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:

Question 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?

Question 2

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

Question 3

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