Problem Solving

in Groups

Charlene
Solving E. Diocadiz
Problems in Groups 0
Daleryl
©2008,S.University
Pasamonte of Vermont and PACER Center
Introduction

• What is a ‘problem’?
– the difference between what is, and what might or should be.

• What is ‘problem solving’?

– "an individual or collaborative process composed of two different
skills: (1) to analyse a situation accurately, & (2) to make a good
decision based on that analysis."

Interpersonal Communication:
Problem Solving in Groups
Collaborative Problem Solving

• Why ‘collaborative’ problem solving?

̶ Problems & challenges faced as members of our
organisations often affect everyone in the group
̶ When working with more than just a few people,
solving a problem with a set process becomes more
manageable.
̶ It raises ownership of & commitment to the solution &
increases group satisfaction.

Interpersonal Communication:
Problem Solving in Groups
Advantages of Group Problem
Solving

• Groups posses a greater collection of

resources than individuals
• Groups increase level of accuracy
• Members are committed to decisions
made in groups

Interpersonal Communication:
Problem Solving in Groups
When Should We Use Groups to
Solve Problems

• Job goes beyond one persons capacity

• Individual’s tasks are interdependent
• When there is more than one solution to
be found, or more than one decision to be
made.

Interpersonal Communication:
Problem Solving in Groups
The Problem Solving Process

1. Running effective meetings

2. Developing facilitation skills
3. Developing recorder skills
4. Defining & analyzing the problem
5. Generating & choosing solutions
6. Putting the solutions into practice

Interpersonal Communication:
Problem Solving in Groups
Interpersonal Problem Solving Skills

• Problem sensitivity:
– Ability to be aware of problems that arise out
of social situations.
– A sensitivity to the kinds of social situations
out of which interpersonal difficulties may
arise.
– Ability to examine relationships with others in
the here and now.

Interpersonal Communication:
Problem Solving in Groups
 • Alternative solution training:
– Ability to generate a wide variety of potential
solutions to the problem.
– Skill is to draw from a repertoire of ideas
representing differing categories of solutions
to a given problem.

Interpersonal Communication:
Problem Solving in Groups
 • Brainstorming:
– The creative art of generating the greatest
number of ideas in the shortest possible time.
– Acceptance of every idea uncritically
– Aim for quantity not quality
– At this stage do not initiate any discussion
– List the ideas
– Set a time limit

Interpersonal Communication:
Problem Solving in Groups
 • Means-ends thinking:
– Ability to articulate the step by step means
necessary to carry out the solution to a given
interpersonal problem.
– Ability to recognize obstacles, the social
sequences deriving from these solutions.
– Recognition that interpersonal problem
solving takes time.

Interpersonal Communication:
Problem Solving in Groups
 • Consequential thinking:
– Being aware of the consequences of social
acts as they affect self and others.
– Ability to generate alternative consequences
to potential problem solutions before acting.

Interpersonal Communication:
Problem Solving in Groups
 • Causal thinking:
– Reflects the degree of appreciation of social
and personal motivation.
– Involves the realization that how one felt and
acted may have been influenced by and, in
turn, may have influenced how others felt and
acted.

Interpersonal Communication:
Problem Solving in Groups
Steps to solving a problem
within a group
1. Identify the problem
2. Analyze the problem
3. Develop creative solutions
4. Evaluate possible solutions
5. Implement a plan
6. Follow up on the solution

Interpersonal Communication:
Problem Solving in Groups
Identify the problem

• What are the Individual/group goals?

• Is the problem one that all members agree
on?

Interpersonal Communication:
Problem Solving in Groups
Analyze the Problem

1. Word the problem as a probative

question (an open question that
encourages exploratory thinking)
EXAMPLE: “Why are sales down this year?”

2. Gather relevant info- what information will

help in solving the problem?
3. Identify Impelling and Restraining forces

Interpersonal Communication:
Problem Solving in Groups
Develop Creative Solutions

• There may be many possible solutions

available
• Use Brainstorming

Interpersonal Communication:
Problem Solving in Groups
Evaluate Possible solutions

1. Will this solution produce desired

changes?
2. Can this solution be implemented by the
group?
3. Does this solution contain any serious
disadvantages?

Interpersonal Communication:
Problem Solving in Groups
Implement the plan

1. Identify specific tasks to be

accomplished
2. Determine necessary resources
3. Define individual responsibilities
4. Provide for emergencies

Interpersonal Communication:
Problem Solving in Groups
Follow up on the solution

• Meet often with group members to

evaluate progress
• Change elements of the plan that are not
working

Interpersonal Communication:
Problem Solving in Groups
Group Participation

• In an effective group each member equally

participates
• When a few members dominate, the
group’s ability to solve a problem
effectively is reduced
• The more members participate the better

Interpersonal Communication:
Problem Solving in Groups
Encouraging Participation

• Seek out his/her ideas

• Encourage his/her input
• Assign specific tasks
• Reinforce contributions of one another

Interpersonal Communication:
Problem Solving in Groups