Group Interaction Analysis, Video Analysis - Planning a Playground (Essay Sample)

Group Interaction Analysis
Name
Institution
Group Interaction Analysis
Group analysis
From the start of the meeting, the intent of the discussion was very clear. Before the actual meeting, the group was already discussing about the meeting. Every group member knew that the discussion intended to analyze the "Politics of Sociology" and "Planning a Playground" videos.
Every member of the group was well prepared for the discussion. During the preparation, every member watched the videos and clearly understood what they were expected to learn from them. All the members of the group gave equal contributions to the discussion. No one was just listened to the opinions of others without making any comments and giving own points.
The members were open to new ideas and points of views. No group member insisted on a particular view, but gave thought to the views presented by others. No one showed any disrespect or contempt for the ideas of other group members. In the places where some members disagreed with an idea, they respectfully gave their contrary opinions and were ready to change their minds upon clarification.
The discussion was not heated since everyone agreed with what was being discussed. The members had almost similar opinions about the things that were being discussed by the group (Engleberg & Wynn, 2000). All views were based on what was on the video and not the opinions of the group members.
Considering the agreement reached, the group was productive. All group members arrived in time and immediately set on discussing the issue at hand. No unnecessary delays were made. There was efficient use of time as all members remained attentive and committed the whole time.
Giving time restrictions on the different areas of the discussion can be a very good strategy in ensuring that all the discussion areas are given appropriate attention. This can also help members to remain attentive to the discussion. It can also help every member to learn time management skills.
From the proceedings and outcomes of the meeting, it was clear that the group was cohesive enough. To improve on the cohesiveness of the group, it is wise to adopt a collective information gathering instead of individual research. It is also good to employ the use of communication mechanisms like emails, messages and phone calls to keep the members connected even when not on any discussion.
Video Analysis: Planning a Playground
Issues in the video
The video is about a group of residents in a community who have come together to hold discussions about fund-raising for a playground within the neighborhood. Five residents of the community are the members of the committee. Some of the community members are attending the meeting for the first time. The major issue being addressed by the board is the project for the financing and coordination of the construction of a playground for the neighborhood. The question asked by the chairperson was about how the members were familiar with the erecting of a new playground. The chairperson also asked about the total funds that would be required. Many people in the group do not know anything about the funding requirements. A woman who is possibly educated decided to search the revenues for purchasing playground equipment that have different prices. She also suggested that it was reasonable and fair to start at $35,000. Two opposing reactions ensued from her claims. A member said it was wise for the company to look for a price range lower than the one quoted by the woman. Another member proposed that the more costly equipment were safer and were therefore more desirable. Finally, a consensus was reached and the group decided to go with the woman’s suggestions. The next problem discussed was how the funds were to be raised, which was presented by the chairperson. A middle-aged woman, at first timid, offers to host a bake sale as a method of raising the funds.
How well the community members performed as a group
The community members did well as a group by overcoming the challenge of not being familiar with one another. All the group members were also cool and contained, and were patient to introduce themselves to the others for the sake of familiarity. They kept a positive mind throughout the meeting. The diversity in the group did not influence the communication and, therefore, productivity (Engleberg & Wynn, 2000). The group also did well by getting quickly into the agenda of the meeting. The way they solved the disagreement about the type and cost of equipment to go for was also excellent. The group members with diverse points of view readily made compromises for the sake of the common goal. There was a substantive procedural conflict during the meeting, with members expressing different views concerning different ideas, issues and decisions. However, the members managed to come to a middle ground where they could both agree. At the end of the meeting, the members had agreed on the cost of the playground and a method for raising the required money.
Constructive and destructive conflicts occurring in the group
There were many conflicts identified in the meeting. Some of these conflicts assisted the meeting while some hindered its effectiveness (Engleberg & Wynn, 2000). The first types of conflicts identified were the constructive conflicts. By disagreeing on the funding project, the members were able to discuss and come up with a better solution (Nitsun, 2009). An example was the two opposing views on the suggestion to pursue a $35,000 budget. The two men who had opposing views about the project disagreed and argued with one another. However, they finally compromised and the group agreed on a more affordable option. The disagreements on the procedures of raising money was another source of conflict. The conflict that arose was destructive as the bake sale that was proposed by the white middle-aged woman (Betty) was immediately disqualified. The disqualification was on the grounds that there was need for outside help like using foundations in getting the money. Some members even went as far as laughing off the idea proposed by Betty. The group’s performance could have been affected by the marginalization of the opinion of a group member without respecting the member (Engleberg & Wynn, 2000).
How to handle the situation differently
The first step in effectively managing the group is to outline the objectives of the meeting in the beginning (Aas & Vavik, 2015). I would also have issued an agenda form to all the community members prior to the meeting. This would help in informing some of the group members who had no idea about the financial requirements for a playground. All group members could do their own research and come up with the required ideas, thus not being surprised about the details during the meeting (Aas & Vavik, 2015).
Another method is to promote all ideas of the group members, acting without any partiality. This could have encouraged all the group members to be open and give their own contributions (Engleberg & Wynn, 2000). Which could have given the group more alternatives to choose from (Nitsun, 2009).
"The Politics of Sociology”- Video Analysis
Issues in the meeting
In the video, the members of a local college, from the department of sociology are discussing the next semester’s course offerings. The discussion here is on which courses should be added or cut so that the curriculum can be improved while maintaining a balance with the number of enrolments. The group is composed of five members. Three of them are men. There is a heated exchange of ideas and the group leader is straining to control the members. In attempting to obtain a fruitful communication, he urges the members to respect the positions of each member. His attempts to keep the discussion on the specific goals of the group are also thwarted by some members who keep deviating from the topic.
What the members did well as a group
The group members had different opinions and ideas. They were, howev...