Final Discussion 3

3). Pick a favorite concept that we have covered through this course and post about it.  Explain the concept to refresh our memories.  Tell the class why you have chosen this concept, and what it is you like about it.

I really found the concept of diversity in groups to be very important. Diversity in groups was my favorite concept, because it is a powerful aspect. A diverse group can bring many different angles and approaches to opinions or objectives. I come from a fraternity, and I am the President, so I have to make many different decisions that are critical to the group. The diversity within the group helps me make my decisions, which in the end, has helped our fraternity rise to the top this semester. Now I am the president of the Inter-Fraternity Council, IFC. I am taking the aspect of diversity that I have learned from my fraternity, Sigma Nu, and from the lessons in this class, to the IFC. With the IFC, a new group comprised of fraternity members from different chapters, diversity will be a huge impact in the decision making process. Now that I know the power of diversity, and can understand the aspects of it applied, I feel that I can effectively lead IFC.

Final Discussion 2

2). What have you learned throughout this class?  What was your favorite thing about the class?  What was your least favorite thing about the class?  How can this class be improved? 

I have learned that time management is critical for this class. Being able to manage the discussions and comments is pretty important. 18 points a week adds up! The 12 hour difference between each post was difficult to work with at first. In the end, I just prepared my posts and saved them to post roughly 12 hours apart. I really enjoyed the two papers we had; I feel that is my area to excel. I did not like the D2L quizzes very much. I found the wording difficult to understand and always found myself getting lower than average grades. Hopefully with the discussions, papers, and extra credit SOTE, I still receive an A. I feel that the class can be improved by having more group oriented projects, where the classmates get to meet and work together on something, applying the small group communication aspects to the project. I feel that doing just the discussions is not enough.

Final Discussion 1

1). Discuss your Group Observation Project.  Was it a useful exercise?  What did you learn?  What was

 good about the project?  What can be improved?

My group observation project was on the PRSSA, which is a PR Club here on SJSU. I thoroughly enjoyed the project, being able to watch a different group work and interact with one another. Because of this, I was able to learn different ways to manage and control groups, the effects of communication, and how a group can thrive or not thrive depending on how groups handle leadership and communication. I found this group a very useful exercise, because of it, I was able to take back aspects learned and apply it to groups that I am a part of now. I think it is good that we attend meetings and observe the group. Reading the chapters right before actually doing the project was very helpful. I don’t think there is much that can be approved with the project itself. I enjoyed the class, and the project itself. The paper was rather lengthy, but after gathering enough information I was able complete the project.

November 12-18 Discussion 3

3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading, that has not already been discussed during this discussion week, that you found useful or interesting, and discuss it.

Reward-punishment power was something that I found useful and interesting. We usually think of reward-punishment power as the ability to materially affect another’s well-being in terms of financial rewards or punishments, personal relationship rewards or punishments, or other rewards or punishments that we consider particularly meaningful. Members will attempt to get on the good side of whoever wields this power. If they will support that person’s opinion in hopes of seeing a reward, or will avoid mistakes or challenging the person, to avoid punishment. When participation in groups is based on regard for reward and punishment power, effective group process may be sacrificed. The book says that this type of power must be used with great care and with a sense of responsibility. Being President of Sigma Nu gives me this power, and I experience brothers seeking to support me when they can. In order to use this power with great care and responsibility, I use my executive committee to help advise me in my decisions when using this power. I do not want to unjustly reward or punish a brother.

November 12-18 Discussion 2

2). Briefly outline an example of collaborative conflict resolution that you have engaged in. Contrast that with competitive conflict. Which was more satisfying to you? To the other party?

The book writes that the ideal conflict-resolution strategy for any group is one of the win-win, or collaboration. These are typically good for conflict that will adversely affect two groups, or when the consequences can largely affect a group. Being the President of Sigma Nu gives me many opportunities to experience collaborative conflict resolution. Today we had to figure out how we were going to approve some of our funds. Two committees in Sigma Nu wanted the funding. After listening to both committees about why they deserved the funding, we were able to come to a consensus and spread the funding across the two committees. This was a win-win situation for both committees, though they did not get full funding, they were each able to get enough funding to begin their projects, and be able to support the projects the rest of the way on their own. Competitive conflict is more oriented towards a win-lose. Self-interest dominates over mutual interest. It can be fun when “healthy competition” is involved. The book suggests that small groups use competitive strategies when there is limited time or resources and when the larger goals of the group are enhanced by its use. I would prefer to use collaborative conflict resolution, as both parties will be satisfied. However, when resources are limited, and both parties understand and have mutual consent, competitive conflict can address issues effectively and quickly.

November 12-18 Discussion 1

1). (Regarding chapter 11) Distinguish among a forum, panel, colloquium, and symposium as a means for making a public presentation. Which one would you prefer? Why?

A forum allows the full audience to participate, examining a topic or problem after a short presentation is given by the group. A panel is a public format in which a group of four to eight experts discusses a problem or decision in front of an audience. A panel usually runs about an hour long, and does not provide direct interaction between the panel of experts and the audience. A colloquium is a form of public discussion in which a group of three to six experts discuss a problem. A moderator must work to keep the discussion focused and moving, yet allowing all parties, perspectives, and opinions, to be heard by the audience and the experts. A symposium provides a format for a series of two to six brief speeches made on different aspects of a complex and difficult problem. The purpose of the symposium is to present complex technical information to the audience about the problem. The speeches are well prepared, practiced, and polished presentations that are uninterrupted by the audience and presented by skilled public speakers. Following the speech audience is allowed to ask questions and discussion of the issue. I would prefer the symposium because the speakers will be well versed in their topic. They will be able to address all of the main points or topics with ease. The speeches will be prepared and practiced. This will help the listeners get all of the main points required, before being able to ask any questions or provide some discussion.

Nov 5-11 Question 3

3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading, that has not already been discussed during this discussion week, that you found useful or interesting, and discuss it.

The concept that I will be discussing is that of emotional barriers. This is something personal that we put in our ways of our creative abilities. The book says that there are “risks and hard work associated with ‘going out on a limb’ and trying something new. We may have to take more time than we would like, we may make a mistake, and we may risk the censure of our peers by looking foolish or being judged incompetent”.  The fear of making a mistake limits us from taking opportunities in creativity. We feel that if we miss once, we have failed and will not have another chance. In reality, we can practice and eventually be on target, getting the appropriate answer. Society rewards those that are right, so when we find a “right” way to complete something, we may stick to that method of completing it. This blinds us to the other opportunities there are to completing something, even if it is more efficient, because we already know how to complete it one way and get rewarded.