Christopher Falcon and Armando Abud's Reflection of 3, 9, and 10

 

SPC1017-2215-2990

Reflection: Chp 3, 9 , & 10

➵Christopher Falcon

In such a diverse world we are to notice how many different cultures are represented by the different types of people around us every day. In a culture people are brought together through their values and beliefs. When an outside person enters a unfamiliar culture they can experience culture shock. The outsiders or people visiting from a different country are not use to the dominant culture that is presented in that specific culture. Not only is this because the person may not be use to that setting and their traditions but also because of ethnocentrism. Traveling in groups is a way to prevent the risk of feeling uncomfortable in a new environment due to the fact that you are surrounded with people that are familiar to you that will keep you grounded. The anxiety given from culture shock can also be reduced through group communication. Being able to talk about the difference between what the person is use to compared to what is being introduced to them is a good way to start a trip. Through the act of communication, pseudo-conflict may not occur. Many people may think that their personal beliefs are not comparable with others because they are not discussed. Through the practice of norming, people learn to trust others that are in the group and create a bond which steers away from any personality related group conflict. “Personality related conflicts sometimes emerge from poorly managed issue related conflicts.” (page 123). In any group of people their can always be a conflict due to many reasons such as attitude, different confidence levels, and even a disagreement on who can be best fit to be the group leader. Most groups tend to have leaders, the way that a leader portrays themselves and speaks to their fellow group members will truly determine what type of leader they are. To keep the group fair, having everyone in the group share leadership can be an option as well. Each person should be given a specific role or task to do that will set up the whole group up for success. In a work setting there is a boss and they assign managers. A manager is a lower leader roll to help the boss ensure that the other employees are doing their job correctly and efficiently. If a problem occurs throughout the office or work setting, the manager or boss should work through the problems issuing a systematic problem solving method. Having a standard way of dealing with an issue or a protocol prevents unfairness within the employees. With an efficient boss, manager, and group of employees an office should be able to get through any obstacle. The group dynamic must maintain strong to get their work done to make their upper division satisfied with the work that they are putting out. “Effective groups periodically stop to evaluate how their interactions affect what they are accomplishing and how members perceive themselves and others.” (page 141). All groups whether being a work group or a travel group must work together to make their boss happy or have a good time together.

➵Armando Abud

            Culture is a group based system of shared ideas and beliefs that shape people. As a result, culture is a vital factor to consider in order to successfully communicate with others. Culture tells of what people think is right or wrong, and what behaviors are respectful and disrespectful, for example. Different cultures are often separated based on geographic barriers, so while communicating with people near might be easy, people from farther lands may be much more difficult to communicate messages to. There are many kinds of groups of people that interact with each other regularly. Families are where people place their sense of home and identity in. These groups are crucial for many people because the priority for support is to first look within one's family for it. Social groups are people who care for how each other is doing and like being together. These groups can fulfill the human need of acceptance and belonging. Support groups specifically have people come together for encouragement, feedback, and a safe place to express themselves about important personal issues. Interest groups have people that share interests or activities, and as a result may aim to achieve a singular goal in more formal groups. Service groups are people that work together for charity or fundraising for organizations that service those goals. These groups may affiliate with larger organizations, or may be local and function by themselves. Work groups are made for completing tasks, holding themselves accountable for the work they are meant to do. Virtual groups have members that meet through technological outlets despite physically being from different locations. These groups may use technology to form or meet with any kind of group they associate with through online social media. Healthy groups have a constructive purpose; they are meant to be ethical, highly cooperative, and accountable. Groups go through different stages of development. The first stage is forming, where members deduce what their goals and roles are, and how other members behave. The second stage is storming, and have members express their honest opinions and attempt to gain certain positions. The third stage is norming, where members become loyal to and appreciate each other and their goal. The fourth stage is performing; the group uses the strengths of each member to work towards their goal. The final stage is celebration of goal success and the group's end or transformation towards another goal. Communication between members of any group varies extremely depending on the kind of group and which stage of development they currently reside in. Leadership is a process where one person influences a group of people for a common goal. There may be a formal leader overlooking the entire group while emergent leaders are informal ones that have different functions depending on their strengths in certain areas. When the group has to deal with a problem, members might take certain steps to resolve it. Communication in any group can improve over time with practice and reflection, so long as every member is willing to work together to achieve their goals.