Collective Decisions Theory

My analysis is on the film The Goonies. While I view the movie and determine the various norms, behaviors, roles and interaction between group members, as well as individuals the examination within the realm of film can present many of the same components. Thus, our group selected this movie to analyze based on its formation of a cohesive problem-solving group full of unforgettable characters. The Goonies portray many different theories and aspects of small group communication.

2.2 Explain how you prepare an environment that is conducive to the functioning of the group

Randy Hirokawa and Dennis Gouran developed the Functional Perspective on Group Decision Making theory to “offer practical advice on how participants can act to ensure better group decisions” (Hirokawa, 1999, p. 170). They believe that as long as the members in a group care about the issue and are reasonably intelligent, the group interaction will have a positive effect on the final decision. In order for a group to reach a high-quality solution, Hirokawa and Gouran believe the group 's decision-making process needs to fulfill four task requirements they refer to as requisite functions of effective decision making. "Three core assumptions define the functional perspective: (1) groups are goal oriented; (2) group performance varies in quality and quantity, and can be evaluated; and (3) internal and external factors influence group performance via the interaction process.” (Wittenbaum, 2004 p. 19).

Group communication follows slightly different ‘rules’ to communication in one-to-one situations. There is often more going on in a group, with a number of different people trying to speak, get their point across and their voice heard. Turn-taking can be more complicated; relationships and power issues between group members can also be more complex than in one-to-one contexts. As a communication context, groups can have a number of benefits for participants: • a group can be an effective way of sharing responsibilities • groups can improve decision-making and problem-solving because they draw on the knowledge and skills of a number of

Team has to agree on the methods to which conflicts can be resolved within the group, this has to be addressed as soon as possible to enhance team cohesion and progress team effort towards achieving its goals.

Ketrow, S.M. (1999) Nonverbal aspects of Group Communication. The Handbook of Group Communication Theory and Research, 255.

Isaac Mizrahi In this clip, the first communication issue concerns group dynamics. The roles for each individual are clear and the group comes out effective,

When reviewing the concepts of groupthink, it is important for one to realize that not all group based decisions are necessarily bad decisions. The concept of groupthink and the negative results that arise are based on the reality that group decisions are made without regard to alternative measures, validity of information, or risks and consequences associated with such decisions. Groupthink seems to dispatch the critical thinking skills of the individuals in the process and decisions made can have disastrous results. The following essay will discuss the results of groupthink decisions made by the United States government that lead to Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, as well as critical errors made by US command that greatly increased the impact

When analyzing an individual or a group of people, you may recognize similarities in their communication style. From an outside perspective, you may additionally recognize a similar thought process present within the group. Throughout out my paper I will be focusing on two similar theories that explain what you may have observed, groupthink and communication accommodation theory. I will discuss the main focus of each theory, similarities, differences, which theory is better, and how each theory has been applied in research.

As people, when confronted with a problem where a solution must be found, our ideal situation is to come up with the best possible one. To do this, we ideally gather the most knowledgeable, intelligent individuals into a group and attempt to derive the best solution to the problem. With the collection of these people, one would think that finding the best possible answer to the problem would be a rather simple task. However, what has happened in many situations is the complete opposite. Rather than finding the best possible solutions, many ideal, cohesive groups arrive at the worst possible answer largely due to problems in communication within the group. This is what we call the radical theory of

Similarly, coming to a consensus when making a decision as a group allows group members to trust each other and build better relationships. In the article, "Is the Consensus Decision-Making Right for Your Group?", the author says, "Consensus decision-making helps build trust and a sense of community." (Consensus). While making a group decision, the members learn how to trust everyone's thoughts. If someone in the group shares a good idea, the rest of the members are more likely to trust the rest of their opinions and ideas. In a Letter to the Editor, Mary Anne Dunlop, a parent of a student from Tiberi Township School, says, "When the whole school board unites behind a plan, the teachers, parents, and students will unite behind it as well."(Dunlop). When making a consensus decision, the group will build a community atmosphere. Students, teachers, and parents will agree with each other and everyone will be happy with the plan. If the board is not with the decision completely, the community might agree with different sides of the board and argue with each other. (Gabi)

- Conflict which comes from different ideas and opinions among the team member must be listened to and considered

From this week’s readings, I appreciated how Schien (2006), demonstrated the importance of selecting a decision making method that appropriately fits “the time available, the past history of the group, the task being worked on, and climate” (p.297). Despite using purposeful selection, it is important to note that each method can prompt a unique set of challenges for group members. For instance, silence is often inappropriately interpreted as consent in “decision by lack of response” and “decision by self-authorization or minority” (Schien, 2006, p.299). Conversely, “decision by formal authority” can be ineffective if the leader/chair does not pursue decision that align with the perspectives of group members. Within the readings, I feel that

Communication is essential in our society today. There are many different types and methods of communication that people use. Throughout life, people learn to use communication in order to interact in the everyday world. People form groups to place themselves where they think they belong in society. Whether people know they are doing it or not, they consciously or subconsciously place themselves into certain groups. There are many different reasons for people to join different groups, these being for learning, activity, personal growth, and problem solving. Members of groups must all contribute in order to complete a task. People can have both positive and negative effects on groups. There are many concepts that

52). This common belief among users of this style drives them to search for answers using all of the tools at the team’s disposal. The different dynamics of the team become assets. They see the differences that distinguish the members of the team as points of view are respected and viewed objectively. Differences like a male versus a female’s perspective, race, culture, and even social or economic status are viewpoints that give all in the team a bigger picture of the different issues they may need to consider when coming to a conclusion about how best to achieve their goal. Though this style is thought of as the best route for teams to use, it is also one of the most difficult. Even a person who has a natural talent or personality that promotes this style of conflict management has to practice to be effective using this style in a team setting. A person cannot be judgmental and must be sure not to take anything said personally. This is something that most if not all of the team members must have an awareness of. All team members have to feel comfortable with the results and with what was given up from their own personal point of view to arrive at the team’s decision. This style is also very demanding so it requires a good amount of patience. Depending on how quick a decision is needed it is not always possible for a team to achieve and some in the team may not believe that their best interests were achieved.