Small group evaluation paper - Essay Example

Small Group Evaluation Paper The study of group behavior has a long tradition among social sciences in various disciplines. Common interests and goals bind members of a group that moves towards its achievement through frequent activities and interactions among them. After the initial stage of group development, certain patterns or structures develop within the group. The boundary of a group consists of social norms, ethic, customs and obligations to which an individual member must conform as the price of inclusion. In this regard, the objective of the essay is to present an examination of the roles and norms that existed in a permanent group in which one had participated. Specific examples of task oriented role, maintenance oriented role, norm and socioemotional role from Myers and Anderson’s “The Fundamentals of Small Group Communication” would be discussed. Task Oriented Role A. Description Task roles emphasizes content, structure and goals. As a group member, the task oriented roles that I performed was as an information seeker or giver; one who requests or supplies factual material, objective data, information, or ideas. This is a crucial and significant role as it entails great responsibility in terms of providing accurate and correct information needed by the group in decision making and in working towards the accomplishment of group goals. My role unites and binds other task oriented roles in terms of ensuring that all data and information needed by the members could be provided by me at the time that this information are required and at the most accessible and accurate manner. B. Analysis At first, it was difficult to assume the role as an information seeker because one needs to look for appropriate sources of information that would be most useful at the given time frame. There is a learning period for this particular role. I was able to adapt to the demands of the role after two or three meetings as the information for decision making and to accomplish group goals rely on my ability to source them at the soonest possible time. People who assume roles as information seeker must be resourceful and innovative to find ways and means to solicit as much information as needed that would help in the accomplishment of group activities. C. Evaluation One personal evaluation of task roles is that they greatly assisted in defining order and direction for the group through the responsibilities that are clearly expected from each member. Task roles are crucial to be identified and stated in every group so provide guidance and appropriate direction towards the achievement of group goals. Maintenance Role A. Description Maintenance or socioemotional roles support and nurture the group. I assumed the role of an encourager; one who helps develop and maintain a friendly, warm, acceptive, and realaxed atmosphere. An encourager is instrumental in enhancing group cohesiveness and warmth by giving praises and openly accepting the ideas of others. B. Analysis I find my role as an encourager both challenging and rewarding. It is challenging because I have to ensure that cohesiveness is developed among members of the group. In a cohesive group, I was made aware that members are attracted to each other and must engage in frequent social interaction. I made sure that we share positive feelings about the group, in general and that I am protective of its existence. C. Evaluation As indicated by Martires (111), “high group cohesiveness may result in either high or low levels of group performance. When standards of performance are high, performance is high, if the degree of cohesiveness is high”. Therefore, as much as possible, we strive to set a high standard for our performance so that all our activities and goals are consistent and we would achieve our objectives at the most effective way. As an encourager, I give motivation and words of acknowledgement and praise to uplift the spirits of group members. By doing so, members are more happy and satisfied on working towards group goals. Task Norm A. Description As indicated by Myers and Anderson, “task norms are norms that enable a group to work toward task accomplishment” (270). Observations of various groups reflect certain regularities in their behavior. As more members follow these patterns regularly, they become part of the unwritten and informal code of behavior that they actually become part of the group’s unspoken rules. Hackman defines norms as informal rules that are generally agreed upon and that guide group members’ behavior (Hackman, 101). B. Analysis Our group focused on participation norm --- everyone is expected to make some contribution to the group task. This does not mean everyone need participate equally, only that all members do contribute something. As we have specifically defined our task roles, members were expected to adhere and comply with the responsibilities and tasks identified. In this regard, there is an explicit understanding that each member’s participation in the group is ensured through complying with the expectations defined by the task roles. Further, one member can suggest or recommend other ideas and concepts deemed necessary to improve group activities or methods to achieve group goals. The solicitation of regular feedback is expected as a way of participation so that we would be exposed to being made more aware of different points of views from the members and of ideas from various perspectives. C. Evaluation The idea that participation is expected, though not in equal amount could actually be perceived by other members (especially those who contributed more in terms of effort and time) as unfair. To resolve this potential problem, our group had an understanding that aside from the responsibilities that we agreed and divided as equally as possible, participation could not be expected to be equal because one could suggest more or have more ideas and concepts over and above what we have agreed upon. So, whatever is perceived to improve group work and the accomplishment of goals is considered a plus factor and a welcome concern. Maintenance Norm A. Description Our group has acknowledged that the maintenance norm is preventing diffuseness, where people should realize how important it is to get along with one another, and hence should be willing to help people cooperate in solving a task, as well as solving the task itself. We have agreed that each member, despite the differentiation in roles, should focus on group building that would lead the group toward positive member interaction and interpersonal behavior. B. Analysis The strategy in avoiding diffuseness is actually through goal setting. Goals are the main justification for the group’s existence. Initially, our group found goal setting to be somewhat tenuous and vague; but as we learned to affirm our sincerity and purposefulness in our formation, we became firm and begun to accept the need to motivate each other to work towards the group goals. C. Evaluation In sum, as we go along through activities and interactions, we always remind ourselves what we want to achieve in that particular meeting or activity. It gives us direction and focus. And them, we redefine our task norms and roles to ensure that we are on the right tract and that our responsibilities are being undertaken, as originally defined. Conclusion The small group evaluation presented an examination of the roles and norms that existed in our permanent group in which I had participated. Specific examples of task oriented role, maintenance oriented role, norm and socioemotional role from Myers and Anderson’s “The Fundamentals of Small Group Communication” were discussed, analyzed and evaluated that enhanced one’s understanding and appreciation of the group in terms of goals, norms and roles, instrumental in the successful attainment of identified objectives. Works Cited Hackman, J.R. “Group Influences on Individuals.” Handbook of Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Rand McNally, Chicago. 1976. Print. Martires, Concepcion R. and Fule, Galileo S. Management of Human Behavior in Organizations. National Bookstore, Philippines. 2000. Print. Myers, Scott A. and Anderson, Carolyn M. The Fundamentals of Small Group Communication. Sage Publications. 2008. Print. Read More