviors that help manage a task and complete a job

Decreasing Options Technique (DOT)

Helps groups reduce and refine a large number of suggestions and ideas into a manageable set of options

Democratic Leaders

Promotes the social equality and interests of group members and shares decision making, and gives entire group credit

Forum

Provides an opportunity for audience members to comment or ask questions

Deliberation

A collective, critical thinking process that enlists the values of democracy and puts them in a communication context

Brainstorming

A fairly simple and popular method, used for generating as many ideas a possible in a short period of time

Self-Centered Roles

A member puts their own goals ahead of the group's goal and other members needs

Meeting

A scheduled gathering of group members for a structured discussion guided by a designated chairperson

Nominal Group Technique (NGT)

A way of maximizing participation on problem solving while minimizing some of the interpersonal problems associated with group interaction

Leadership

Ability to make strategic decisions and use communication to mobilize group members toward achieving a common goal

Task-Structure

Can range from disorganized and chaotic to highly organized and rule driven

Rational Decision Makers

Carefully weigh information and options before making a decision

Situational Leadership Theory

Claims that effective leaders use different leadership strategies and style depending on the situation

Standard Agenda

Clarifying the task at hand, understanding and analyzing the problem, assessing possible solutions, and implementing the decision or plan

Questions of Value

Consider the worth or significance of something

Questions of Conjecture

Examine the possibility of something happening in the future using valid facts and expert opinions to reach the most probable conclusion

Styles Theory of Leadership

Examines a collection of specific behaviors that constitute three distinct leadership styles such as autocratic, democratic, and laissez-faire

Relationship-Motivated Leaders

Gain satisfaction from working well with other people even if the cost is failing to complete a task

Symposium

Group members present short, uninterrupted presentations on different aspects of a topic for the benefit of an audience

Authority rule

Groups may be asked to gather information for and recommend decisions to another person or larger group

Work Groups

Groups that are responsible for making decisions, solving problems, implementing projects, or performing assigned duties in an organization

Trait Theory of Leadership

Identifies specific characteristics associated with leadership

Governance Groups

Includes state legislatures, city and county councils, and governing boards of public agencies and educational institutions make policy decisions in public settings

Maintenance Roles

Influence how well group members get along with one another while pursuing a common goal

Questions of Policy

Investigate a course of action for implementing a plan

Questions of Fact

Investigate the truth, reliability, and cause of something using the best information available

Laissez-Faire Leaders

Lets the group take charge of all decisions and actions

Intuitive Decision Makers

Make decisions based on instincts, feelings, impressions, or hunches

Constructive Nonconformity

Occurs when a member resists a norm while still working to promote the group goal

Destructive Nonconformity

Occurs when a member resists conformity without regard for the best interests of the group and its goal, such as showing up late to attract attention

Hidden Agenda

Occurs when a member's private goals conflict with the group's goals

Analysis Paralysis

Occurs when groups are so focused on analyzing a problem that they fail to make a decision

Group Role

Pattern of behaviors associated with an expected function within a particular group context

Decision Making

Refers to making a judgement, reaching a conclusion, or making up your mind

Consensus

Represent group agreement which all members have a part in shaping, and that all find at least minimally acceptable as a means of accomplishing some mutual goals

Majority Vote

Requires that more than half the members vote in favor of a proposal

Autocratic Leaders

Seek power and authority by controlling the direction and outcome of a discussion, making many of the group's decisions, giving orders, and expecting followers to carry out those orders, and taking credit for successful results

Norms

Sets of expectations held by group members concerning what kinds of behavior or opinions are acceptable or unacceptable, good or bad, right or wrong

Panel Discussion

Several people interact about a common topic to educate, influence, or entertain an audience

Primary Tension

Social unease and inhibitions that accompany the getting-aquanted period in a new group

Dependent Decision Makers

Solicit the advice and opinions of others before making a decision

Leader-Member Relations

Task structure and power and can be positive, neutral, or negative

Spontaneous Decision Makers

Tend to be impulsive and make quick decisions on the spur of the moment

Secondary Tension

The frustrations and personality conflicts experienced by group members as they compete for social acceptance, status, and achievement

Group Communication

The interaction of three or more interdependent people working to achieve a common goal

Cohesion

The mutual attraction that holds the members of a group together as expressed in the saying, "All for one and one for all!"

Minutes

The written record of a group's discussion and activities

Task-Motivated Leaders

These leaders want to get the job done

Public Groups

Type of group that discusses issues in front of or for the benefit of the public

Work Teams

Usually given full responsibility and resources for their performance