I have definitely used the avoidance strategy by withdrawing from the group and the conflict is never fixed that way, I usually just quit. If avoidance is due to an individual’s lack of information, understanding, or any particular opinion on the substance of the conflict, it can be a constructive strategy. Collaborative conflict on the other hand is more healthy and the best way to address issues openly. However competitive conflict is a win lose situation, however can be a ‘fun’ debate and used most often when there is little time. I’ve used competitive conflict in a leadership class in high school. The group decided together and rushed to complete the project a particular way. Ultimately it worked out to our favor but I think if it hadn’t the group wouldn’t have been happy. If someone has a very strong opinion on how things should happen this could pose a problem. Collaboration is a win-win much like a compromise. This is the best way to solve a problem and best for each sides of the issue. At work, there are rarely ways for everything to go smoothly so between departments we talk about each groups needs and essentially decide on one goal. Many times people can feel ‘railroaded’ but we all understand it’s impossible to get EVERYTHING done without this happening occasionally. I would say collaboration wins over competition.

negotiations

 I thought negotiation was an interesting part of chapter 12.It ensures that through compromise each side ‘wins’ Successful negotiation involves planning and strategy and often a mediator is used to keep the ground level. The third party is not responsible for disagreements among the two sides, and each side needs to keep up their side of the bargain. At work I often experience this, and because there really is no way for EVERYONE to be happy we do this so each gets part of what they were looking to accomplish. There are five requirements of negotiation which are a. A thorough understanding of both sides of the problem b. a strong rational for ones own point of view c. a list of things that can be conceded without changing the ultimate goal  and last and probably most importantly respect of the sides perspective. I love that the book mentions respect, however unfortunately in business, which can be quite cutthroat, it’s sometimes trumpled.

In response to the first question for chapter 11, I prefer the colloquium form of presentation. What comes to mind is espn sports when four or five announcers debate things like best play of the week or players. I enjoy watching this, and would love to be one of the presenters because each person is given equal time to speak, without being interrupted by other speakers, because a moderator is present. A panel is also enjoyable. I think I’d prefer the colloquium because there isn’t much room for argument with a moderator to break up disagreements. In past communication classes Ive participated in this form of presentation and encouraging the audience to get involved was fun, it took the attention off me, which I liked but allowed me to answer questions which felt empowering and gave me the drive to work toward being a teacher. I’d say the panel is also a great form of presentation.

Five cultural barriers to creativity requirement for conformity, expectations of efficiency, arenas for competition, expectations of politeness and following rules. The text makes a great example that because we are raised with many rules, and expectations on how to behave it becomes hard for us at times to think outside the box. I find these a problem each and everyday especially the expectation to be efficient. It seems we are given too much work and not enough time, and because we want to please (be competitive) it becomes ingrained in us to do so. This is why classes like art and music are essential because being creative is taken from school settings, even at recess you see kids simply imitating other kids, rarely being their ‘own person’ It takes a strong individual to be themselves and often called weird when they’re creative, which is because they aren’t the norm, but it’s necessary in  a creative sense ‘thinking outside the box.”

Another topic from chapter 10 that was interesting was that an open enviroment to share ideas allows freedom to be creative. “Ultimately membership in a small group should bring us joy,make us feel worthwhile, and open us to new challenges and opportunities. When group members are positive the atmosphere is also, when members show disrespect and lack of interest members become defensive. These concepts are obvious however it seems no matter what team or group we are in there’s always at least one person who throws off the mood! Have you ever really had a boss you love? In a job that pays well? Unheard of! In the workworld we work like slaves and are treated like it, if we’re lucky we find a good company or boss but get paid awful, and the team suffers! I wish we could learn to apply these AWESOME concepts in group meetings at every job Ive had, and have management actually listen, they’d retain employees, train less, and keep people referring costumers and keeping them. Awesome….ideally.

being creative

This weeks discussion is about being creative! I have a job in the arts, doing displays, which involves a ton of creativity. Daily I am faced with the task of finding resources to use for projects. Today we had to make lampshades but didnt have the proper material, so we had to improvise. The two most important factors in my work environment that allow me to be creative are the openness and having free communication. Honestly, working with women they can get caddy and rude. In my current position we truly have open communication without judgement or downtalk. My boss always asks 'what do you think?' which was mentioned in the equality section ) I feel honored that she wants my opinion and then we draw out possible solutions together to the problem, and through process of illimination find the right answer. Being creative is the best form of work in my opinion!

I thought the topic of nonverbal expressions used in CMC was funny and applicable to everyone online. WE often use J xoxo kisses or hahaha when texting or emailing to make it more personal. A message can sound so mean, and often we will interpret it so, if the previous is not inserted in the text. Specifically smiley faces. “Poetry is used to provide a personal self expression and emotional support for others in ways that promote self awareness and self esteem as well.”My personal favorite are queebles which are emotional characters that move J I think the fact that we use these emotional ques is because using cmc isn’t natural (in most cases)

Group size effects the group participation because the larger the group and more diverse, the better CMC will serve the participation of it’s members. Anonymity allows members to be individual and not conform to group expectations. Also, the members who sit in the same room, even while using CMC as their only communication tend to be more conscious of their social-personal identities. This can hinder a group dynamic and participation. This relates to my prior posting that mentions how online groups perform better to complete a task, and why. I would say in the text, it seems to favor online communication for a few reasons a. anonymity b. no need to worry about proximity c. group size can be large and still function well and d. equal participation among it’s members with greater number of remarks in group meetings. I really hadn’t thought about proximity as being a big influence on my ability to work in a group, but mainly I’d say the amount of external noise really effects people’s ability to focus, and alone with a laptop we can gather our thoughts more effectively, so it makes sense.

cmc vs ftf

Something in chapter 15 that got my attention as a main difference between cmc and ftf communication was the effectiveness in small groups. It is mentioned that fewer remarks are made in CMC than in FTF and that it takes longer to come to a conclusion using CMCSomething suprising is there is equal participation between group members in a CMC atmosphere. It is both suprising and obvious in a sense. At times our insecurities, bias and introvertedness can hold us back from speaking up in class or a group, but in CMC (online courses :)  ) we are able to have a voice minus the judgement. Hence why this makes sense. It could be equally as easy for someone to become more introverted and shy away from taking responsiblity when they don't 'have' to. Many friends of mine say 'I can't believe you take online courses isnt that hard not seeing the instructor or students in your group?' How do you motivate yourself to do homework?" I just think wow, it's all a matter of mindset and I prefer CMC one hundred to one.