Identify the steps of the reflective-thinking method for decision-making in small groups. The reflective-thinking method originated with John Dewey, a leading American social philosopher. This method provides a structured way for small groups to approach decision-making and problem-solving, especially as people are increasingly distracted by electronics or overwhelmed by access to complex and endless information. Dewey maintained that people need a scientific method and a “disciplined mind” to both tap into the strength of a group and to come up with logical solutions. The term disciplined mind refers to gaining intellectual control, rather than just being emotionally based. Discipline in this context isn’t seen as restrictive; in fact, Dewey believed that having a disciplined mind offers intellectual freedom. While the reflective-thinking method can be applied to individual decision-making, we’ll apply it here to small group communication. We’ll explore the five steps of the reflective-thinking method below.
Once the group decides on its final solution, they can continue further planning, or present their decision (when applicable). 5.Implied Leader: A group member to whom other members defer because of her or hisrank, expertise, or other quality.6.Emergent Leader: A group member who emerges as a leader during the group’sdeliberations.7.Designated Leader: A person who is elected or appointed as leader when the group isformed.8.Procedural Needs: Routine “housekeeping” actions necessary for the efficient conduct ofbusiness in a small group.9.Task Needs: Substantive actions necessary to help a small group complete its assignedtask.10.Maintenance Needs: Communicative actions necessary to maintain interpersonalrelations in a small group.11.Hidden Agenda: A set of unstated individual goals that may conflict with the goals of thegroup as a whole.12.Reflective-Thinking Method: A five-step method for directing discussion in a problem-solving small group.13.Question of Policy: A question about whether a specific course of action should orshould not be taken.14.Criteria: Standards on which a judgment or decision can be based.15.Brainstorming: A method of generating ideas by free association of words and thoughts.16.Consensus: A group decision that is acceptable to all members of the group.17.Oral Report: A speech presenting the findings, conclusions, or decisions of a small group.18.Symposium: A public presentation in which several people present prepared speecheson different aspects of the same topic.19.Panel Discussion: A structured conversation on a given topic among several people infront of an audience.SummaryA small group consists of three to twelve people assembled for a specific purpose. Aproblem-solving small group is formed to solve a particular problem. When such a grouphas effective leadership, it usually makes better decisions than do individuals bythemselves.Most groups have a designated leader, an implied leader, or an emergent leader. Somegroups have no specific leader, in which case all members of the group must assume |