Group Analysis

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Morgan Howes Group Analysis

The purpose of this paper is to examine the group process and the importance of group
work. This will be done by examining the behaviors and contributions of the other members of
my group. I will also examine my behaviors and contributions to the group (Ferris State
University FSU, 2012).
Group Characteristics
Communication Patterns
In the beginning of the group assignment we collectively decided on a group contract
which was uploaded to the file exchange for everyone to refer to. After this was done the
communication among the members of our group dropped. We went weeks without
communicating. Mid-way evaluations were done by two members of the group, but not the entire
group.
After mid-way evaluations were done communication increased as the group realized that
the project due date was approaching. Most of the members of our group communicated on the
group page regularly. One member communicated sporadically.
Division of Labor
Our group was able to quickly decide on a topic. We divided the work among us. Each
person was responsible for a section of the assignment. We were to research, create slides on the
information found and upload it to the file exchange for group review. Suggestions and changes
were made based on group decision.

Group Analysis

Handling of conflict
One conflict that came up during the course of our work as a group was the lack of one
members participation. I became aware of Amys lack of participation and waited patiently for a
few days to see if she would post her portion of the project.
I found myself becoming frustrated by her lack of participation. She had not
communicated with the group for some time. I prefer to address an issue before I become too
upset so as to avoid escalation. I am very direct and sometimes this can be a problem for people.
I went over all the files that had been uploaded for our project and made suggestions to
the group. In this post of suggestions, I mentioned Amys missing portion and what she was
responsible to present to the group. This was the first time she mentioned having a problem with
her classes. In the future I hope to avoid this unnecessary stress by reaching out to my group
members to see if they are struggling with the assignment and need help before the last weeks of
the project.
Leadership
I think in the beginning our group lacked direction or leadership. Erin was able to help us
decide on a topic, but after that we seemed a bit lost. I became the leader by default. I do not like
to procrastinate on my assignments. Group work stresses me out because I am always worried
that someone will not do their share and I will have to pick up their slack.
This was the case with this group. Amy was unable to do her portion so I completed her
section. Erin was willing to do Amys portion, but not until the night before the project due date
because of her work schedule. I did not want her to be that stressed out or myself to be that
stressed out. I volunteered to do Amys portion.

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I dont think that our group required one specific leader throughout the entire project. We
needed someone in the beginning to narrow down topic ideas. Then we needed someone to get
us going on the actual work and suggest group due dates. The last thing we had a leader for was
the final product and hand in. These tasks were completed by a different member of the group.
No one member was the leader the entire time. We worked well together.
Why did these Characteristics Emerge?
The motivation and communication changed/emerged in our group as we needed them to.
When our group needed a leader one of us stepped up and was the leader. When a leader was not
necessary we made decisions as a group.
As suggested by Piezon and Ferree (2008) our group attempted to restore equity with
each other. The equity theory surmises that members of a group wish to have equal responsibility
and when a member of the group feels that there is no equity that person becomes stressed. I was
the one becoming stressed by Amys participation and contributions. Once our group had a plan
in place regarding Amys portion of the project our cohesive nature returned.
Personal Consequences
I think that I work pretty well in a group. I am not fond of working in a group, but I do
understand the importance of group work and collaboration. I was willing to help each group
member as long as they were participating equally. I have learned that I often come across more
harsh and crass than I intend to. I have been working on this weakness. I need to learn to deal
with group conflict effectively. This will help me in my professional and personal life. If I can
communicate with my peers in a professional manner without being harsh or crass it will extend
from my ability to work in groups for class projects to effectively communicating with my co-

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workers. While evidence is limited to support the assumption of better communication results in
better patient care (Seago, 2008) I believe that it does.
Conclusion
Working in groups is hard. Not everyone works the same as the other people in the group.
Once the member of our group that was not participating equally left, our group worked very
well together. No major conflicts were observed, decisions were made as a group, and a leader
emerged as needed and was able to meld back into the group. I would gladly work with these
two women again.

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References

Ferris State University. (2012). Critical analysis of group paper. Retrieved from
https://fsulearn.ferris.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2F
webapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_1104
7_1%26url%3D
Piezon, S.L., Ferree, W.D. (2008). Perceptions of social loafing in online learning groups: A
study of public university and U.S. naval war college students. International Review of
Research in Open and Distance Learning. 9:2. 1-17. Retrieved from
https://fsulearn.ferris.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-581341-dt-content-rid3658035_1/courses/50157.201405/Perceptions%20of%20Social%20Loafing%20in%20O
n-line%20Learning%20Groups%281%29.pdf
Seago, J.A. (2008). Chapter 32 professional communication. Patient safety and quality: An
evidence-based handbook for nurses. Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality.
Rockville. MD. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2679/