Communication & Decision Making in Groups Flashcards
Stages of communication process (4):
1) Formative stage.
2) Intermediate stage.
3) Revision stage.
4) Mature stage.
Formative stage:
Communication is tentative, and is primarily directed towards the leader. Common attitudes and norms are established.
Intermediate stage:
Sub-groups are established. Communication patterns develop as more communication occurs between members.
Revision stage:
Challenges to established patterns and structures (sometimes), and more communication in sub-groups (sometimes avoiding the leader).
Mature stage:
Communication is open between all members, and information is shared equally.
Group dynamics (4):
- Hierarchical status and power of individual members.
- Reward and punishment.
- Group norms (deviant but acceptable vs. deviant but unacceptable).
- Environmental factors.
Nature of communication in an effective group (6):
- Multi-directional.
- Open.
- Accurate transmission of ideas.
- Equitable participation.
- Expression of varied opinions.
- Disagreement seen as a positive opportunity to work through issues.
Group goals
A group goal may be defined as a future state of affairs or objectives that the members of the group wish to achieve.
Nature of group goals (3):
1) Individual goal structure (e.g. tertiary education).
2) Competitive goal structure (e.g. secondary education).
3) Cooperative goal structure (e.g. soccer team).
Qualities of effective groups (7):
- A co-operative goal structure.
- Clear goals.
- Achievable yet challenging goal.
- Division of labour best on individual’s skills and resources.
- Individual and group goals correspond.
- Individual’s commitment to group goals.
- Effective communication & information exchange.
Benefits of group decison making (4):
- Diverse skills, knowledge, ideas, and resources, theoretically produce better decisions.
- Group discussion can stimulate ideas.
- Member’s can correct one another.
- Collective memory.
Negatives of group decision making (5):
- Can lead to extreme polarisation of opinion or behaviour.
- ‘Group think’.
- Powerful people influencing group behaviour.
- Large groups struggle to reach decisions and can alienate some members.
- Lack of time for genuine discussion produces inferior group decision making.
Characteristics of effective decision making in groups (5):
- The resources of group members are fully utilised.
- Time is used effectively.
- The decision is ‘correct’ or of high quality & satisfactory to members.
- The decision is fully implemented by all required group members.
- The problem-solving ability of the group is enhanced for future decision-making.
8 Methods of decision making:
Note: no one method is best for all situations.
- Decision by the member with the most authority, without group discussion.
- Decision by the member with the most expertise, without group discussion.
- Decision by the member with the most authority, with group discussion.
- Averaging the opinions of individuals, without group discussion.
- Decision by a minority of group members without consultation of the entire group.
- Decision by a minority of group members with consultation of the entire group.
- Decision by a majority vote following group discussion.
- Decision by consensus following group discussion.
(1) Decision by authority without discussion- adv/dis:
- Does not use member’s resources or knowledge.
- No commitment to implementing decision by members.
- May result in sabotage of decision; leads to resentment.
- Useful for simple, urgent decisions with little time available; or where group members lack information or expertise; or when responsibility rests with one person.
