Group Discussion

by Young, Kathryn Sue; Wood, Julia T.; Phillips, Gerald M.; Pedersen, Douglas J.

• ISBN13: 9781577664758
• ISBN10: 1577664752
• Edition: 4th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-06-25
• Publisher: Waveland Pr Inc

Summary

"This affordable, concise guide to group discussion offers comprehensive coverage of the standard agenda, an approach that works for any problem-solving discussion. Readers learn a proven, relevant, practical approach to solving problems. The authors emphasize the creative potential of individuals and urge them to apply that creativity to their discussions, including imaginative ways to foster equal participation."--BOOK JACKET.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
1 Introduction to Group Discussion and the Standard Agenda	1	(14)
Perspectives on Group Discussion	2	(1)
Why Do You Need To Be an Effective Group Member?	2	(1)
How to Learn about Group Discussion	3	(1)
What Will This Book Do for You?	3	(1)
Where Will You Use Group Discussion?	4	(1)
Functions of Groups	4	(3)
Task Groups	5	(1)
Social Groups	6	(1)
Educational/Self-help Groups	6	(1)
The Value of Procedure	7	(1)
An Intercultural Note	8	(1)
Overview of the Standard Agenda	9	(2)
Why the Standard Agenda?	11	(1)
Complete	11	(1)
Flexible	11	(1)
Time-tested	11	(1)
The Choices Are Yours	12	(3)
2 Understanding the Group as a System	15	(10)
The Systems Perspective	15	(4)
Any Part of a System Can Be Understood Only within the Context of the Entire System	16	(1)
A System Is More than the Sum of Its Parts	17	(1)
All Parts of a System Interact Dynamically and Constantly	17	(1)
An Open System Interacts with Its Environment in Mutually Influential Ways	18	(1)
Why the System Might Not Work	19	(2)
Lack of Efficiency	19	(1)
Inhospitable Climate	20	(1)
Inappropriate Focus on Personal Feelings	20	(1)
Sacrificing Personal Integrity	21	(1)
Making the System Work	21	(4)
Effective Discussion Is Goal Oriented	21	(1)
Effective Discussion Is Regulated by a Public Agenda	22	(1)
Effective Discussion Requires That Every Member Be Responsible for the Group's Effectiveness	22	(1)
Effective Discussion Presumes Cooperative Efforts and Attitudes	23	(1)
Effective Discussion Requires Leadership	23	(2)
3 Exploring the Group System	25	(18)
Initial Elements	25	(4)
Group Size	26	(1)
Group Charge	26	(1)
Resources	26	(1)
Individual Members	27	(2)
Process Elements	29	(10)
Participation	29	(1)
Group Roles	30	(1)
Norms	31	(2)
Power	33	(1)
Cohesion	34	(3)
Decision-Making Style	37	(1)
Group Autonomy	38	(1)
Outcome Features	39	(4)
Effectiveness of Group Decisions	39	(1)
Individual Satisfaction	39	(1)
Changes in Environment	40	(3)
4 Individual Choices That Affect the System	43	(14)
Rhetorical Sensitivity	43	(1)
Perception	44	(2)
Verbal Communication	46	(3)
Active Listening	49	(3)
Potential Problems	49	(1)
Content and Relationship Level of Meaning	50	(1)
Listening/Feedback Styles	51	(1)
Nonverbal Communication	52	(2)
Interaction Cues	52	(1)
Spatial Networks	53	(1)
Seating Positions	53	(1)
Physical Setting	54	(1)
Individual Preparation	54	(1)
Troubleshooting	55	(2)
5 Making Effective Choices When Leading	57	(16)
Selecting and Shaping a Leader	57	(3)
Remaining Effective as a Leader	60	(4)
Member Needs	60	(1)
Situations	61	(1)
Inspiring Commitment	61	(1)
Behavioral Flexibility	61	(3)
Preparing for Leadership	64	(4)
The Agenda	64	(1)
The Group and Its Members	65	(1)
The Physical Situation	66	(1)
Personal Style	67	(1)
Strategies for Leading	68	(5)
Influencing Members' Perceptions of the Leader	68	(1)
Influencing Members' Perception of Each Other and of Themselves	69	(1)
Influencing Members' Perceptions of the Group as a Whole	70	(1)
Influencing Members' Judgments on Substantive Issues	70	(1)
Influencing the Pace of the Discussion	71	(2)
6 Creating a Constructive Climate and Managing Conflict	73	(14)
Role of Conflict in Discussion	73	(2)
Types of Conflict	75	(2)
Components of Constructive Climate	77	(2)
Cooperativeness	77	(1)
Openness	78	(1)
Rhetorical Sensitivity	78	(1)
Conflict Resolution Styles	79	(2)
Groupthink	81	(4)
Symptoms of Groupthink	82	(1)
Correctives to Groupthink	83	(2)
Additional Troubleshooting	85	(2)
7 Standard Agenda Step One: Understanding the Charge	87	(16)
GOALS OF STEP ONE	87	(3)
Understanding the Charge	88	(1)
Ascertaining Your Authority	89	(1)
Assess Your Resources	89	(1)
Knowing When You Are Done	90	(1)
Legitimacy of Topics	90	(1)
OUTCOMES OF STEP ONE	90	(3)
Written Record of the Group's Understanding	91	(1)
Questions about the Charge	92	(1)
MEMBER TASKS IN STEP ONE	93	(5)
Becoming Familiar with Colleagues	93	(3)
Exercising Your Options	96	(2)
Asserting Your Position in the Group	96	(1)
Being Flexible	96	(1)
Maintaining Orderly Procedure and Task Focus	97	(1)
Avoiding Premature Decisions	97	(1)
Establishing Your Image	98	(1)
LEADER OBLIGATIONS IN STEP ONE	98	(5)
Choosing a Leadership Style	98	(1)
Preparing for the Leadership Role	98	(1)
Setting a Leadership Tone	99	(1)
Taking Leadership Responsibility	99	(1)
Wrapping It Up	100	(1)
An Unspoken Contract for Serious Group Problem Solving	100	(3)
8 Standard Agenda Step Two: Understanding and Phrasing the Question	103	(12)
GOALS OF STEP TWO	104	(8)
Exploring the Background of the Problem	104	(2)
Phrase the Question	106	(3)
Be Specific	107	(1)
Be Realistic	107	(1)
Use Open Questions	108	(1)
Avoid Questions that Lead to Debate or Beg the Question	108	(1)
Unanswered and Unanswerable Questions	108	(1)
Types of Questions	109	(1)
Qlicy Questions	110	(2)
OUTCOMES OF STEP TWO	112	(1)
MEMBER TASKS IN STEP TWO	112	(1)
LEADER OBLIGATIONS IN STEP TWO	113	(2)
9 Standard Agenda Step Three: Fact-finding	115	(16)
GOALS OF STEP THREE	115	(9)
Getting Started	115	(1)
Basic Questions	116	(2)
Criteria for Evaluating Information	118	(3)
Credibility	119	(1)
Competence	119	(1)
Currency	120	(1)
Relevance	120	(1)
Sufficiency	120	(1)
Additional Considerations	121	(2)
Using Language	123	(1)
OUTCOMES OF STEP THREE	124	(2)
Answering Basic Questions	124	(7)
What Are the Evidences and Symptoms of the Problems?	124	(1)
What Caused the Conditions?	125	(1)
What Is the Effect of These Symptoms?	125	(1)
Has This Ever Happened Before? How Was It Handled?	125	(1)
What Might Happen if the Problem Is Not Addressed?	126	(1)
What Do Experts Say about the Issue?	126	(1)
In Light of New Information, What Is Our Problem Now?	126	(1)
MEMBER TASKS IN STEP THREE	126	(2)
LEADER OBLIGATIONS IN STEP THREE	128	(3)
10 Standard Agenda Step Four: Setting Criteria and Limitations	131	(10)
GOALS OF STEP FOUR	131	(6)
How to Develop Criteria	132	(2)
Defining the Terms	134	(1)
Prioritizing Criteria	134	(1)
How to Determine Limitations	135	(6)
Legal Restrictions	136	(1)
Institutional Policies and Traditions	136	(1)
Financial Limitations	136	(1)
Persuasive Power	136	(1)
OUTCOMES FOR STEP FOUR	137	(1)
MEMBER TASKS IN STEP FOUR	138	(1)
LEADER OBLIGATIONS IN STEP FOUR	139	(2)
11 Standard Agenda Step Five: Discovering and Selecting Solutions	141	(12)
GOALS OF STEP FIVE	141	(6)
Brainstorming	142	(1)
Evaluating Solutions against Criteria	143	(2)
Selecting the Best Solution	145	(1)
Implementation Plan	146	(1)
OUTCOMES OF STEP FIVE	147	(1)
MEMBER TASKS IN STEP FIVE	148	(1)
LEADER OBLIGATIONS IN STEP FIVE	149	(4)
12 Standard Agenda Step Six: Preparing and Presenting the Final Report	153	(14)
GOALS OF STEP SIX	154	(10)
Preparing the Final Report	154	(6)
Writing the Report	154	(1)
Title Page	155	(1)
Executive Summary	155	(1)
Background	156	(1)
Criteria	157	(1)
Presentation of the Plan	157	(2)
The Argued Defense	159	(1)
Presenting the Final Report	160	(4)
Extemporaneous Speaking	160	(1)
Plan the Residual Message	160	(1)
Collective Planning	161	(1)
Putting it Together	161	(1)
Delivering the Report	162	(1)
Visuals	162	(1)
Practicing and Delivering the Presentation	163	(1)
OUTCOMES OF STEP SIX	164	(1)
MEMBER TASKS IN STEP SIX	165	(1)
LEADER OBLIGATIONS IN STEP SIX	165	(1)
Final Thoughts	165	(2)
Bibliography	167	(8)
Index	175