...C Group Decision and Negotiation 13: 381–399, 2004 2004 Kluwer Academic Publishers. Printed in the Netherlands Divergent and Convergent Idea Generation in Teams: A Comparison of Computer-Mediated and Face-to-Face Communication DAVID S. KERR Department of Accounting, Mays School of Business, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4353, USA (E-mail: d-kerr@tamu.edu) UDAY S. MURTHY School of Accountancy, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue BSN3403, Tampa, FL 33620-5500, USA (E-mail: umurthy@coba.usf.edu) Abstract Many tasks and decisions in business, including management consulting, are performed in group settings. Computer-mediated communication (CMC) tools (e.g., Lotus Notes) are increasingly being used by businesses to support teams in a variety of settings. Considerable research in information systems has demonstrated the advantages of “electronic brainstorming” (EBS) for generic tasks involving only divergent thinking. However, it is unclear whether the benefits of CMC extend to tasks that require both divergent and convergent processes. Per task–technology fit theory (TTF) (Zigurs and Buckland 1998), the use of computer-based group communication support tools, including “chat” systems in wide-spread use today, may be less effective for convergent processes than for divergent processes. This study experimentally compares the performance of computer-mediated and face-to-face (FTF) teams on tasks requiring both divergent and convergent processes...
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...QP engaged Quadir in participating in a CBT activity geared towards negative communication behavior. QP explained to Quadir that the activity will help him to identify communication behaviors that leads to miscommunication and negative thinking. QP explained to Quadir, what negative communication behaviors are. QP asked Quadir to provide an example of negative communication behavior that he uses. QP provided Quadir with a list of communication behaviors in which he had to identify the alternative behaviors. QP brainstormed with Quadir the consequences of negative communication. QP provided Quadir with a list of realistic counter thoughts, in which he had to provide the negative thoughts. QP discussed with Quadir, what negative thinking is,...
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...Nature of Thought PHL/251 January 30, 2015 James Lorthridge Nature of Thought William Blake said “Tell me what is a thought and of what substance is it made?” (Kirby & Goodpaster, 2007). Human thinking is unique because neurologists have discovered areas of the mind, except thought. The Nobel laureate author Gerald Edelman at the beginning of this millennium said, “What goes on in your head when you have a thought . . . the answer must still be: we do not really know” (2000, p. 201) (Kirby & Goodpaster, 2007). In other words, there are sill regions to be revealed about the brain. The thought process remains a mystery with a model yet to be found. Expressing Thoughts The only way humans can express their thought is through communication. Thinking can be viewed as communicating. “One way to reach a definition is by observing the results of thinking as expressed in human communication” (Kirby & Goodpaster, 2007). Therefore, we can define thinking as the activity of the brain that can potentially be communicated, and expressed in speaking and writing. However, there are multiple outlets of communications, for instance: * Language * Images * Art * Scientific formulas * Mathematics Even though most of these communication forms are effective in their own way, the primary human communication is language. Speaking, writing, and reading is the human form of communicating with one another. Memory An important part of the human thought process...
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...Are You Listening Or Just Reloading? I think in our rush to argue and dissent these days, we have lost the art of listening. By that, I mean listening to truly understand the other person, not listening to agree or disagree, but simply listening to understand. There is an old Buddhist saying that goes something like: "Are you listening, or just preparing to speak." Recently, I heard someone from Europe speak on the subject of communication in America. He said this: "Americans aren't listening, they're just reloading." Ouch! That certainly does describe one kind of communication that seems to be increasingly popular these days. Have you ever been the victim of someone who is good at "reloading," someone who has been through one of those "effective listening" or "effective communications" courses? You know who I mean - they can make eye contact, lean forward, toss in the occasional "I see" and make every outward appearance of actually being attentive. The really good ones can also paraphrase or even repeat verbatim what is that you have to say. I am not referring to the person who is seeking to listen and to paraphrase before carrying on themselves; rather, I am thinking about the person who has become highly skilled at what I call "malicious listening." The malicious listener has mastered the art of listening with a not-so-hidden motive. This person listens to prove you wrong and uses your own words to make their case. They can quote you ("you said . . . .") and quickly follow...
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...Language is Beyond Communication When I chose English as my major in college, many of my relatives, friends and even my teachers were shocked. “This is not a major. Everyone who wants to seek opportunities globally will learn English.” “Language is just a tool in communication, without professional knowledge, what are you going to do when you graduate?” Even though now I still don’t know what I can do after four years studying English, I am feeling more and more strongly that language is not simply a tool in conversation. Language plays an essential part in everyone’s life, but most people are unaware of it. Because we are so familiar with our own language, we take it for granted. Language is beyond communication; it is a cultural thing. It shapes our thoughts and helps build our social network. Admittedly, one of the most important functions of language is communication. Language transforms abstract thoughts into concrete words and phrases, so people can express their ideas. Language gives a standard form to people who live in the same area, so when in conversation, people know they are talking about the same thing. Language makes communication easier. Besides, language can be spoken, heard, read, and touched (braille alphabet), therefore, almost everyone has access to it. Language reaches communication to people at large. However, this communication is not globally wide, because a certain language is only understood by a group of people who speak the language. Therefore,...
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...Chapter 1 a. As a female top executive, she interviews a prospective future assistant. Communication between women and men has some barriers. First, they face sex discrimination. Female executive may be ignored or discriminated by male assistant. So we should strictly follow a rule which everyone is treated equally. Second, Women and men’s value and ways of doing things are different, so it may influence the efficiency and accuracy of communication, even action. I think if male assistant have a different thought, he should provide and tell to his top executive, it could improve motivation and efficiency for tasks. b. A candidate with a strong but not disruptive foreign accent is being interviewed by a native-born human resources manager. When manager ask a question, the candidate’s answer may confused the manager. If the candidate will meet the foreigner customers, their communication will be influenced. They may not understand each other and influence the accuracy of communication. I think the candidate should continue to practice his oral speaking and the manager should be careful to listen to it. The manager also uses simple English and speaks slowly and clearly. c. A manager dressed in a conventional business suit is interviewing a person wearing a turban. The difference between cultures may influence the quality of communication. First, when the manager wears a conventional business suit, the manager hopes the candidate also wears the same business suit...
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...there is still communication. When we hear our pet dog cat meow or bak, we know what they want. Even though they are not speaking in what we would consider a language. It has been agreed upon by many that language is one of the hardest areas to study by both linguists and cognitive scientists. Language is a vital part of communication. Words carry with them heavy meaning and if not carefully monitored can cause much damage. Language is often viewed as a window in to the mind of the one who is communicating. Much can be told about a person by the way they communicate. In this essay I will attempt to define both language and lexicon along with the many stages of language and how it relates to cognition. What is language? How is language related to cognition? Do we think with words or do we use words to express ideas. These are questions that have been studied for ages. If we were to go by the standard dictionary definition, language is communication of thoughts and feelings. However language is so much more than that. In order for us to have meaningful dialog with one another we must first understand the language . It is the way that language is used and it's context that gives the concept of language its meaning. Everything has language of its own. From people to animals and even machines , they all have their own ways of communicating. Language is the conveying of one's thoughts , feeling and...
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...Applying the 8 Elements of Thought In the WMD Report 1 Applying the 8 Elements of Thought In the WMD Report HLS-355 October 20, 2012 Applying the 8 Elements of Thought In the WMD Report 2 There are eight elements of thought that are used when analyzing a document. These “Eight basic structures are present in all thinking: Whenever we think, we think for a purpose within a point of view based on assumptions leading to implications and consequences. We use concepts, ideas and theories to interpret data, facts, and experiences in order to answer questions, solve problems, and resolve issues (Criticalthinking.org)”. The eight elements of thought are think about the purpose, state the question, gather information, watch your inferences, check your assumptions, clarify your concepts, understand your point of view, and think through the implications. These eight elements of thought come from Dr. Linda Elder and Dr. Richard Paul. We will use Dr. Elder’s and Dr. Paul’s eight elements of thought to analyze and discuss about The Commission on the Intelligence Capabilities of the United States regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction. This is also known as the overview of the WMD Report. The main purpose of this report is to determine and expose the lack of critical thinking that was used by each of the intelligence agencies that assumed that Iraq’s leader, Saddam Hussein, had reconstituted his nuclear weapons program, had biological weapons, had mobile biological weapon production...
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...PRAC 530 Reflection Paper Technology has been growing so rapidly has become the most important communication tool for business. Even for a non-technology related company like us, technology is utilized in every way in our daily operations. Before taking the class, I just simply use these technologies since they are required to get my jobs done, without giving too much thought about how they are affecting me and my work. But now I can see them from a different perspective. I understand how they work, why we use them, what benefits they bring, how to use them more efficiently, what the potential improvements are, and some of the issues existing in our systems or network. Course Content Throughout the course, we’ve studied every aspect of information technology. First, the detailed introduction, history, and benefits of IT gave me a basic understanding of computers and information technology. Study of internet and communication tools provided me more options for efficient web use and communications. Then we learned about computer hardwares, different parts computers consist of, and also input and output hardwares. During this section I learned a lot of the terms that I was not familiar with before. We also studied about the networks and different communication medias, cyber security issues and ways to safeguard these issues. It was very helpful to get more knowledge about database and how to do data mining more efficiently. We then analyzed the challenges of information technology...
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...obstacles and create a team environment is imperative to a business with complicated goals. The key to having a successful communication within a group is to ensure that everyone respects every idea that is contributed, to make sure that each individual is responsible for their actions, the ability to resolve a conflict by listening to everyone’s thoughts and ideas, the ability to take on your specific role and take it to the end of your goals, and most important ensure that your team is organized. A group communication or setting is the ability for 3 – 20 people to exchange their thoughts, listen to who is speaking and be able to exchange their perspectives on ideas. The ability to debate intelligently while still respecting one another while resolving any conflicts, and most importantly reaching the company’s or business goals as a team. Every day I try to improve my individual communication by sharpening my listening skills, create more eye contact when I am in the middle of a conversation, read the dictionary so that I can expand my conversation through vocabulary and of course read as much as possible. To promote my group communications I always try to understand that not everyone is like me and that I have to accept different opinions and personalities. Although people don’t think like me to understand their views and if I can’t understand their thoughts still respect them as a team member. When I find myself in a conflicted...
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...distinguishing between a normal household cat and a human and only comparing the physical body structure of both. After all, Garfield is supposed to be a normal household cat. But, he may have that human personality, because he thinks and it is somewhat of a communication with Jon. He also stands just like a human, and has a background for drinking coffee out of a mug, making him somewhat of a person. Yet this comic, depicting him as Jon's kid only for the practice of having kids, only describe the topic of believing that animals could be persons. Garfield is fat tabby cat that has a big attitude between him, Odie, a dog also in the house, and Jon. Yet, throughout the comic series, Garfield also struggles with human problems, such as diets, loathing of Mondays, apathy, boredom, and working out. Most of the time, Garfield is found either with himself or Jon in a conversation speaking through thought bubbles. In this comic, we assume that Jon knows what Garfield is saying, but that may not seem right, as thoughts are never heard by others but only when spoken out. This has not been clear if Jon can actually know what Garfield is thinking, but in reality, it is almost impossible for one to actually speak through thoughts. Yet seeing the similarities between animals and humans are...
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...ACADEMIC GOALS What are your weak points in the academic world? As a struggling teen, I was always challenged by three haunting skill sets. For example, I had difficulties elaborating and explaining my viewpoints to others. I constantly remember repeating myself and trying to find ways in which to articulate what I wanted to say in front of the class for a group presentation. I was also challenged in putting my thoughts in a clear and precise manner in which others could understand. I found it difficult to get my point across during my presentations and would always have to rely on my classmates probing for more answers to clarify my thought process. To make matters worse, researching a paper proved to be an obstacle time after time. It was difficult for me to find the necessary data that would best support my point of view. I would spend a great deal of time just to gather information that I would end up excluding from my final draft. In this paper, I will be talking about my strategies in achieving my goals to strengthen my critical thinking, oral communication, and information utilization/research. One of my goals involves critical thinking, in which I would like to enhance my problem-solving and decision-making skills. I believe these improvements are important in the business world and are highly looked upon by employers. This also validates my competency in real life decision-making situations. According to Paul and Elder, “Development in thinking requires a gradual...
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...may be acquired through discipline and practice. As a listener one should physically and mentally prepare yourself for the communication. We must be physically relaxed and mentally alert to receive and understand the message. Effective listening requires sustained concentration (regardless of the length of the message), attention to the main ideas presented, note-taking (if the conditions are appropriate), and no emotional blocks to the message by the listener. You cannot listen passively and expect to retain the message. If you want to be an effective listener, you must give the communicator of the message sufficient attention and make an effort to understand his viewpoint. Guides to Effective Listening Skills Here are some practical suggestions for effective listening which, if followed, can appreciably increase the effectiveness of this communicative skill. Realize that listening is hard work. It is characterized by faster heart action, quicker blood circulation, and a small rise in body temperature. Researchers have found that the higher we climb on the organizational ladder, the more difficult listening becomes. In day-to-day conversations, show the communicator you are interested by looking and acting like you are. Prepare to listen. To receive the message clearly, the receiver must have the correct mental attitude. In your daily communications, establish a permissive environment for each communicator. Recognize your own biases. Learn what your biases are and channel...
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...culture, so leader is important, because this person might influence this team work is successful or not (Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner, 1998, p.64-66). As a good team leader, have a correct organization can make team operation more effective, and it also depend on different culture background and team constitution, for instance, which countries are team members from (Robert, Mansour, Paul and Peter, 2002). Conclusion In recent years more people face of multi-culture work, owing to increase globalization business, so it is essential to understand different culture and how to operate and work with different background’s people. However it cannot avoid conflict and people have different opinion, but in the process respect and good communication and help members solve problems (Richard and Tim, 2009). Reference Lee, K. and Carter, S. (2012), Global Marketing Management. (Third Edition), Oxford: Oxford University. Guirdham, M. (2005), communicating across cultures at work. (Second Edition), London: Palgrave Macmillan. Dicken ,P. (2007), Global Shift (5th Edition) London: Sage Publications Trompenaars, F. and Hampden-Turner, C. (1998) Riding the waves of culture. (second edition) New York: McGraw-Hill Raymond, W. (1983), Writing in Society, (first edition) London: verso Lewis, R. D. (2006) When Cultures Collide: Leading Across Cultures. (Third Edition),...
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...organizational communication? How does one influence the other? First of all, defining “organizational culture is what employees perceive and how this perception creates a pattern of beliefs, values, and expectation (Matteson, 2002)”.Of course, any group or organization or human beings which gets together for a purpose has a kind of assumption invented, discovered or developed to learn and cope any issues/problems of external adaptation and internal integration that has a valuable to be thought to new members as a correct way to perceive, to think and to feel in relation to those issues/problems. At the other hand, communication is glue that holds organization together. Without this valuable interaction, nothing can be perceived, created and everyone in the organization would act as differently with no control for an unsustainable result. The two have a relationship because, for the organization to be effective, it has to have an effective communicator in the group who must understand not only general interpretation communication concepts, but also the characteristic of interpersonal communication within the organization or organizational communication. Since influencing is the process of guiding the activities of the organization members in the right and appropriate directions with effectiveness, there is ample coloration between both, the organizational culture and communication. Without the communication, nothing can be considered, encouraged, motivated, leaded, thought, understood...
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