Making Decisions and Solving Problems

1
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

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• Chapter 9

COMM 240
2
Overview

• Introduction to group decision making
• Introduction to group problem solving
• Three approaches
• Practice

3
Decision-Making

• What are the steps in group decision-making?
• What methods and sources to groups use to make a
  decision?
• What are the obstacles to quality decision-making?

4
Steps/Elements in Decision Making

• Assess present situation
• Identify goals
• Identify alternatives
• Evaluate positive and negative consequences of
  each
• Selects one alternate

5
Methods of Decision Making

• Decision by inside expert
• Decision by outside expert
• Averaging rankings
• Random choice
• Majority rule
• Consensus
• Minority rule

6
Obstacles to Decision Making

• Failure to analyze accurately
• Failure to establish clear goal
• Failure to understand positive and negative
  consequences of alternatives
• Failure to think critically
• Failure to include others in discussion

7
Problem Solving

• The process of overcoming obstacles to achieve a
  goal.
• Problem solving contains elements of
• Undesirable existing situation
• A goal to achieve
• Obstacles that keep group from achieving goal

8
Top 10 Barriers to Group Problem Solving

• Lack of structure
• Lack of cultural sensitivity
• Lack of planning
• Lack of resources
• Wrong people present

• Time pressure
• Poor communication
• Unsupportive social climate
• Negative attitudes
• Lack of problem-solving skill

9
Three Approaches to Problem Solving

• Descriptive Approaches - how groups solve
  problems
• Functional Approaches - key task requirements
  (e.g., group functions) that lead to effective
  problem solving
• Prescriptive Approaches techniques that lead to
  effective problem solving

10
Descriptive Approach

• Identifies how groups go about the process of
  solving problems.
• Descriptive approaches describe the process of
  problem solving usually by identifying phases of
  problem solving

11
Phases

• Fisher
• Orientation (forming)
• Conflict (storming)
• Emergence (norming)
• Reinforcement (conforming)
• Scheidel and Crowell
• - groups go through the above stages but they
  spiral depending upon the issue discussed

12
Phases (cont)

• Gersick Punctuated Equilibrium
• Uncertainty and indecision
• Breakpoint
• Inertia
• Burst of activity
• Inertia

13
Phases (cont)

• Poole - Multi-Sequence
• - groups dont operate in phases but rather do
  several things at once
• engage in task and process
• engage in building relationships
• engage in the topic at hand

14
Functional Approach

• Involves both the descriptive approach and the
  prescriptive approaches
• Focuses on the groups communication when they
  perform a certain task, and identifies the
  communication needed for a group to reach its goal

15
Functional Approach

• Hirokawas Functions of Effective Problem
  Solving. Effective groups
• Develop accurate understanding of the problem
• Develop requirements for an acceptable choice
• Develop many alternatives to solve the problem

16
Functional Approach(Hirokawa)

• Assess the positive features of available
  alternatives
• Assess the negative features of available
  alternatives
• (use vigilant thinkers to accomplish above)
• Practice!

17
Functional Approach

• Summary of research communication essential to
  effective problem solving
• Analysis function
• Idea generation function
• Evaluation function
• Personal-sensitivity function

18
COMM Functions of Effective Group Problem
Solvers

• Analysis function
• Establish clear criteria
• View problem from a variety of perspectives
• Gather data and research issues
• Ask (appropriate) questions

19
COMM Functions of Effective Group Problem
Solvers

• Idea Generation Function
• Search for alternativesmany (brainstorming)
• Make high quality statements to group members
• Take a vacation to revitalize group

20
COMM Functions of Effective Group Problem
Solvers

• Evaluation function
• Examine pros and cons of possible solutions
• Evaluate opinions and assumptions of others
• Test solutions to see if they meet established
  criteria

21
COMM Functions of Effective Group Problem
Solvers

• Personal-Sensitivity Function
• Concerned for both task and feelings of others
• Listen to minority arguments and opinions

22
Prescriptive Approach

• Provides specific recommendations and guidelines
  for effective problem solving
• How to engage in effective group work
• Frequently rejected as seen as too planned and
  rigid for the uniqueness of each decision making
  group

23
Cultural Assumptions

• Be mindful
• Be flexible
• Tolerate uncertainty
• Ask questions
• Be other-oriented