Small Group And Team Communication

In diversity is strength (Rogers , 2002 ) is merely one of the many statements that aim to support the value of diversity in enhancing the effectiveness of different groups regardless of size . It is the purpose of this to prove this value of diversity in small groups by discussing how their effectiveness with respect to their goals are diminished by not valuing the diversity within and outside the group and by engaging in stereotype mentality . Specifically , this aims to prove that disregarding diversity makes small groups overlook key details to acquiring solutions and

runs the risk creating general answers for specific problems . Thirdly , it aims to prove that engaging in stereotyping damages group efficiency which directly affects output

The diverse members in a group have different views regarding the group 's goal and how to achieve this goal this makes the diversity of each individual from the rest a prime source of innovation that is exclusive to that individual . An idea that is inherently feminine may not be easily grasped by males . Nor would an innovation that is referenced to a particular race be easily understood by other races Hence , small groups need to take into consideration the opinion of each member with respect to their diversity in gender , race , and so on in to gather all the useful information to coming up with a solution to a given problem . Disregarding diversity neglects this important resource and hampers progress towards a solution

When all the members in the group disregard their diversity and simply think about what a general answer to their goals would be , this answer is not sensitive to the various intricate details that the question may have had . As a result , the group may end up applying a generic solution to a problem that requires specialized attention . As easy as it may seem to simply forget about each others ' differences and just apply one solution for everyone , such a solution may be entirely impracticable and useless to the group and their collective goals

Lastly , diversity in a small group should be respected . Negligence of this need can risk damaging both professional and personal relationships within the group . Believing in stereotypes would only cause misunderstandings and friction between and among group members . These negative activities would affect the efficiency of the group to work as a team and easily trickle down to damaging their effectiveness in fulfilling collective goals

Reference

Rogers , H (2002 . American Solidarity through American Diversity . New York : Random House...