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Groups versus Individuals in Problem Solving

Decision-making and problem-solving are critical skills that are essential for life and business purposes. Decision-making is part of the problem-solving techniques that are important in leadership and management. These being personality traits, analytical and problem-solving techniques varies from one person to another. Although individuals have the capacity to solve problems, it is noted that one’s capacity to effectively solve a given problem is limited. Different heads brought together in a group have a better understanding of the ways of solving confronting problems. People may come together to form a group purposely to solve a common problem or a crisis. Although these people coming together to form a group know very little about each other, they will significantly contribute to the unity of the group by embracing diversity. However, group participation is a trade-off process that involves give up of one’s freedom to enjoy group affiliated advantages (Lorge, Fox, Davitz, and Breuner 342). Tension often arises within the group during the coordination exercise. Although groups are characterized by tensions and personal differences, the benefits of tackling a problem as a group outweighs the tension and time costs associated with groups. Groups are more effective than individuals in solving a range of problems. The advantage that the group has over individuals with respect to problem solving skills is the diversity with the group (Lorge, Fox, Davitz, and Breuner 356). Each member of the group posse unique skills that if brought together, would enhance their capacity to solve any confronting problem or challenge. This is possible because multiple feasible solutions to the problem do exist within the group. With multiple solutions at the group’s disposal, the group settles for a solution to the problem that is feasible and realistic (Laughlin 76).

Helen Keller said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”. Teamwork increases the productivity and the output capacity. From my perspective, this paper boosts up the reader’s morale towards problem solving in a group, and how teamwork is more effective than working as an individual. Communication is “the transactional processes in which people simultaneously create, interpret, and negotiate shared meanings through their interaction” (14). Having worked in a group for three weeks, I learned about its various positive aspects such as how to interact with group members, respect their thoughts, and be an effective group member during the whole process.

The benefits of cooperation within a group to deal with a problem, project, or a task, are seen in the results of that work. In other word, Group productivity counts on how the group members can communicate and understand each other throughout the process, and how much effort they put in the task. Adams and Galanes believe that “ effective group problem solving depends on how well members understand and manage such things as informational resources, how members feel about each other and about the task of the group, how skilled they are at expressing themselves and listening to others, and how well they collectively process the information they have to work with” (6). What I have learned from being in a small group is that whatever the variety of Ideas each member comes up with are not the appropriate ones, but by sharing them among my group members will help to choose the best.

Working in a group provides multiple solutions from different members and thus offers the group with various aspects of the solutions of the same problem. Each member of a group is a part of the solution since each one has some needed information thus encouraging working in a group. For instance, when I was working in the group activity assigned to me by the instructor, in our informative speech each one had a particular part to work on and give information about. This actually simplified the broader topic into three parts, which saved both my time and efforts.

In schools and colleges, programs involving group activity gives the students a more practical approach. As an international student, I experienced that education in the U.S. is more practical in contrast to the education in other countries. Adams and Galanes stated that, “students can improve problem solving, critical and creative thinking, and social skills in small group learning contexts” (8). For example, during my early education in Saudi Arabia until I graduated from high school, I never worked in a group. However, I got a chance to do the same now and it has been a great learning experience.

In addition, group activity also makes us learn about diverse cultures such as Asians, Americans, Africans, Mexicans, etc. For example, when I was working in the group activity my group included two Americans but from different origins. Working with them, I got to know about their cultures and backgrounds.

In conclusion, although challenging and characterized by constant tension and differences, working in a group is advantageous than working individually in every possible way. It grooms up both the group member as well as the team as a whole. It encourages active learning in students, provides alternative solutions to the same problem, and gives more effective results.

Works Cited

Brest, Paul, and Linda H. Krieger. Problem Solving, Decision Making, and Professional Judgment: A Guide for Lawyers and Policymakers. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2010. Print.

Laughlin, Patrick R. Group Problem Solving. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2011. Internet resource.

Lorge, D, Fox, Davitz, and Breuner, M. A Survey of Studies Contrasting the Quality of Group Performance and Individual Performance. Psychological Bulletin, 2008, vol. 55, 337-370.