Problems and Issues Working in a Group - Coursework Example

Name Course Instructor Date Reflection Personal experience and the gains Research is one of the most important courses that students get exposed to. The experience gained through conducting of this research is enormous and essential in my personal development and my future career prospects. From the moment this research commenced, I have learned many skills in fieldwork research. When my group was given this research project, I immediately started to search for suitable research topic. Searching for a research topic enabled me to gain deeper skills on the modalities used to search for a topic. One reason for selecting a given topic is the need to find an amicable solution, to gain further knowledge about the previous findings and to verify whether the previous findings in the study are still relevant or not (Irving, 2012). The topic on relationship between quality service and customer satisfaction of transportation service in Cardiff city was unanimously supported. The reason for selecting this topic was to establish whether indeed the services provides met the level of expectation of customers to stimulate debate on the way forward. The research approach to adopt in this research stimulated mixed reactions from the members. Some wanted to adopt quantitative while others qualitative while others suggested for mixed research (Jehn, 2009). Nevertheless, through consensus, quantitative method was adopted because of time constraints associated with qualitative. I personally supported the use of quantitative method in this study because of its nature. Quantitative method allows use of statistical/numeric in analysis of results. The method as well is easy to administer as questionnaires are used to solicit views from respondents. I therefore, gained skills in development of questionnaires using SERQUAL model. Furthermore, what informed use of quantitative method was the large number of participants. Using statistical methods enabled me to have an easy time when it came to data analysis and interpretation. The research therefore, has sharpened my communication and research skills. In any research, it is recommended to create harmonious relationship with participants through communication. Selection of respondents to be part of the sample and administering of questionnaires required application of research and communication skills. Succeeding in this process is clear evident of the skills and knowledge I have gained. Problems and issues working in a group Studies indicate that working in groups and teams allows team members to gain additional skills, knowledge and experience compared to those that work individually (McNally). Working in rewarding groups or teams leads to positive performance and vice versa since such groups have an emotional life and personality since they share similar tasks (Phillips & Phillips, 1993; Pinkley, 1990). Through group projects, individuals have the opportunity to acquire skills and knowledge on proper time management, communication skills and problem solving skills among many others (Kenneth, 2012). Despite the many benefits that accrue from teamwork, there are various issues and challenges experienced in the process of undertaking this research. Working in a group requires that members share the vision and objectives to move in accord (Huttenlocher & Kleinberg, 2010). This enables the group to be vibrant and to adjust in their workings hence reduces conflicts and contributes to achievement of the objectives (Kliegl & Weaver, 2014). Despite some challenges, the group managed to stay focused hence meeting the group deadlines. Research team must have a sense of accountability and responsibility to ensure that the group achieves its goals. In our group, tasks were broken into smaller structures but the challenge overlapped in some of the tasks/duties among the team members (Greenwald, 2002; Sherif, 2010). Another important issue when working with groups and teams is communication among members (Nranjan, 2013). Communications is the means through which various team members get to understand one another. To ensure that we remain focused, we kept constant communications through online platforms such as social media. We also had discussion sessions with the team members to brief ourselves on our progress. Working with members from multicultural background may lead to positive or negative aspects. This research project enabled me to learn more about theories and concepts pertaining to research projects through sharing with the group members. In previous studies, various conflicts exist when working with groups (Sherif & Devinc, 2012; Vught & Schaller, 2011; Warrick, 2014). These conflicts range from disagreements based on content of task, ideas, opinions, task conflicts, interpersonal incompatibilities and relationship conflicts (Curseu, 2010). In these projects, we had varied opinions and ideas on some aspects of the research such as the method of research (Curseu et al., 2012). However, we solved these conflicts through consensus. Another challenges we faced pertaining to communication was lack of patience to listen to other members contributions. This was a challenge that could otherwise been resolved by ensuring that the group leaders regulates the discussion. Time management was also a challenge that manifested in the group. The cause of these challenges arose from lack of synchronization among the members. This forced the teams to work under pressure to meet the deadline. From this group work experience, I have come to learn the need for members to understand the purpose of the team. If members share their mission and vision, then the level of success is likely to be high (Hackman, 2010; Mitchell, 2013). Furthermore, the team should have a leader to guide the team members to remain steadfast and consistent with their objectives. I have also learned the need for team members to coordinate and to be patient with one another. Respect of team members is also very important to ensure that the team succeeds. Philosophical perspective, changes in thinking In terms of the author’s research philosophy perspective, positivism tries to reveal the reality on how issues are. The method usually comprises of observations of phenomenon well known. Thereby confirming the existing causal and results relations thus making an intelligent guess of the future occurrence, it enhances unbiased and exact results (Creswell 2012). In the construction of a theory, an intelligent guess (hypothesis) is usually made from either deduction or induction reasoning. In deduction one works with what is known to a more specific idea, it is sometimes referred to as a top- down method (Sherif 2010: Devinc, 2012). The author may think of several answers to their research but have to narrow down to a more specific guess, which is later tested in the real research. The researcher ensures that he makes adequate observation to guide the confirmation of the results (Vught & Schaller 2011). In induction on the other hand is making a specific intelligent guess then broadening it to other guesses which are collectively known as objectives and further as research question which guides the researcher. Therefore, I adapted to positivism philosophy, as it rhymed with this quantitative research (Creswell 2012). This allowed collection of data through questionnaires and analysis to establish whether indeed the issues raised existed or not. The other reason for adopting this philosophy in this research is that it is appropriate in the cases where subjects or respondents are many. Using numerical and statistics provided or enhanced objectivity hence appropriate. Ethical view Ethics forms the basis of morals in society and it therefore applies to research. Students have to embrace ethical principles as they engage in their research studies. This therefore means that any researcher that fails to embrace ethical responsibility should held liable personally (Taylor & Bogdan, 1998). Ethical standards were exemplified in the study from the commencement to the conclusion. When writing the literature review, I incorporated findings of various studies but I acknowledged these sources by iting them and listing the sources. A great deal of ethical principles manifest in the methodology stage. As a researcher, I ensured that I protect the privacy of respondent by informing them about the purpose of the research and the confidentiality of their responses. No participant was to be disclosed to third parties without their consent. The participants were assigned codes to refer to the various participants as a strategy to avoid ethical challenges. Both parties had to sign a consent form to ensure that legal responsibilities do not surface. This was aimed at informing them of their responsibility and liberties when filing the questionnaires. Participants have the right to terminate their participation in the filing of the questionnaires any time they wish. I also ensured that uncompleted questionnaires are not included in the analysis. In the group discussion, there was freedom of speech as members participated in the discussion without any force or pressure. I also noticed some sense of respect among the group members especially during our discussions. This was attested during disagreements among the members as they managed to resolve them amicably. The issue of trust and openness was of concern because of the different backgrounds of the team members. Therefore, in some instances, members had misrepresentation of their colleagues. During collection of data, the respondents did not encounter any challenges or situation that would interfere with their filling of questionnaires. In conclusion, it is evident that participation in this research project has contributed greatly to my personal and professional development. I have put into practice the learned skills to find out if indeed quality of service in transportation sector in Cardiff has contributed to customer satisfaction. I have developed my skills and knowledge. Working in groups has also done a great deal to me. Challenges experienced working in a group has enabled me to learn and to understand how to manage such challenges. It is also very important to adapt appropriate research philosophy and uphold to ethics when carrying out a research. I do believe that the skills and knowledge acquired will go miles in impacting on my future career. Reference list Cox, T. E al., 2011, ‘Eon cooperative and competitive behaviour on a group task.ffects of ethnic group cultural differences’, Academy of Management Journal, 34(4), pp. 827-847. Creswell, J 2012, Educational research: Planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall Curseu, P., 2010, ‘Conflict shatters trust or does trust obliterate conflict', Group dynamics:Theory Research and Practice, 14 (1), pp. 66-79. Curşeu, P.L., Schruijer, S.G.L. (2010), "Does conflict shatter trust or does trust obliterate conflict? Revisiting the relationship between team diversity, conflict and trust", Group Dynamics: Theory, Research and Practice, Vol. 14 No.1, pp.66-79. Greenwald, A 2002, Group Dynamics. 1st ed. Australia: Sage . Hackman, R., 2010, Setting Stage For Great Performance. 1ST ed. U.K: Harvard Business Press. Huttenlocher, B & Kleinberg, L 2010, ‘Group formation in large social networks’, Knowledge discovery and data mining, 12(6), pp. 44-60. Irving, Y 2012, The theory of practice of group psychotherapy. 3rd ed. New York: Basic Books. Jehn, K 2009, ‘A qualitative analysis of conflict types and dimensions in organizational groups’, Admnistrative science quartely, 42(3), pp. 530-570. Kenneth, D 2012, ‘Group cohesion from field of forces to multi-dimensional construct’, Group Dynamics, 4(1), pp. 2-7. Kliegl, J, & Weaver, K 2014, ‘Teaching Teamwork Through Coteaching in the Business Classroom’, Business Communication Quarterly, Vol. 77 no. 2, pp. 204-216. Mitchell, B 2013, Individual vs. Team rewards. Retrieved from: http://www.snowfly.com/wp- content/uploads/pdf/Teams_V_indiv_Incentives_feb2013.pdf Nranjan, G., 2013, ‘The Research Centre for Pindra Garhwa’, Sociometry, 8(2), pp. 126-136. Pinkley, R., 1990, ‘Dimension of conflict frame: Disputant interpretations of conflict’, Journal of Applied Psychology , Volume 75, pp. 775 - 822. Sherif, M 2010, The Psychology of social Norms. 3rd ed. New York: Harper Publishers. Sherif, M & Devinc, D 2012, ‘An analysis of effects of level of analysis and task interdependence’, Small Group Research, 26(4), pp. 497-508. Taylor, S. and Bogdan, R. (1998) Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods. New York: John Wiley & Sons. Vught, V. & M.Schaller, 2011, ‘An introduction to group dynamics’, Theory, Research and Practice, 12(4), pp. 34-54. Warrick, D 2014, ‘What Leaders Can Learn About Teamwork and Developing High Performance Teams From Organization Development Practitioners’, OD Practitioner, Vol. 46 no. 3, pp. 68-75. Read More