Week 6: D3

Pick one concept from the assigned reading, not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it

I thought the rating scales were an interesting concept to read this week. Rating scales helps the observers and the members of the group to comments, which are translated in some definable measure. In a rating scale, there are specific questions asked that can be answer with a simple checkmark on a 7-1 scale. I recall using the rating scales ever since I was in middle school. We normally use this when we had to rate our group members’ performance. I did not like this rating scale because at that time I thought it was not beneficial and that this can be manipulated to make one’s grades higher or lower.

A couple years later I realized that this is very important to evaluate a group performance. It is actually very effective because it evaluates with a score. This rating scale can also be applied and very common with surveys. I also think that rating scales are an easy way to give feedback. 

Week 6: D2

Outline and discuss the guidelines for providing observer feedback to a group.  

Here are the guidelines for providing feedbacks to the group.

1.   Avoid generalization

2. Focus on behavior

3.  Don’t debate or argue with the group

4.  Don’t micromanage the group process

5. Remember the role of an observer

6. Accentuate the positive aspects

7. End with specific suggestions

8. Be clear and concise

9.  Compliment in public and criticize in private

10. Develop positive relationships with the members of the group.

These guidelines are pretty useful because I can see how it can be applied to make the observer more effective for the group. I thought the guideline of don’t debate and argue was interesting because it is true. The observers should not bring problems to the group that they are observing; it sort of defeats the purpose of them there. Another helpful guideline is accentuating positive aspects. I have been coaching for a while and I seen how effective it was when I try to find and give positive feedback towards the team. As a coach I would compliment in public and criticize in private. When one of my players is doing extremely well I would compliment them during time outs in front of the whole team. But when one of my players aren’t doing so well, I would pull them aside during a time out to tell them what they can work on instead. I believe that they useful guidelines for an observer.

Week 6: D1

Why use a consultant or an observer for a small group?  (Remember, carefully think through your answer.  Your final project is based on this very concept).  

A consultant and an observer is someone who examines and provide feedback towards their investigation. The observer can also give ideas and insight to help the group out if they are stuck. It is very helpful to have an outsider to examine because this person can give useful comments and feedback towards the group. For example, a group can be working, building a design for a shirt and everyone in the group thinks it is all wonderful and great. The consultant can step in and give his or her view negative view on the shirt because this person did not partake in any process of the project. It will also let the group knows what others kind of think about the shirt.  Normally an outsider will most likely to be unbiased.

A consultant can also help a small group during conflict. Since this person is not involved, they can help the group talk it out and give suggestions for reconciliation.

By having a consultant or an observer, the group can be evaluated on their performance. They can give an evaluation for how members did in the group.   It is always beneficial if a group has feedback from a third party. 

Week 4:D3

Pick one concept from the assigned reading, not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.

I thought that strength in diversity was an interesting topic. I believe that a group is more effective when it is more diverse because I have seen it first hand with my groups. Of course it will because the group is open-minded and willing to accept the differences within the group. The diversity brings more vital perspective as well as insight in solving problems or giving off ideas. It also brings more options on how a group can solve a problem. Contributions and influences of each member are effective especially in a group.

I personally like diverse groups because I believe that means there are more ways to solve a problem. I also like creatively sometimes the ideas and thoughts can be. Back in high school I remember some of us would have the craziest ideas for projects. Being diverse in a group is also helpful to the members because it will allow each member to be more willing to listen and to contribute in the group. I honestly think it is more fun when a group is diverse. 

Week 4:D2

Explain the concept “white men of privilege”.  Do you agree with the concept?  Why or why not?

The “white men of privilege” refers as an example of the hierarchies of power through the socialization process. This is actually a form of stereotyping. Since for as long as I remember I was told that white men throughout history seem to be the “better” race. These are the men who were rich and powerful in society. For me I do not strongly agree or disagree with this concept. I do agree with this concept because there were many times when it seems as if the white men are more respected and they were able to get the job done, and done well. This stereotype is considering a norm even in our society today. Of course I do not agree with this because I also believe that a lot of other men from different races can do a good job in the same things white men can do. As of right now, it is not just white men who are doing great things or running the government. To me the words “privilege life” has changed because society has changed. 

Week 4: D1

Does valuing diversity come easily?  Why or why not?  Can you make some suggestions to enhance a group’s ability to value diversity?  

Diversity is important as it brings more ideas to the table in a small group setting. With a wide range of diversity it also helps a group perform more efficiently due to the different talents people might have. It is not easy to value diversity. Sometimes it is hard to communicate within a group because of the differences of people. A lot of people do not accept diversity because they value their own culture group more than others. By not accepting the diversity, conflicts also can arise, which is not beneficial in a group setting. We are more partial to our own ethnicity, culture, gender, age, and religion.

One suggestion I have is to incorporate more diversity in the work place. This can teach others how to work with “different” types of people. Not only that but in so people can be more exposed to different community. Also before new group meetings, have everyone introduce him or herself a little bit so that the group will understand this person a bit more. Everyone should just have an open mind every time they are in a group setting.

Week 3:D3

Pick one concept from the assigned reading, not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it

I thought the roles topic in chapter three was interesting. Roles are different from norms because a person with a role identifies how the person is to act within the group. There are two types of roles that are identified in the book, task roles and social-emotional roles. Task roles are there to help get things done, coordination and initiating within the group. Social-emotional roles are ones who help with the social discussions, providing encouragement and support. Both are important to the group because it help maintain effectiveness of the group. Without roles there might be members who will be aggressive and dominate throughout the project. I also believe that we all somehow automatically take a role within the group. For example one person can be the leader because everyone tends to listen and respect this individuals while another person can be the observer cause this person seems to be quiet.  Whatever role one plays it is important because I believe that it does help the group run more efficiently. 

Week 3: D2

Distinguish between internal and external constraints.  Provide an example of each one from your own experience.   

Constraints are limitations and restrictions that can affect one’s decision making. There are two types of constraints, internal and external.

External constraints are things that contribute to the decision making process but it is not necessary the problem.  These are the things that you might not have control over. Not having enough time is considered an external constraint when I have big projects. Since I do not have a lot of time to complete it, I have to make a decision on whether I should get all the fundamentals down or if I should spend more time on the presentation of the project. Normally I would chose to get all the information for the project and then work on the presentation part if I have extra time.

Internal constraints are the essential to the problem. This might be the cause of the initial problem or it might have to do with limitations on the decision such as the physical location or government regulation. For example I wanted to touch the sea turtles lying on the shore of Hawaii. I debated on whether I should but I did not because there is a government issued law that there will be a fine if I touch this endangered animal. 

Week 3: D1

Are there group norms at SJSU?  What are they?  In the group of individuals that you spend time with, are there group norms?  What are they?  In both cases, how did you identify these norms? How did you adapt to these norms?

There are group norms at SJSU. Some of the groups consist of the fraternities/sororities, athletic teams, educational clubs and just random interest clubs on campus. The members of the groups understand how to act within the group. For example, honors program on campus will have members understand that they need to maintain their grades while an athletic team will have their players maintain a healthy diet. By having a norm, it helps the group function a little more properly. Club volleyball is one of the groups that I am in and one of the norms in this group is to make practice and attend the games. We are also held responsible to fundraise for our team so we can have money for nationals.

By watching the interaction of people we can identify the norms of the group. I think we are able to adapt to the norms by learning what is expected in the group. It might not be easy at first but we will get the hang of things after some time in the group. 

Week 2: D3

Pick one concept from the assigned reading, not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.

I thought that the topic of feedbacks was interesting because I can totally imagine how feedbacks play out in small group communication. I believe that in a group setting feedbacks are important. By saying something reassuring to the speaker can boost the speaker’s confidence within the group. Another reason why it is important is because feedback can help improve or expand the idea. For example, by commenting on someone’s idea the author of the idea can take the comment and grow their original idea.

Also by having another person’s opinion on the topic can help the author realize if he or she is going in the right direction. I remember that there are times in groups where I do not know what I am doing and I do what I think I am suppose to do early because I wanted feedback from other people. They will then tell me whether or not I did my task right. I also love getting feedbacks on my papers. Feedbacks also give a good discussion topic going within the group, giving the group more chances to communicate with each other. Good or bad feedback, it is always better than no feedback.