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