CFR Chapter Nine

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9
S
mall Group Communication Problem Solving
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Group Decisions
Advantages include...

• Resistance to change reduced
• Decisions usually superior
• Decisions more readily accepted
• Hostility reduced productivity increased
• Job enjoyment greater
• Responsibility diffused

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9
Symptoms of Groupthink

• Illusion of invulnerability
• Shared stereotypes
• Rationalization
• Illusion of morality
• Self-censorship
• Illusion of unanimity
• Direct pressure
• Mind Guarding

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9
Managing Diversity

• Recognize actual differences
• Elect members for their task-related abilities
• Find goal that transcends individual
  differences
• Avoid cultural dominance
• Develop mutual respect for each other
• Seek high level of feedback

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Problem-Solving
Basic procedure includes

• Define problemgt

Solution
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Wording the Problem
Rules include

• Allow for wide range of answers
• Be specific rather than general
• Specify who should act
• Avoid bias wording

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Problem-Solving
Basic procedure includes
Define problem
Research analyze Establish a check list of
criteria gt
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Criteria

• Musts Wants

1. free software 2. 12 GB drive 3. 128 RAM 4.
Etc.
--1,000 max
--8 GB hard drive
--64 RAM
Must Criteria greatly reduces the search for a
computer.
Want Criteria used to decide among remaining
computers
Personal Computers
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Brainstorming Tips

• Avoid negative feedback
• Strive for longest list possible
• Strive for creative / unusual ideas
• Build off previous ideas

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NGT
Ideas are...

• Silently generated by individuals
• Recorded in round-robin fashion
• Discussed for clarity only
• Privately ranked by individuals

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Problem-Solving
Basic procedure includes
Define problem Research analyze Establish a
check list of criteria

• List alternatives
• Evaluate each alternative
• Select implement alternative(s)

(End)