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Descriptive Approach

To Group Problem Solving. Descriptive Approach. Phase 1: Orientation In this phase, group members try to get to know one another People try to find common ground with each other

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Descriptive Approach

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  1. To Group Problem Solving Descriptive Approach

  2. Phase 1: Orientation • In this phase, group members try to get to know one another • People try to find common ground with each other • “It is apparent that providing group members with background information on theirfellow-interactants has a positive impact on alleviating initial group tension. Even fairly superficialinformation such as the demographics used here gives members something to go on, e.g. it mayserve as a means of keeping conversations flowing or to predict topics which might be appropriateto introduce.” (Booth-Butterfield et. al)

  3. Phase 2: Conflict • The conflict phase is characterized by debating ideas and persuasive attempts to change others opinions. • Conflict is a normal and healthy part of group communications. Conflict leads to greater predictability, less uncertainty and the development of group norms.  • Conflict can arise from two o more potential leaders struggling for support which causes Secondary tensions within the group.  • Conflict is necessary in order to explore all relevant alternatives order to select the best solutions. (Borchers)

  4. Phase 3: Emergence • Tasks and process dimensions are interwoven at this stage. Although the group is divided there is also clarity.Ambiguity appears to be the means by which individual group members can comfortably shift their positions toward group consensus.Phrases like “I like that idea, maybe we can incorporate it” are used to help disapproving group members “save face” and allows the group to reach a consensus. So basically in this phase the group works through the conflict and moves in one clear direction. (Fisher)

  5. Phase 4: Reinforcement • ”The group enters this phase with a strong emerging decision.  • The group reaches decision consensus.  • Members are committed to the decision.  • The decision reflects real agreement rather than the avoidance of conflict.  • Favorable views of the decision proposal are expressed. These views receive agreement and reinforcement.  • There is a strong spirit of unity and verbal backslapping by the members.  • The decision and the group interaction process create solidarity.”(Griffin, 257)

  6. Works Cited • Booth-Butterfield, Melanie, Steven Booth-Butterfield, and Jolene Koester. "The Function of Uncertainty Reduction in Alleviating Primary Tension in Small Groups." Communication Research Reports 5.2 (1988): 146-153. Communication & Mass Media Complete. EBSCO. Web. 6 Aug. 2010. • Borchers, Tim. "Small Group Development." Group Development. 1999. Web. 06 Aug. 2010. <http://www.abacon.com/commstudies/groups/devgroup.html>. • Fisher, B. Aubrey. "Decision emergence: Phases in group decision-making" Speech Monographs 37.1 (1970). 06 Aug. 2010< http://www.informaworld.com/10.1080/03637757009375649 > • Griffin, Emory. A First Look at Communication Theory. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1997. 

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