Group Discussion Chapter 5: Problem Solving Groups

Front 1

What are the Myths of Small Group Problem Solving?

Back 1

1) There is only one solution to a problem
2) our solution is the best solution
3) two heads are better than one
4) no conflict will arise
5) I must be like and like everyone
6) everything must go my way
7) every problem has a solution

Front 2

What are the Decision-Making Techniques?

Back 2

- Leader
- Concensus
- Majority rule
- Arbitrator

Front 3

What are the advantages and disagvantages of Decision by the Leader?

Back 3

Advantages:
- minimizes wasted time
- reinforces the traditional heirarchal business structure
- efficient in making administrative decisions
- works well if the group is overloaded with work

Disadvantages:
- Lack of Commitement
- Superficial or minimal group discussion and analysis

Front 4

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Decision by Majority Rule?

Back 4

Advantages:
- decisions are made quickly
- effective for prodedural matters
- needs commitmnt from entire group

Disadvantages:
- always winners and losers
- provides no protection for the minority
- losers feel their position is disregarded by majority
- minority will sabotage the implementation of solution

Front 5

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages for Decision by Compromise?

Back 5

-bartering technique
-combines best solutions

Avantages:
-one view is incompatible with another point of view
- allows discussion to continue

Disadvantages:
-low commitment
-diluted solution
-prevents alternatives since its too early in the discussion

Front 6

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages for an Arbitrator?

Back 6

"arbitrator" impartial 3rd party who makes decision

Advantages:
- arbitratator will brake stalemate, gets ball rolling

Disadvantages:
-Loser has to accept the ruling and except fate of the minority

Front 7

What are the advantages and disadvantages for Dicision by Consensus?

Back 7

"Consenses" all group members find the decision as workable and acceptable
-not first choice, third point of view, " Can you live with it for a period of time?"

Advantages:
-all members must find it acceptable
-product of thorough discussion
-increase commitment and stronger social dimension

Disadvantages:
-takes a lot of time

Front 8

What are the Guidles for Reaching a Concensus?

Back 8

1) Don't argue for your position
2) Don't assume this is a contest
3) Don't avoid conflict
4) Don't use conflict-reducing techniques
5) include the participation of all members

Front 9

What are the three Discussion questions?

Back 9

- Question of Fact
- Question of Value
- Question of Policy

Front 10

What is the Standard Problem Solving Agenda?

Back 10

1) Check-in
2) Analyze the problem
3) Brainstorm solutions
4) Evaluate the better solutions
5) Reach a consensus on best solution
6) Implement the solution

Front 11

What are the 10 Questions for Analyzing the Problem?

Back 11

1. What is the problem?
2. What is the question of policy?
3. What is the nature of the problem?
4.Whom does the problem affect?
5. How serious is the problem?
6. What are the causes of the problem?
7. What solutions have been attempted before?
8. What will happen if the problem is not solved?
9. What are the constraints for a workable solution?
10. What are three possible solutions that satisfy your criteria?

Front 12

What are the guidlines for the Brainstorming Session?

Back 12

1. Devote a specific period of time to brainstorming
2. every member must take notes, numbering each item
3. no evalutation of any idea is permitted
4. no questions, storytelling, explanations, or tangential talking is permitted
5. quantity of ideas, not quality is desired
6. the wilder the ideas the better
7. combine ideas

Front 13

What are the guidelines for a more effective discussion on Evaluating the Better Solution?

Back 13

1. Discuss one solution at a time
2. Consider its strengths and weaknesses
3. Consider how many constraints each solution satisfies
4. move to another solution quickly. don't get stuck
5. avoid lumping solutions into one large conglomeration
6. don't be afraid to challenge a solution,share reservations

Front 14

What are the three steps for Implementing the Solution?

Back 14

1. Plan a timetable
2. Assign tasks
3. Evaluate the implementation

4. Reanalyze the problem

Front 15

What are some ways to being Creative?

Back 15

- Go with second anwser
- seeing it from a different angle
- breaking the rules
- listening to famous voices
- having fun for a change