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Problem Solving in Groups

The document outlines the six steps of the problem-solving process: 1) identify and define the problem through drafting a problem definition stated as a question of fact, value, or policy; 2) analyze the problem; 3) determine criteria for judging solutions; 4) identify alternative solutions through brainstorming; 5) evaluate solutions and decide; and 6) implement the agreed-upon solution. It then discusses shared leadership, noting that leadership functions can be performed by different group members based on their strengths. There are three sets of leadership roles: task roles that help complete goals, maintenance roles that develop relationships, and procedural roles that support the group process.

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mariha rahman
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57 views2 pages

Problem Solving in Groups

The document outlines the six steps of the problem-solving process: 1) identify and define the problem through drafting a problem definition stated as a question of fact, value, or policy; 2) analyze the problem; 3) determine criteria for judging solutions; 4) identify alternative solutions through brainstorming; 5) evaluate solutions and decide; and 6) implement the agreed-upon solution. It then discusses shared leadership, noting that leadership functions can be performed by different group members based on their strengths. There are three sets of leadership roles: task roles that help complete goals, maintenance roles that develop relationships, and procedural roles that support the group process.

Uploaded by

mariha rahman
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Chapter 10

Problem Solving in Groups

The Problem-Solving Process

Step One: Identify and Define the Problem

problem definition: a formal written statement describing a problem.

question of fact a question asked to determine what is true or to what extent something is true.

question of value a question asked to determine or judge whether something is right, moral, good, or
just.

question of policy a question asked to determine what course of action should be taken or what rules
should be adopted to solve a problem.

Once your group agrees about the nature of the root problem you will want to draft a problem
definition, which is a formal written statement describing the problem. An effective problem definition is
stated as a question of fact, value, or policy; it contains only one central idea; and it uses specific,
precise, and concrete language. Questions of fact ask the group to determine what is true or to what
extent something is true. “What percentage of our projected expenses can be covered with our existing
revenue?” is a question of fact. Questions of value ask the group to determine or judge whether
something is right, moral, good, or just. Questions of value often contain words such as good, reliable,
effective, or worthy—for instance, “What is the most effective way to recruit new members?” Questions
of policy concern what course of action should be taken or what rules should be adopted to solve a
problem—for example, “Should we sponsor an annual fund-raising event with the local Public Relations
Society of America (PRSA) chapter in order to help fund our budget?” After some discussion, the student
chapter decided that the problem they needed to solve was a policy question that could be best stated:
“How can we increase our revenues in order to meet our budget in the current economic conditions?”

Step Two: Analyze the Problem

Step Three: Determine Criteria for Judging Solutions

Criteria: standards or measures used for judging the merits of proposed solutions.

Step Four: Identify Alternative Solutions

Brainstorming: an uncritical, non-evaluative process of generating possible solutions by being creative,


suspending judgment, and combining or adapting ideas.

Step Five: Evaluate Solutions and Decide

decision making: the process of choosing among alternatives.

Step Six: Implement the Agreed-Upon Solution


Shared Leadership

The most recent thinking is that leadership is a set of functions that can be performed by one, more
than one, or all group members at various times. In other words, leadership is most often a shared
activity in which different members perform various functions based on their unique strengths and
expertise

informal or emergent leaders members who gain power because they are liked and respected by the
group

shared leadership functions the sets of roles that group members perform to facilitate the work of the
group and help maintain harmonious relationships between members.

There are three sets of leadership roles that must be performed by members if a group is to be
successful: task roles, maintenance roles, and procedural roles.

task roles sets of behaviors that help a group acquire, process, or apply information that contributes
directly to completing a task or goal

maintenance roles sets of behaviors that help a group develop and maintain cohesion, commitment,
and positive working relationships.

Procedural Roles

procedural leadership roles sets of behaviors that directly support a group process.

Making Meetings Effective

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