Chapter 11/12- Post 3

Chapter 12 describes avoidance as a conflict resolution strategy that is generally ineffective. This strategy entails withdrawing from the conflict completely as a way to avoid addressing the issue at hand. Though I am not proud of it, I am someone who typically deals with conflict by avoiding it. Even if I am really upset, I am likely to conceal my true emotions in an effort to avoid confrontation. This is something I am trying to work on since I am starting to realize how destructive this style can be. Harris & Sherblom (2011) state that conflict is healthiest when group members face it head on since conflict is usually resolved only by working through it, rather than suppressing or avoiding it (p. 213). Without addressing the issue, the matter will never be resolved effectively and therefore; by doing this, I am only creating more conflict for the future. These behaviors take time to adjust; however, I am trying to practice conflict resolution strategies that produce a more effective result.

Chapter 11/12- Post 2

Chapter 12 lists several styles for small group resolution styles. One of these is collaboration which is considered the ideal conflict-resolution strategy for any group. Reaching a consensus requires carefully defining the issues, discussing group-process strategies for communication; agreeing on the paramaters of a good solution; being open, careful, and considerate; listening to all perspectives; and being willing to take the time and energy needed to forge solutions from the best parts of the perspective offered (Harris & Sherblom, 2011, p. 208). On the other hand, competitive resolution has a win-lose orientation. This style is marked by self-interest, rather than mutual interest, and by an assumption of a limited resource and limited possibilities (Harris & Sherblom, 2011, p.211).

As a member of a group, I have experienced both styles of conflict-resolution styles in the past and have found that collaboration always produces the most satisfying result. This is the most rewarding for me since the result is achieved through both parties agreeing mutually. Choosing a competitive style usually leaves one partied dissatisfied and therefore, the issue can never be fully resolved. Both of these resolution styles have also been relevant in my friendships as with most my friends I am able to resolve conflict by collaborating; however, one of my friends always has to be right which causes our arguments to be resolved more competitively.

Chapter 11/12- Post 1

Chapter 11 discusses the various group process and presentation techniques. These techniques can prevent the accumulation of errors leading to a poor conclusion, enhance your group’s creativity, facilitate its problem-solving process and provide a method by which the group can present that information to a larger audience in a persuasive matter (Harris & Sherblom, 2011, p. 181). A forum provides a format for speaking and listening to a larger audience; a panel is a public format in which a group of four to eight experts discuss a problem or decision in front of an audience; a colloquium is a form of public discussion in which a small group of experts discusses a problem in front of an audience with the help from a moderator; and a symposium is a series of two to six brief speeches made on different aspects of a difficult problem. Of these techniques, I would probably follow the format of the forum as it seems the most similar to the discussion style I am used to in class.

Chapter 10- Post 3

Another concept discussed in Chapter 10 is Superiority Versus Equality. The text states that though there are bound to be discrepancies amongst a group, the contribution of each member is necessary for a group to work effectively. This means that while some members may be more experienced, powerful, or knowledgeable than others, they must put their egos in check and not view the other members as being inferior. In other words, establishing a sense of equality sets the stage for an effective group process. Equal participation from each of the members places everyone at the same level, which allows everyone to develop a mutual respect for one another. If a member has an attitude that they are superior, the other members are likely to become offended and view this member as arrogant which will therefore develop a degree of resentment and cause a divide amongst the members of the group.

Chapter 10- Post 2

　In general, there are many blocks or barriers that limit our creativity. In addition to perceptual barriers and emotional barriers, there are barriers presented by our cultural system that are based on the expectation of conformity with the rules and standard norms of thinking, behavior, and interaction. Some of these cultural barriers include a requirement for conformity, an expectation of practicality and efficiency, particular arenas for competition or cooperation, an expectation of politeness and of following rules for social order, and a dependence on generalizations (Harris & Sherblom, 2011, p. 168). These barriers can restricting as they develop working habits that only follow standard norms which limit any room for creativity. If a group is always trying to play it safe, they will never reach their full potential. I have experienced several of these barriers in past group experiences, particularly “an expectation of practicality and efficiency” when some group members are not willing to push the boundaries of creativity due and instead want to play everything safe.

Chapter 10- Post 1

Creativity is defined as going beyond the current boundaries of technology, knowledge, social norms, or beliefs (Harris & Sherblom, 2011, p. 162). In terms of groups, trying something new, invoking new perceptions, or providing a new response are considered creating approaches to problem solving. Creative interaction is beneficial to a group as it expands the possibilities of a product, a way of doing something, or a way of seeing things. I have found this theory to be true, based on my own personal experiences and experiences working in groups. This seems to be especially true in competitive scenarios, such as when groups are competing against each other. This is due to the fact that when multiple people and/or groups are competing for a common goal, uniqueness and originality are factors that cause for one to stand out among the rest. Such as in high school when my friend and I won a costume contest for the originality of our costumes. In the end, it definitely pays to think outside the box, especially in group settings as teamwork is a creative process.

Chapter 15- Post 3

Chapter 15 discusses the effect social media sites have had on computer mediated communication. Facebook is without a doubt the most prominent of these since it is widely used across the globe by a very broad and expansive range of people. Nowadays, people tend to use Facebook as the main outlet for maintains relationships between acquaintances, friends, and even family. This is due to the ease factor, since unlike traditional mail, communication is essentially instantaneous through conversing via Internet. Also, most people post photos of important events, which not only speeds up the sharing process, but allows for them to be shared with a larger audience at once. I know that I personally use Facebook as a means for keeping in touch with old friends and distant relatives; however, like most people, I may rely on it too much. I do not necessarily think that it's a bad thing, but it would be good for me to start making more of an effort to communicate through means of telephone or f2f communication.

Chapter 15- Post 2

Group size, proximity, and anonymity are all influential factors on a CMC group’s decision-making process. In terms of size, large groups appear to benefit most from using computer-mediated communication as they are able to generate more ideas per member as opposed to smaller groups. The physical proximity in which the members interact also affects the group process. The text states that even if group members are using CMC, but doing so from the same room, they are still more conscious of their personal-social identities, experience greater social pressure, and have a greater tendency to conform to the group’s expectations and norms, than do members of more widely distributed groups. Anonymity is also a factor that influences a CMC group’s decision-making process since unlike f2f groups, the members are not required to know one-another on a personal level in order to interact. This means they still communicate and make decisions anonymously and still produce a successful end result.

Chapter 15- Post 1

There are several big differences between computer-mediated communication (CMC) and face-to-face communication (f2f). While there are many benefits to CMC, there are disadvantages as well. This method allows messages to be sent and received instantaneously, through means of video, audio, and text. Coporations and groups frequently use CMC as it allows them to stay competitive in today's electronically connected economy. CMC group members tend to focus more on the task and instrumental aspects of the process; however, this content oriented style deemphasizes personal relationships due to the lack of interpersonal interaction. Computer-mediated communication offers less opportunity for conflict since there is a greater equality of participation but f2f groutypical ore likely to reach a consensus in a short amount of time. Overall, CMC groups typically have a higher success rate than f2f groups in terms of productivity and functionality, yet they are lacking the social-emotional relationships that are developed through face-to face communication.