Chapter 6 Notes (Group Dynamics)

Group Discussion

A discussion with a group.

No

Is a discussion a debate?

Discussion

A cooperative exchange of information, opinions, and ideas.

Consensus

A unanimous or nearly unanimous decision/agreement.

*5-7*

Best group size in group discussion.

Disruptive Conflict

Conflict polarizing members making *personal victory* more important.

Constructive Conflict

Conflict using differences with other people to *improve* in a productive manner.

Constructive Conflict

Creates ability to explore new ideas and think outside the box.

Disruptive Conflict

Destroys a group by dividing it in half.

Symposium

Discussion format that is more *formal* -- presents *opposing points of view* presented by *invited experts* who deliver *short speeches* -- ex. school building a new gymnasium (speakers: architect, athletic director, & tax payer) -- *3rd person is discussion leader*.

Round Table

Discussion format that is often used in *business and corporate industry* -- ex. *budget meetings* -- *3-8* participants -- **most common discussion format**.

Town Hall Meeting

Discussion format where people assemble in a *large hall* and *discuss issues they have* -- *vote is normally taken at the end to settle the issue* -- now *technology* can allow it to take place via *internet or television*.

Panel Discussion

Discussion format with relatively *informal* discussion that takes place in front of an *audience* -- a group of *well-informed* people (*3-5*) sitting and facing a group of people that answer questions in faster discussion -- *panelists talk directly to each other* -- helps inform people on *public issues* -- an often *forum* in a panel discussion is where the *audience members ask the panel questions*.

Eager Beavers

Group member that brings up irrelevant topics.

Fence Sitters

Group member that is destructive and causes the presentation to fail.

Starts, Keeps Going, & Closes

How a leader organizes a discussion (3).

Face-to-Face Contact with All

Important in seating arrangements of group discussion.

Respect, Values, & Support...ALL MEMBERS SHARE RESPONSIBILITY

Important points for members to remember/have in group cohesion for group discussions.

Destructive Conflict

Leads to individual group members being more concentrated with personal victory than the success of the group (polarization).

Consensus

Nearly unanimous agreement -- reached in closing of a meeting, as well as a summarization and closing.

Questions of Interpretation

Questions about understanding various things (opinions).

Questions of Evaluation

Questions about valuing various things (opinions).

Questions of Fact

Questions pertaining to info (true/false).

Cramped Quarters

Something to avoid in the seating arrangements of group discussion -- *seems to INCREASE CONFLICT*.

Group Size, Seating Arrangements, & Group Cohesion

The 3 factors for success in group discussion.

Panel Discussion, Symposium, Town Hall Meeting, & Round Table

The 4 discussion formats.

Groupthink

The desire to go along with a group -- lots of *mistakes* are made this way.

Criteria

The set of standards the solution must meet.

Dewey System

The six step plan to solve a problem.

Define Problem, Establish Criteria, Analyze Problem, Suggest Possible Solutions, Evaluate Solutions & Select Best, and Suggest Ways for Testing / Carrying Out Solution

The steps of the Dewey System.

How to run a meeting, the people in the group, & issues the group will discuss.

Three things a a leader should know.

Brainstorm

To bombard the problem with fresh ideas.

Not Enough Face-to-Face Communication

Too large of a group size in group discussion leads to...

Lacking Diversity

Too small of a group size in group discussion leads to...

Symposium

Type of group discussion with a *moderator*.

Active Listener

Type of listener to be in group settings.

Conflict

What a good discussion will inevitably cause.

Disagreements

What can and will arise; however, we have to face those challenges head on and learn from them and each other.

Open-Minded, Able to Interact Cooperatively, & Is Not Competitive

What the ideal group worker is.

Moderator

What the leader is -- an impartial person who organizes a discussion.

Nitpickers, Eager Beavers, Fence Sitters, Wisecrackers, Superior Beings, & Dominators

What to avoid being in conflict management (6).

Discussion

Where dynamic people are welcome to change their minds as they hear other ideas and gain info.