The Group Problem- Solving Process

#1 Define the problem.

Oftentimes before groups identify the

problem or know the facts, they propose

solutions.

Slow down! You first need to determine

what the problem is.

Write the problem as a question.

The question should be open to

alternative answers (no yes/no questions).

Limit the question to one central idea. Don’t try to solve

multiple problems at the same time.

Write the question using specific and precise language.

Be sure you know if you are trying to

solve a question of fact, value or policy.

Question of fact – what is true or to what

extent something is true (e.g., Did Dan cheat on the final

exam?)

Question of value – subjective judgments of

what is right, moral, good or just (e.g., Was the

movie Dr. Finn showed in class appropriate?)

Question of policy – what course of action should be taken or what rules

should be adopted (e.g., How should we evaluate

effective teaching?)

#2 Analyze the

problem.

After the group has identified the

problem, the group must gather the

facts.

What are the causes and effects of the

problem?

Have previous attempts been made

to solve the problem?

#3 Establish criteria for the solutions.

You have to identify the conditions a

solution must meet in order to solve the

problem.

For example:It is moral.It meets budgetary restraints.It can be done in a timely manner.It would be effective.

#4 Brainstorm solutions.

Don’t worry (yet) about whether the solution fits the criteria. Your goal in this step is to come up

with the longest list possible given your time

restraints.

Quantity is the goal!

Don’t evaluate the solutions in this step. That will come next.

#5Evaluate the

solutions.

Compare each solution to your list

of criteria.

Mark out the solutions that don’t meet your criteria.

#6Decide on a

solution.

Now it is time to choose among the

solutions you previously generated.

Decisions can be made in many different ways.

Unanimous consensus –

uncontested support for a decision

Majority rule – the solution with the most votes wins

Minority rule – a small number of

members makes a decision on behalf of

the group

Expert opinion– individuals who have

expertise in a particular area make

the decision

Authority rule– the leader of the group makes the decision

Factors such as how important the decision is,

whether the decision requires expert knowledge,

and how quickly the decision must be made, influence the choice of

methods.