Steps that Group takes to Solve Problems
Define the problem
Problem solving begins with determining what the problem is. The group members consider undertaking problem solving because of the difficulty felt. They experience the effects and symptoms of a possible problem rather than problem itself. The following questions will help in identifying the problem.
A. In what situation is the problem occurring?
B. What is the difficulty in general?
The group can be able to determine what the problem is if they obtain answers to the above questions.
Problem Analysis
Problem analysis is the second step after identifying the problem, specifically the results and the cause of the problem. The group avoids allowing opinion take priority over the facts. The first question that should be in member’s mind is’’ what are the facts?’’ if the members can answer the questions below they are be able to locate the details
A. What effects shows that a problem exists?
B. Are the effects serious?
C. What causes the problem?
Establish criteria for Solutions
After analyzing the problem, the group must come up with criteria to guide them in finding a solution. The solution that is preferred should solve the problem and not make the situation worse than it was. The solution should correct the cause of the problem
Generating potential Solutions to the Problem
After determining the criteria, the group proposes the possible solution to the problem. Members should think on many solutions instead of settling on the first solution proposed. They can use brain storming techniques to bring forth varieties of ideas. The group raises many ideas since quantity is the goal. When they do not have any new ideas they can use those obtained from brainstorming.
At this step, the group select solutions that seem to meet the criteria effectively. The following questions are helpful at this point:
How would it solve the problem?
How well would it tackle the problem?
Does it satisfy the criteria well?
Implement the Solution
It is the final step and involves ways of putting solution into effect. The first step decides on how to address a problem. The group uncovers the possible weakness in the process of deciding how to execute the solution. What sounds as a good decision is always considered
Why the Procedure Work well for the Group
This procedure works well for the group, since complex decision or problem are highlighted. Individuals will be able to share information because one person cannot possess all the knowledge necessary to make a good decision. Second, it brings greater diversity of perspective to circumstances, since it is hard to be locked on ideas that do not have merits. Third, it makes it possible for the group to check out ideas before they are implemented. A chance to check out new ideas allows the groups to have more confidence than a single person in making decisions (Blech, 2005).
Why the Procedure Work poorly for the Group
The procedure is time consuming. The process of problem solving in a group is relatively time consuming than working outside groups. It needs an individual to come together at an agreed time, in most cases one hour before the usual time. It can result to impatience as well as organizational problems to individual and the group. Secondly, it is relatively boring for the group to go through all the stages. Another thing is that the technique may suppress the ideas since their generation and expression occur at different stages. The time between generalization and expression of ideas give members time to think about their ideas and choose not to say the most sensitive of them all aloud (Funke, 2010). An individual might feel uncomfortable to allow the group inspects his strange ideas. The leader might choose to do away with the silent writing of ideas in step one and replace it with ideas in a brainstorming session. This can only work if no participant will want to dominate and if all members are comfortable with each other.
Group problem solving procedure differs from the bellows procedure in the following ways.
In the first step of forming, the team reviews the problem and tries to gain a better understanding of issues related to it. In the storming stage, a different definition about the problem are discussed, it is a stage of conflict. The team goes ahead to argue on the solution before getting into an agreement on the problem. It means the team must go back to problem definition stage in order to resolve the conflict (Funke, 2010).
In the naming stage, the team comes up with the methods of analyzing the identified problem; they generate alternatives and choose a solution. The establishment of those norms and methods on how to operate enable the group to efficiently work together.
The last stage is the performing stage. The method obtained is used to solve problems and develop plans to implement solutions. The team evaluates the extended and the success of implementation. In other model, they avoid evaluation and implementation stage so that they can avoid going back to the first step in case of any limitation.
How to Improve Group’s ability to solve Problem
For a team to be efficient, they should include intelligent problem solver. The team must analyze the problem, come up with alternative and choose the best solution. The process of problem solving ought to be relatively free from emotional, political and social factors that can disturb the rationale of the analysis. Modern environment has set levels of changes and uncertainties. The rapidity of changes establishes a need to be alert and prepare for future obstacles, while uncertainties make it difficult to do so (Whetton, 1998).
References
Blech, C. &Funke, J.(2005). Dynamic review: An overview about applications of the Dynamic approach in cognitive psychology.
Blech, C. &Funke, J.(2010). You cannot have your cake and eat it, too: How induced goal conflicts affect complex problem solving. Open Psychology Journal, 3, 42–53.
Whetton, David A, Cameron, & Kim S.(1998) Developing Management Skills. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley Longman.
