Group Interaction
Group C interaction involved a discussion of the videos, The Politics of Sociology and Planning a Playground. The group interaction, however, faced different challenges as the group lacked cohesion. The lack of cohesion was mainly because of poor communication amongst group members. Consequently, some group members were not fully prepared for the discussion. The issue of preparedness was, however, countered by allowing discussion of ideas by members who had already prepared in advance; therefore, allow the unprepared members time to compose their ideas. Due to issues of unpreparedness, there was unequal participation in the group. Two or three group members mainly dominated the discussions in the group. The overall climate of the discussion was one of understanding and compromise. The prepared members allowed the unprepared members to gather their ideas, as the discussion proceeded. The group members also offered constructive feedback to one another, which allowed for the integration of everyone’s ideas. Although the group faced issues of cohesion at the beginning of the discussion, the group was productive in the discussion. In future discussions, I intend to open communications, which will ensure that all group members understand their roles. Early communications will also promote sharing of more ideas, resulting in more group productivity.
Planning a Playground
Issues in the Meeting
The video planning a playground illustrates the various issues that may emerge during the first group meeting. The main aim of the meeting was to discuss how to raise funds for the construction of a neighborhood playground. The first issue addressed in the meeting was the amount of money that the group was willing to spend on the construction of the playground. Another issue that emerged from the issue of how much funds were needed was the issue of how the group would acquire funding for the playground.
The Group Strengths
A major strength noted in the group was the attention to time issue. The group did not waste any time before getting started with the main issue of the meeting. During the meeting, there was equal participation with every group member offering ideas to contribute to the discussion. The group was also quite cohesive and liberal as members expressed different opinions without any hesitation. In case the group members disagreed with an idea, the group members expressed their disagreement in a polite and sensitive manner.
Conflicts in the Group
During the discussion, most of the conflict in the group was constructive conflict. Constructive conflict results in the development of ideas, as when one idea is downplayed, another idea arises and is discussed. One of the instances where the constructive conflict occurred was during the budget discussion when one individual endorsed a price, but another individual offered a different view. To solve this conflict, the group decided on taking a middle ground between the two prices suggested. Another instance of constructive conflict came when another group member proposed using a bake sale to raise the funds. The other group members refused this proposal by explaining that a bake sale would not raise enough funds. After this refusal, the same group member provided another proposal, which showed that she was not affected by the group's refusal to accept her first idea. During conflicts, the groups employed a compromise style of resolving the conflict. A compromise style of conflict resolution involves a preparedness to accept other people’s suggestions even if they differ from other opinions. Other than compromise, the group also employed open communication to ensure they remained focused on the meetings objectives.
Handling the Situation Differently
If in the same situation as the group members, the approach to the meeting would be similar to that of other group members. However, before the meeting, there is a need to conduct research to gather all relevant information. Research on issues of the cost of constructing different types of playgrounds as well as the different ways of raising funds would have been useful during the meeting. Conducting a research would allow a better decision making as it would also save time, which would be useful in discussing different elements such as ways to raise the money. Another way to handle the situation differently would involve encouraging unity and teamwork among the members (Engleberg & Wynn, 2012). Promoting teamwork would help build group cohesion as well as encourage sharing of ideas before the next meeting.
Politics of Sociology
Issues in the Meeting
The video politics of sociology illustrates the various issues that may arise when individuals have opposing opinions. The main aim of the meeting is to discuss the various courses that should be offered during the next semester. The video involves a brainstorming session, which is followed by a discussion of the courses to be offered. However, the group faces conflict due to members having different views. One of the major issues in the group is the introduction of personal agendas while discussing the courses that should be offered. Another issue is the lack of compromise by the group members. None of the group members wants to let go of their opinions even if the opinions are wrong. The group also faces the issue of moving away from the primary goal. Due to the numerous conflicts in the group, the group members do not discuss anything constructive; therefore, did not achieve anything in the meeting.
Conflict
The meeting was faced by a negative type of conflict, which resulted in the group members accomplishing none of their objectives. One of the major types of conflicts noted was destructive conflict, which was noted by the group’s inflexibility to accept different opinions, as well as the disrespectful tone that the group members took with each other. One of the instances of destructive conflict was the rude interruptions that occurred when a member decided to speak. Helen interrupted Trevor in a rude and insulting manner by saying, “Here we go” Personal attacks against other group members also illustrate destructive conflict. Helen interrupts Trevor during another situation and hurls a personal insult by telling Trevor to stop living in the past. Another type of conflict affecting the group is substantive conflict as the group members are inflexible with other sticking to their points. Trevor, who is the oldest member in the meeting, does not want to accept changes to the curriculum, which results in most of the conflict in the group. These two major conflict types result in the group's failure to meet its objective.
Group Leader
The group leader at the meeting was Steve. Steve began the discussion by congratulating the group for the successful brainstorming session they had just had. In opening the meeting, Steve explained the objectives of the meeting and explained the need for the group to maintain the department's integrity by holding respectful and responsible discussions. During the meeting, Steve intervened several times with the aim of reminding the group members the main objectives of the meeting. However, from the video, it is clear that Steve failed as a group leader as the meeting did not accomplish any of the goals the group has set to meet.
One of the strategies that Steve would have used to ensure the success of the group would be the setting of rules at the beginning of the meeting. At the beginning of the meeting, Steve should have informed the participants on several rules such as the need to listen and hear the ideas and opinions of different members. Another way that Steve would have ensured the success of the group is by explaining to the members the need to compromise in case the various ideas differed. Compromise would promote respect and cohesion in the group; therefore, the discussion would go on smoothly. Steve would also have to establish rules relating to interruptions. Discourse in the group resulted from members interrupting each other, which resulted in the airing of different ideas at the same time; therefore, noise. Steve should have also provided feedback as well as had a stronger voice in controlling the group’s activities.
Different Approach
If put in a similar situation, I would have taken a different approach by first setting the meeting’s ground rules. Some of the ground rules would include setting a procedure for the interruption, the consequences of rude interruptions, as well as rules on issues of time allowed for discussion of each idea. I would also intervene early in case I feel impending conflict. Some of the instances that would require early intervention would include instances where more than one group members were talking at a time (Engleberg & Wynn, 2012). Early intervention would prevent an outburst from all group members.
References
Engleberg, I. N., & Wynn, D. (2012). Working in Groups: Communication Principles and Strategies. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, NJ: Pearson Education.
