“A Communication Event Analysis: Functional Group Theory within a Fundraising Committee”

Sometimes problem-solving can be more successfully executed when there is more than one brain working towards a solution. By working within a group, one can also have the ability to see possible perils that personal biases could have otherwise delayed.
The Functional Group Communications Theory can mainly be correlated to researchers,
Dennis Gouran and Randy Hirokawa. Gouran and Hirokawa suggest that there are influences that correspond with the origination of the theory: John Dewey’s reflective thinking study,
Robert Bales’ Interaction Process explorations, and research on Vigilant Decision Making completed by Irving Janis ( (Salazar). Hirokawa addresses valuable resolutions, and Gouran discusses applicable decisions. This theory demonstrates the insight of collaborative communication (Hirokawa). The Functional Theory of Effective group decision making is not essentially effected by what communication behaviors are being implemented, but more so the degree in which the correspondents are communicatively addressing matters (Littlejohn). In 1983, Hirokawa and
Gouran developed four functions, termed “functional requisites” that a group should do to make an effective decision (Salazar). The first of these is to analyze the problem, once the problem has been identified then goals should be set, once goals are presented then the group should identify alternative. Lastly, the group should evaluate the positive and negative consequences (Griffin).
The communications event analysis proves that the Functional Group Perspective Theory is orthodox in accordance with the occurrence that groups have a tendency to stick to an exact four step pattern. The groups do not necessarily input their own personal thoughts, but rather process ideas and