Decision Making and Problem Solving

This week's chapter will probably prove to be quite important for your Small Group Observation Project. While each person must observe a group and how they interact, most times groups will have to solve some type of problem. This is where chapter 9 comes in.

Your book covers these areas:

Decision Making and Problem Solving

DECIDE Stages of Decision Making and Problem Solving
Define the Goal, Understand the Problem
Examine the Constraints
Consider the Alternatives
Initiate a Decision
Develop a Decision Plan
Evaluate the Results and Consequences

Context Influences on Decision-Making and Problem Solving Groups
Group Composition
Group Process

While observing your 'outside group', quite a few of you will probably encounter decision making and problem solving. Not only are these broad concepts applicable in your life in relation to small group communication, they are applicable to your final group project. As you become more familiar with small group communication concepts, particularly as it relates to decision making and problem solving, you will see some of these concepts emerge in everyday encounters when interacting with small groups.

It's too bad the discussion this week was cut because of furloughs. Problem solving in a small group setting is quite important to understand.