The small group that we choose for our final paper was the Diversity Center. The Diversity Center is a student program at Oregon Tech that consist of a group of people who are committed to creating a safe, and welcoming campus for all students, faculty, and staff by increasing understanding, sensitivity, and awareness to diversity. They support the efforts by coordinating programs such as cultural hours, special events, discussion, films, and other education programs. With the support from the Oregon Tech community they can be seen as a valuable resource; to promote the free exchange of ideas in a safe and oppression free environment, provide programs that encourage diversity awareness and appreciation for human dignity, listen attentively to the voices of the Oregon Tech community, and to address all relevant issues with patience and impartiality. The Diversity Center try their best to hit the marks of their goals, however with further …show more content…
It seems as though the group makes decisions democratically, but they take this style to the extreme. In order to recover some structure to the meetings, we recommend that the leader exercise an authoritarian blend of the democratic leadership style. This centralizing of power will decrease communicative clutter and keep the meetings on track.
The meetings should have a well thought out agenda. As mentioned beforehand, although the group had an agenda, it was very vague in regards to its purpose. In order to correct the agenda issue, a new format may be needed. Along with the main topics of the main topics for the meeting, the topics of discussion could use more description, relevant background information, time limits for each item as well as member responsible for addressing the item. The agenda could be sent out for members to look over it and prepare or to even suggest adding something to it, prior to the
“College campuses are not dominated by widespread racial/ethnic segregation and the racial/ethnic clustering that does occur isn’t impeding intergroup contact.” (578, Hoeffner and Hoeffner). Throughout the essay, the writer continues to provide facts and sources on the information that diversity is not a problem on college campuses. She quotes evidence that states that college students are getting a “variety of positive educational outcomes that result from being educated in a diverse environment.” (578, Hoeffner and Hoeffner).
The essay, “Diversity: The Value of Discomfort” is an argument written by Ronald L Leibowitz in which he addresses a group of graduates about the value of diversity in college. To me, diversity means the unique backgrounds which influence people’s thoughts, ideas, and opinions. Each of the factors in an individual’s background makes them unique, and creates an important facet of our communities. However, we need to recognize and understand diversity, and simply “celebrating” it is not enough—we must embrace it in our colleges, workplaces, neighborhoods, and larger societies.
The team is weak. While the makeup of the team is one that fashions an environment conducive for enhanced effectiveness, it has yet to approach the set mandate in a manner that ensures the realization of its goals. Errors can be identified during the initial stages of forming the group. There are five stages of group formation. During three of these phases, the forming, storming and norming, were characterized by significant errors. The forming stage was spread through some meetings. The core rationale for this is the inability of all members to be included in the first
(Anderson 1959) The person who is using the democratic style, the person will motivate his team cooperation, can effectively and actively encourage his group members. This is on account of the person who uses the democratic style of the leadership style will decided with the team members and participate in the consultations are not unilateral democracy leader and dictator. In the study, we have found that this leadership style is one of the most effective and creates higher productivity, better contributions from group members and increased group morale. Democratic leaders can lead to better ideas and more solutions, creative problem they face, and because team members are encouraged to share their ideas, opinions, ideas, skills, problem, they need to share other things (Kendra Cherry,
There are many elements of a small group discussion each of which is important and play a key role. One of these elements is small group member roles and leadership which entails each member of the group taking on a specific role to benefit the group as well as gaining some form of leadership to help guide the group. The main roles that exist are; initiator-contributor role, information giver, orienter role, recorder role, and encourager and harmonizer roles. Each of these roles helps to keep the group and the discussion on the right path.
The team is weak. While the makeup of the team is one that fashions an environment conducive for enhanced effectiveness, it has yet to approach the set mandate in a manner that ensures the realization of its goals. Errors can be identified during the initial stages of forming the group. There are five stages of group formation. During three of these phases, the forming, storming and norming, were characterized by significant errors (Polzer, Vargas & Elfenbein, 2003). The forming stage was spread through some meetings. The core rationale for this is the inability of all members to be included in the first initial meetings. Such a factor impeded on the development of the group dynamic.
During the second attempt, I chose to adopt a democratic style of leadership. Once again, I was no more informed than any other member of the group concerning the correct performance of the task; hence I chose not to make autocratic decisions. I did however note the need for structure in any given task. Therefore, the...
These five characteristics are something that the group leader should consider prior to the meeting. While in the planning stages of the meeting, the leader should be sure that they are adhering to these factors such as including the right people. This can also assist the leader while composing an agenda. This may be a helpful tool in guiding the organization and structure of the meeting. This format is especially important for meeting leaders but not limited to them. If all group members are aware of these structure and essential elements, they can be the first step in achieving common goals. If simple goals can be set within meetings such as successfully meeting these requirements, the stepping-stones will be laid to achieve greater things down the road in the process. Enthusiasm is important to the positive attitude in a group meetings and it is best if people of authority present this enthusiasm so they can lead the group and be a positive example (Clark, 1998). This positive attitude can become contagious and other can subconsciously adopt this
... a significant role in group’s decision-making process and affects the quality of decisions. Participative leadership emphasizes participation of group members in decision-making process for the highest quality and the best solution, and encourages productivity, creativity and motivation of group members. On the contrary, authoritarian leadership prevents considering alternative viewpoints and limits member’s contribution which in turn increases risk for groupthink, causes a decline in group’s productivity and performance, and leads to unmotivated group members. In order to avoid groupthink, there are three important factors to be considered: impartial leadership, group synergy and dialectical inquiry. Adapting these elements would prevent any group from irrational decision-making process and promote collaboration, collectivity, and high quality of group decisions.
One issue that is faced by the group is the lack of team dynamics as well as the pressure being felt to devise and implement a comprehensive plan in six months. Some managers create groups to aide in team dynamics as groups serve functions such as organizational, psychological, and personal. The group that Eric set up was created to generate ideas in order to beat the competition. However, due to the conflict from the team members, idea creation was never brought about. Additionally, the psychological functions that give an outlet for affiliation needs and the personal functions of increased self-esteem, increased security, and a sense of identity are never achieved. With the creation of his group, Eric was faced with a peer, in particular, that strongly believes “that groups are useless”. There are variables that affect the integration in groups of org...
Diversity is a notion, when applied to the majority of circumstances, can create a positive conclusion. The trick to producing a positive outcome is often how the different aspects are brought together. Consider a classic dinner combination peas and carrots, the two colors look appealing and the two flavors comes together as one making a superb side dish. Now consider oil and water, these two substance are not often considered a good combination. Although, this is not always the case; olive oil and vinegar (which is water based) when mixed, come together into a delectable salad dressing. Diversity and inclusion should also apply to humans by bringing people together who are different it can creates a whole that is enhanced by the uniqueness of each individual.
This memorandum introduces group dynamics and communications, in our section. First, it describes the group development stages and how group relationships form. Second, it discusses group communications. Third, it analyzes communications barriers. Finally, it offers several techniques to reduce barriers to improving group communications.
Democratic leaders are generally found to be more effective than autocrats. Democratic leaders offer direction to their team members and obtain their input in making decisions. The employees in the democratic group generally have lesser yield than the authoritarian group but their work are of higher quality. Democratic leaders inspire group members to contribute but hold the final decision over critical matters. This style creates stability, and helps team members feel
It is important in group decision making that all group members participate in discussion. It is the time to represent to them. They can exhibit their talent and knowledge.
Working in groups is challenging at times. Other times it is very rewarding. We are so focused on life that we do not take time to reflect on things as much as we should. Being in a Groups class has opened my eyes to a whole new world. I have begun to question, explore, and even understand how things work. I even get how they work sometimes. Not only is there a process involved in making individual decisions, process is involved in group decisions as well. This paper attempts give insight into my reflection of my group decision process.