Paper # 3 Groups

When considering how to handle topics or problems, it is important to understand that there are different ways of reaching the end result and both must be evaluated equally. What are the benefits and shortfalls of working on it alone versus working on the situation with a group? After asking this question, it is important to take into consideration the time restrictions, the difficulty of the problem or issue, as well as the impacts of the result. Groups have both potential limitations as well as strengths. Objectives can vary drastically and those you are in a group with can quickly impact the group as a whole. To look at the potential limitations of a group, "there are two significant disadvantages of group discussions and it includes the time it takes for the group process as well as the potential of conformity pressures to interfere with high quality decision making." Operating in a solo manner can allow for thinking through ideas efficiently, where with a group each person is allowed to speak and others to respond. (page 235 Comm. 203 Wood) When you understand that each individual with get the opportunity to voice their thoughts, it is important to remember that some group members may have more to say than another individual. This may show that some group members are suppressing their thoughts or that the stronger opinions, may encourage conformity. This certainly would not be beneficial to the group and would not fall into the category of strength in the group. When I take into consideration two different groups, there were different issues within the groups but ultimately, neither benefitted greatly from being in a group setting. The first was in a work setting, where there were several different levels of personnel involved. It appeared that the less tenured individuals (though coming to the table with a fresh perspective) were intimidated by the different levels of management and, in turn, did not speak up frequently. Most could have their thoughts read when they disagreed, but unsuccessfully could convey a clear message. From this, several great ideas were not considered. There was also a lack of consistency in the upper level management or staff's presence in the meetings, so when it came to making the final decision, many things had to be repeated to ensure the vote (on that day) was appearing fair. Then, I consider being on a fundraising team for the local youth football squad. It was apparent that there was not a specific deadline put on the decision making process, nor was there a purpose outlined up front. There were several parents researching different ways of raising money, but an overall lack of organization within the fundraising team. There was a few egocentric parents (group members) that openly were out for self, instead of the team as a whole. In both of these specific groups, there was not a strong benefit of being in a group. Groups require structure, ground rules set and a deadline for results. Groups can also have great strength, if the group utilizes each individual's strength's and capitalizes on the use of several minds saving time. The book states (page 236 - 237 Comm. 203 Wood) "the primary potential strengths of groups in comparison to individuals are great resources, more through thought. A group obviously exceeds any individual in the ideas, perspectives, experiences and expertise it can bring to solving a problem. Groups can also be considered more thorough than individuals. A group can produce what many identify as synergy, which is a special kind of collaborative vitality that enhances the efforts, talents, and strengths of individual members." One very important group, that works best in this setting, rather than attempting this organization alone, is my PTA group. In this group, our main objective is to plan evening events that are both fun for the children but also with little to no cost for the parents. The purpose is togetherness with the parents, teachers and children, three different times within a calendar year. The group has a set budget provided by the PTA members and a specific date for each event. Our mission is to have a successful event and make the event worth it. I am the chair of the event, thus I have to schedule planning meetings and account for the budget. There is a total of 4 members in this group and each is very cooperative and task driven. Each individual, including myself has strength and a varying amount of time or financial responsibility. There is a very creative parent, who brings a unique addition to the decor, while maintaining the budget. There is another parent that has strengthens with written communications. This parent handles all the flyers, notes and tracking of expenses. Additionally, there is a teacher, that assist with getting volunteers for the activities and this is essential to any successful event.. She has likely encountered the parents; therefore her relationship has already been established with them. Each of these unique strengths brings a certain synergy to the group and it is clearly shown in the events outcome and attendance each year. As clearly seen with this example, there are benefits to groups, specifically small groups. Not every group is best, but there are certainly pros and cons, depending on the situations/members.
Work Cited
Understanding Human Communication 2010, Wood, page 235-237