Chapter 8: Group Discussion: Effective Decision Making and Problem Solving

Slide 1
Objectives

To describe how group meetings could have effective decision making

To explore ways of encouraging group participation
To explain techniques of creative group problem solving
Slide 2

Phases and Functions: General Considerations

All decision-making and problem-solving groups exhibit recognizable phases, which
follow certain paths to decisions and solutions.

Slide 3

MODELS
Multiple Sequence - Functional
Perspective
Slide 4
Multiple Sequence Model: This phasic model pictures groups moving along three
activity tracks: task, relational, and topic. Groups do not necessarily proceed along
these three tracks at the same rate or according to the same pattern. Some groups
may devote a significant amount of time to the relational (social) activities of groups
before proceeding to a task discussion; other groups may start right in on the task.
-

Principal Paths in Reaching Decisions

Unitary sequence: proceed in the same step-by-step fashion toward a

decision
Complex cyclic: engage in repeated cycles of focusing on the problem, then
the solution, and back again to the problem, and so forth
Solution oriented: the group launches into discussion of solutions with little
focus on an analysis of the problem
Slide 5
Functional Perspective Model: This model permits group members to
understand how the system of decision making works. Discussions that
follow some systematic procedure tend to be more productive and result in
better decisions than relatively unstructured discussions. (LaFasto & Larson,
2001)

Functions
problem analysis
establishment of evaluation criteria
generation of alternative solutions
evaluation of positive consequences of solutions
evaluation of negative consequences of solutions
Slide 6
The Standard Agenda: Structuring Group Discussion

Slide 7
The Standard Agenda: Places the emphasis on the problem initially to
counteract premature consideration of solutions (the solution-oriented path). It is a
highly effective, structured method for decision making and problem solving in
groups.

The Standard Agenda is a direct outgrowth of Deweys reflective thinking

process (reflective thinkinga set of logical steps that incorporate the scientific
method of defining, analyzing, and solving problems).
Slide 8
The Standard Agenda has six (6) steps

Problem
Problem
Solution
Solution
Solution
Solution

Identification
Analysis
Criteria
Suggestions
Evaluation and Selection
Implementation
Slide 9

Problem Identification: Whats the Question?

The problem should be formulated into an open-ended question identifying
what type of problem the group must consider. Questions may be phrased as fact,
value, or policy. A question of fact asks whether something is true and to what
extent, a question of value asks for an evaluation of the desirability of an object,
idea, event, or person and finally, a question of policy asks whether a specific
course of action should be undertaken to solve a problem.
-Examples

Fact: Are there dangers to nonsmokers from secondhand smoke, and,

if so, what are these dangers?
Value: Does permitting smoking on campus raise any quality-of-life
concerns?
Policy: What changes, if any, should be made regarding the smoking
policy on campus?
Slide 10
Problem Analysis: Causes and Effect

The group researches and gathers information on the problem defined, tries
to determine how serious the problem is, what harm or effect the problem
produces, and what causes the problem. Although analyzing the problem is
important and should be undertaken before exploring potential solutions, analysis
paralysis, or bogging down by analyzing the problem too much, can also thwart
effective decision making.