Problem Solving Technique
What is a problem solving group?
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A group of individuals work together on a project or situation that involves resolving one or more issues to come up with a solution; that deals effectively with issues as they arise.
In normal situations, the groups comprises of 5 to 12 employees from the same department with different skill set and who meet for a few hours each week to discuss ways of improving quality, efficiency, and the work environment. Organizations are relaying more and more on problem-solving teams to help solve organizational problems. In problem-solving groups, members share ideas or offer suggestions on how work process and methods can be improved. Rarely, however, are these teams given the authority to unilaterally implement any of their suggested actions. |
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The systematic, structured problem solving possess definite advantages to solving certain problems as a group, others can be solved more effectively by an individual. It's important to know when and when not to work in a group.
Use this checklist to decide when to use group problem solving:
The more questions you answer 'yes', the more appropriate it is to use group problem solving.
However, the deciding question is always: 'Are suitable and relevant people available to work together in solving this problem'. When people are working together it's inevitable that they will be influenced by each other. This can have a significant effect on the efficiency of group problem solving.
Use this checklist to decide when to use group problem solving:
- Can the problem be defined in many different ways?
- Is information from many different sources required?
- Is it a very specialised problem, where the expert' might be biased or not see the wider implications?
- Does the problem have implications for many people?
- Are there likely to be many possible solutions?
- Is it a complex problem with many different aspects?
- Will a solution need to be agreed by others before it can be implemented?
The more questions you answer 'yes', the more appropriate it is to use group problem solving.
However, the deciding question is always: 'Are suitable and relevant people available to work together in solving this problem'. When people are working together it's inevitable that they will be influenced by each other. This can have a significant effect on the efficiency of group problem solving.