Group Problem Solving

1
(No Transcript)
2
Chapter 5 Group Problem Solving
3
The Rational Model of Decision Making

• Consists of a structured four-step sequence
  identifying the problem generating
  alternative solutions selecting a solution
  implementing and evaluating the solution

4
The Political Model of Decision Making

• Assumes that people bring preconceived notions
  and biases into the decision-making situation
• Self-interest may block people from making the
  most rational choice
• Sometimes it is difficult to determine if a
  decision maker is operating rationally or
  politically

5
Simons Normative Model of Decision Making

• Based on premise that decision making is not
  rational
• Decision making is characterized by limited
  information processing use of judgmental
  heuristics sacrificing

6
Judgmental Heuristics

• Availability Heuristic A decision makers
  tendency to base decisions on information that is
  readily available in memory.
• Representativeness Heuristic The tendency to
  assess the likelihood of an event occurring based
  on ones impressions about similar occurrences.

Satisficing Choosing a solution that meets a
minimum standard of acceptance
7
Decision Making Styles
High
Analytical
Conceptual
Directive
Behavioral
Tolerance for Ambiguity
Low
Tasks and TechnicalConcerns
People and SocialConcerns
Value Orientation
8
Recommendations to Reduce Escalation of Commitment

• Set minimum targets for performance, and have
  decision makers compare their performance with
  these targets.
• Have different individuals make the initial and
  subsequent decisions about a project.
• Encourage decision makers to become less
  ego-involved with a project.
• Provide more frequent feedback about project
  completion and costs.
• Reduce the risk of penalties of failure.
• Make decision makers aware of the costs of
  persistence.

9
Advantages and Disadvantages of Group-Aided
Decision Making

• 1. Greater pool of knowledge 1. Social pressure
• 2. Different perspectives 2. Minority
  domination
• 3. Greater comprehension 3. Logrolling
• 4. Increased acceptance 4. Goal displacement
• 5. Training ground 5. Groupthink

10
Tuckmans Five-Stage Theoryof Group Development
Performing
Norming
Adjourning
Storming
Return toIndependence
Forming
Dependence/interdependence
Independence
11
Stages of Group Development
12
Tuckmans Five-Stage Theoryof Group Development
(continued)
Forming
Storming
Norming
Performing
IndividualIssues
How do I fit in?
Whats myrole here?
What do theothers expectme to do?
How can I bestperform my role?
GroupIssues
Why are we here?
Why are wefighting overwhos incharge and
whodoes what?
Can we agreeon roles andwork as a team?
Can we do thejob properly?
13
Size of the Group

• Small groups
• Large groups
• Social loafing
• Individual effort

14
Cohesiveness-Productivity Relationship
Cohesiveness
High
Low
High Productivity
Moderate Productivity
High
Performance Norms
Moderate to Low Productivity
Low Productivity
Low
15
Effects of Group Processes
Process Gains Synergy
Potential Group Effectiveness
Potential Group Effectiveness
Process Losses Social Loafing
16
(No Transcript)