Small Group Discussion in the Workplace

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Consider the text below. Then submit your response(s).

In a group assigned by your instructor, consult an editorial from the school newspaper (online or in print) about a challenge that your school is facing. Now imagine you are a think tank assigned by your employer to develop a policy for your school that will help address the problem. Remember, as we discussed in the chapter on argumentation (chapter 16), a policy claim is one that states, “We should do _____ to solve this problem.” In the time allowed by your instructor, discuss with your group the problem and possible solutions. Draft a brief statement that explains your policy proposal, then select a spokesperson for your group.

When the class reconvenes, instead of sharing your policy proposal, answer the following questions as a class:

1. When you were discussing your policy ideas, did any particular roles among your group members emerge? Was there a clear leader in your group? How could you tell? Did some members engage more in task-oriented roles and others in social-oriented roles? Can you share examples of each?

2. Did you encounter conflict? How do you know? Did you manage the conflict, and if so, how? If not, why not?

3. Did you experience groupthink? If so, how do you know? If not, how can you be sure?