QUESTION: No. 9 - IF YOU NEED TO GENERATE A LOT OF IDEAS IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, WOULD YOU HAVE A BUNCH OF INDIVIDUALS GENERATE IDEAS ON THEIR OWN, OR WOULD YOU BAND THEM TOGETHER IN GROUPS? EXPLAIN.

In order to appropriately respond to this question, we would firstly need to have an unambiguous understanding of exactly what needs to be responded to. It is clear the main issue is ‘Groups’ and as such, we will define and explain what groups are, identify some types of groups and of course, analyse the benefits and disadvantages of working in a group or by oneself.
Simply put, a group can be defined as two or more individuals interacting and interdependent, who have come together to achieve particular objectives. A more complex definition came from Dorwin Cartwright and Alvin Zander (1968) who described groups as a collection of individuals who have relations to one another that make them interdependent to some significant degree. As so defined, the term ‘group’ refers to a class of social entities having in common the property of interdependence among their constituent members.
A group can also be classified in terms of their purpose and structure. Generally, there are two main types of groups: Primary and Secondary and Planned and Emergent groups.
Primary groups are clusters of people like families or close friendship circles where there is close, face to face interaction. Secondary groups are those in which members are rarely, if ever, all in direct contact, and are often large and usually formally organized.
Planned groups are specifically formed for some purpose – either by their members or by some external individual, group or organization. Emergent groups come into existence relatively spontaneously where people find themselves together in the same place, or where the same collection of people gradually come to know each other through conversation and interaction over a period of time. (Cartwright and Zander 1968)
It has been found that people usually work better in groups as it allows them the opportunity to develop more complex and larger scale activities and can also be, significant sites of socialization and education - which enables people to develop a sense of identity and belonging, and to deepen knowledge, skills and values and attitudes; places where relationships can form and grow, and where people can find help and support; as well as the setting can allow wisdom to flourish. As James Suriwiecki (2004) has argued, it is often the case that “the many are smarter than the few”.
Before we can actually place individuals in groups, we must also understand that there are specific stages groups must first go through in order to achieve maximum utilization. This is referred to as the Lifecycle of a Group, and it is at this point where the group’s development takes place. Bruce W. Tuckman (1965) developed that model which highlighted the various phases a group experiences – Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing; and later,
Tuckman and Jensen (1977) included Adjourning as a fifth phase for temporary groups.
Briefly explained, the first stage, ‘Forming’ is where the individuals’ behaviour is driven by the desire to be accepted by others, and avoid controversy or conflict. Serious issues and feelings are avoided and people focus on being busy with routines, such as group organization. This is the stage where, for instance, the ‘who does what’ and ‘when to meet’ is decided upon. Other information, such as, personalities are reviewed and new friends are made, impressions (about each other, the task at hand and how to approach it) is gathered. It is relatively the easiest stage to be at, but productivity is at its lowest, as the members’ avoidance of conflict and threat means that not much is done.
The second stage, ‘Storming’, much like its name, can be a contentious, unpleasant and uncomfortable stage to be a part of. The group addresses issues such as what problems they are really supposed to solve, how they will function and what type of leadership they will accept. It is usually at this point, where other members’ ideas and opinions are confronted and either accepted or rejected. This stage is necessary for growth of the team. Tolerance of each member and their differences will be emphasized and can either move the group into success or failure. It is good to note that some groups may never move out of this stage.
Interestingly, once the Storming phase has been complete, the group will now move into the third stage, referred to as ‘Norming’. It is at this point where the group manages to have one common goal and come to an agreement for the group. Some may have to give up their own ideas and agree with the others for the interest of the entire group. All the team members take up their various roles and begin to work towards the group’s goals. Once this point is reached, the group has now managed to attain the fourth stage, ‘Performing’. Members are able to function as a unit as they find ways to get the job done smoothly and effectively without inappropriate conflict or the need for external supervision. Once these stages are experienced, and the goal has been accomplished, in the case for temporary groups, the final stage will be the next step, ‘Adjourning’. As the mission has been a success, the group will begin to disband and members will proceed to go their separate ways.
Now that we’ve explained the stages of a group, and as mentioned before, it has been found that people work better in groups, especially when a lot of ideas need to be generated within a short space of time