Groupthink

Groupthink seems to be an interesting theory for several reasons. Based off of the readings, I have deduced that groupthink is a term that describes a highly bonded group that is so concerned with maintaining cohesiveness that they fail to see alternate courses of action that could be taken as well as missing different options within the project. What makes groupthink so interesting to me though is that it is actually a detailed process of steps that make up groupthink. To qualify, a group must have a desire to maintain the cohesive nature of the group. In addition to that, groupthink happens when there is intense pressure from the outside to make a good decision or a strong, persuasive group leader within the group. There are several symptoms of groupthink including rationalization, censorship, moral high ground, complacency, peer pressure, illusion of unanimity, and stereotyping. All of these elements degrade the abilities of the group to perform their task in the smartest, most efficient way possible. What really intrigued me about groupthink from the readings though is the fact that groupthink is just a theory; it is not something that can really be proven or disproven.

One of the most recent examples of groupthink that I have experienced happened in a class that dealt with working in groups to develop websites using primarily CSS. In this class we were partnered with others on several projects to create small bits for a website using only CSS. For the final project, we picked our own teams and were tasked with creating a full webpage now using only CSS. In our small group, we immediately clicked personality wise, so it was really easy to design and develop a prototype. And during the whole project most of the group agreed and just went along with everything that one person suggested. I know i dissented on some questionable parts of our design to just go with the flow since everyone else was doing the same. In addition to that, I don’t necessarily believe that what was being done with the project was bad, I just thought a few element didn’t fully meet the project criteria. But since everyone else thought it looked good enough, I did not voice my concerns. As such, the final project we turned in was mostly the work of our team leader without much input from the rest of the group. We managed to get a C on the project due to the fact that we had missing elements and that our design didn’t really have a cohesive feel to it.

The challenge to ensure groupthink does not happen within our KIB projects is a tough one, but achievable I believe. Based on the readings, there are a multitude of actions that can be taken to help stave off the effects of groupthink. One suggestion is to create an environment that fosters input from everyone in the group and listens to everyones suggestions about problems or ideas. To ensure the right decisions are being made, a test has to be done to validate important decisions as the correct ones and to evaluate the risks within the project. One tactic to allow this sort of environment within the KIB project group would be brainstorming sessions, were people feel free and no judgement in proposing ideas they may have for the project. Also, major decisions should be made as a group with the leader responsible for ensuring that the decision is correct based on research. Another way to help eliminate groupthink from the project would be to encourage team members to raise concerns they may have about groupthink taking over the team. This way, others feel safe in voicing concerns about groupthink without the fear of being told off and it gives the group the opportunity to address the issue of groupthink before it becomes a dominating force within the group.

FREEDOM FLYER!!!!!!

The kite project was a very interesting team building experience for myself. Since we were grouped based on our personality types, Ellie and I knew we would succeed from the start. We are both outgoing types that can be very flexible, and as such we worked great together..  
 
With this exercise, I learned that although things may not go exactly as I would like them too, it is best to be flexible and understanding when any issues come up. I learned that I am able to do such things and not always freak out about missing a deadline. In addition to that, I also learned that in a group I am very open to new ideas and listening to what others say.
 
In this exercise I experienced a few various team roles. I reviewed my results from the team roles test, and was actually pretty surprised with what the test results said vs what i experienced. The test said I was predominantly a team player, and the description of a team player was almost to a t how I performed in the group.  
I think overall what went well in this group experience was communication between Ellie and I and also how well we constructed and put together our kite. We were open with ideas and also split the duties, such as buying supplies, evenly down the middle. I think what could have used improvement was our initial steps with the project. By that I mean I think we could have been a bit more organized with our research and ideas. however, i think in the end things worked out.  

Stages, Developments, and Modes…Oh My!!!!

In looking at the models of Group Development through the lens of this class it would seem that these two topics, while similar, have very different functions. By that I mean whereas these group development theories focus on the group as an entity, I’ve felt this class has focused more on the individual and what they can bring to a team. However, by digging a bit further, these two topics do cross paths frequently. After reviewing the group development theories, it seemed to me that most of them were saying the same thing but in various degrees. I do think it is critical to note though that these theories, although similar, do have elements that make them unique such as whether it is a linear model or a model based on individual parts that can happen at any time.

One theory that really stood out to me in the readings was the Tuckman Stages Model. In this model 5 stages are outlined in group development: forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning. This model uses a linear timeline, meaning that these stages follow one after the other. The reason this theory made so much sense to me is that it was similar to reading a blueprint of every group project I have been involved with. I did take issue with how this theory starts. It begins with the forming stage, which means group members are learning of the task and of each other as well. The next stage is storming. This consists of group members engaging in arguments to achieve group structure. My issue with these two stages is that in almost all of my groups I have been in typically there is little to no conflict on structure of the group. Initially, there are the “forming” steps, but that time frame is brief. Once it is over I feel that I can steer a group into the norming/performing portion of the Tuckman model.

I think the reason behind my lack of storming stage is due to my personality. And after taking the personality test, it would make sense. My results, ESFJ, indicate that I am a guardian provider. It is scary how accurate those results were, but more so I believe that it helps to explain why there is a lack of forming/stroming in my previous groups. I don’t like to leave anyone behind and I always make sure that people are taken care of and feel included. This helps the group form a cohesive bond more quickly. I think this also shows that I can help facilitate a group into becoming more productive more quickly.

The third stage in Tuckman’s model is norming, or the point where a group decides on ways to achieve the goal of the group. This stage is also the point at which members will decide on means of communication as well. After this stage comes performing, where the group will strive to achieve its goal. The final stage in Tuckman’s model is adjourning, were the group separates. In comparing these stages to my own personal group experiences, I discovered that while I perform great in the first few stages of this model, the last few stages include some stumbling blocks for me. I have a hard time actually completing work for myself and staying on task. Rather, I am making sure that everyone else is doing ok and that they don’t need help with anything. The team roles test that was taken definitely reinforces this concept. I was pretty even throughout most of the test, scoring higher on the group roles that had greater impact in the beginning of the project. Whereas the roles that are responsible for completing the work (the roles more towards the end of a project lifecycle) I scored lowest on. This again makes sense to me. Whereas I kind of throw the conventional first steps of the Tuckman model to the wind, the last three stages are usually followed pretty uniformly.

Another element in tuckman’s model is the fact that each stage involves two aspects: task behaviors and interpersonal relationships. One aspect I would like to focus on is task behaviors. Through each stage tasks are being completed by the group. I’ve noticed that in previous groups the different task behaviors are affected by whatever it is the group is working on. Basically, I adapt to the situation and try to figure out how to learn/perform based on the circumstances, rather than try to force my own specific style upon people. This makes a lot of sense as well after taking the VARK test. My results, multimodal, demonstrate that I can adapt and learn as best as I see fit. I think this is why my task behaviors are unchanged as well in regards to the final three stages of the Tuckman model. I am not as efficient as it is trying to complete a project. Unlike the first two stages where my qualities lend a helping hand in expediting a group’s cohesion and focus, my learning style adopts to what will work in a situation and therefore I do not try to change anything within these stages of development; rather I form to what the group wants.

TEAM PLAYER!!!!

As a MAS student, I bring a good technical knowledge of website development to the table. I can design the layout and structure and build a fully functional website. Another skill set that I bring to the table is that of design itself. I have a good eye for what is pleasing and can successfully implement that into a website or any other number of projects. 

In regards to team projects, I do not mind them at all. And rather, a few of my personal strengths show in a group project. Not wanting to look like a slacker, group work usually makes me motivated to stay on task and finish up deadlines; even if that means taking on extra work. But generally speaking I like helping others and doing what I can where I can to get things done. I would also call that a weakness, as I generally will pick up the slack without much thought about it. I also can get frustrated if not everyone in a group is working at full potential. It just can be frustrating putting in effort only to see another group member not caring and waisting time. 

The Best of Times & The Worst of Times

The best group experience that I have ever had was during one of my harder classes.  We were tasked with creating a website for a business and making the design look good as well. However the class was really really hard and there was only one other person in my group who struggled just as much as I did. But we split up the work that was required and basically helped each other learn what was required as we built our separate parts of the website. And surprisingly we did well on that assignment. It was nice to be able to help each other pass the class and have a friendly working relationship.

The worst group experience that I remember was freshman year of college, when I was in a different major, I had a intro class for that major. For one project we did we towards the end of the semester we were allowed to pick our teams. I joined a group of people that I enjoyed in class but didn’t really know that well. And as it turns out, I really didn’t know them well at all. It seemed for most of the project, I was doing a lot more work then others due to the fact that I actually put effort into my classes. At the end of the day we passed the class but it was just much more work then what others put into it.