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Using Group Dynamics to Improve Decision Making Meetings One, two, three, YAWN! Inefficient, unproductive meetings may be the single biggest time waster in business. While nobody loves them, meetings are an inescapable part of the workplace. For most, attendance is often mandatory. Managers and CEO’s of companies need knowledge relating to the psychology of interpersonal dynamics, in addition to leadership skills, to make the group of associates at any meeting into a team. Members of a group become more focused, more eager to contribute and more innovative when they get along well. On the other hand, unresolved interpersonal issues can grow into major problems for the company (Eichols, 1997, p.9). To conduct effective group decision-making sessions, at least two things are necessary. First you need to be aware of the fundamentals of group dynamics. You can then understand the meaning of what is going on in a meeting besides just the words spoken. Secondly, you need to be able to apply this understanding to avoid problems and capitalize on strengths in order to make group decision making situations more effective. Communication One of the easiest aspects of the group process to observe is the pattern of communication. The kind of observations we make gives us clues to other important things that may be going on in the group such as who leads, who influences, who likes or dislikes each other, and how positive and optimistic the group members feel about the task and each other (Fisher, 1974, p. 15). 1. Who talks? For how long? How often? 2. Whom do people look at when they talk? a. individuals, possibly potential supporters b. the group c. nobody 3. Who responds or who interrupts? 4. What style of communication is used (assertions, questions, tone of voice, etc.)? 5. Body language, posture, gestures, seating arrangement Decision Making Procedures Whether we are aware of it or not, groups are making decisions all the time, some of them without much awareness. It is important to observe how decisions are made in a group in order to assess whether the consequences of given methods are really what the group members bargain for. Group Roles, Task, Maintenance, and Self-Oriented Behavior Behavior in the group can be viewed in terms of what its purpose or function seems to be.
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