chapter 14 - working & writing

7/28/2019 Chapter 14 - Working & Writing

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14-1McGraw-Hill/Irwin 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, All Rights Reserved

Chapter 14Working & Writing

in Groups


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Interpersonal Communication

Crucial for teamwork and building trust

Includes multiple skills

Listening

Conflict resolution

Nonverbal


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Active Listening

To create active responses

1. Paraphrase content

2. Mirror speakers feelings

3. Ask for

information/clarification

4. Offer to help solve theproblem


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Avoid Listening Errors

To reduce errors

Paraphrase what the speaker has said

Check your understanding withspeaker

Write down key points

Dont ignore instructions that seemunnecessary

Consider speakers background


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Five Blocking Responses

1. Ordering,

threatening

2. Preaching,criticizing

3. Interrogating

4. Minimizing theproblem

5. Advising


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Group Interactions: Three Dimensions

Informationalfocus on content:

problem, data, solutions

Procedural messagesfocus onmethods, processes

Interpersonalfocus on people,

cooperation, group loyalty


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Life Stages of Group Interactions

Formation

Coordination

Formalization


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Positive Roles in Groups

Task Goals

Seeking

information,

opinions

Giving

information,

opinions

Coordinatin

g


9/2214-9McGraw-Hill/Irwin 2009 The McGraw-Hill Companies, All Rights Reserved

Positive Actions in Groups

Encouraging

participation

Relieving tensions Checking feelings

Solving interpersonal

problems Listening actively



Negative Actions in Groups

Dominating

Clowning

Overspeaking

Blocking

Withdrawing



Group Leadership

Informationalcreate, assess ideas and

text

Interpersonalcheck feelings, resolveconflict, monitor process

Proceduralset agenda, keep members

informed, check on assignments



Decision-Making: Standard Agenda

1. Understand what group has to deliver

2. Identify problem

3. Gather information4. Establish criteria

5. Generate alternative solutions

6. Measure alternatives against criteria

7. Choose best solution



Attributes of Successful Student Groups

Assign specific tasks, set clear

deadlines, schedule frequent meetings

Listen carefully to each other

Establish proportionate work loads



Attributes of Successful Student Groups

Develop inclusive decision-making style

Listen to criticism and improve

performance

Deal directly with conflicts



Peer Pressure & Groupthink

Groupthinktendency for groups to

value agreement so highly they punish

dissent

Correctives to groupthink

Search for alternatives

Test assumptions

Protect rights of individuals to disagree



Diverse Groups

Differences affect how people behave in

group, what they expect from group

Gender

Class

Race

Ethnicity

Age

Religion

Sexual orientation

Physical ability



Nonverbal Communication

Open body positions

Leaning forward with uncrossed

arms and legs

Arms away from body

Closed (defensive) body positions

Leaning back, hands behind head

Arms and legs crossed

Hands in pockets



Conflict Resolution

1. Make sure people involved actually

disagree

2. Ensure that everyone has correct

information

3. Discover needs each person is trying to

meet

4. Search for alternatives

5. Repair negative feelings



Constructive Responses to Criticism

Paraphrasing

Checking for feelings

Checking inferences

Buying time with

limited agreement

Using you-attitude



Effective Meeting Guidelines

Make purpose explicit

Distribute an agenda

Allow time for discussion

Use omnibus motion Pay attention to people and

process as well as tasks

Summarize consensus

Summarize decisions



Collaborative Writing

Working with other writers to

produce a single document

Requires attention to Group formation progress

Conflict resolution

Steps in writing process


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Make Group Process Work

Note that people express themselvesdifferently

Dont assume total agreement

Allow ample time to discuss problems

Get to know group members, build loyalty

Attend all meetings; carry out your duties

chapter 14 - working & writing

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