Week 16: 5/9-5/15 Question 1 CMC and FTF

1). How does CMC differ from f2f communication? (Think outside the box).

In Harris and Sherblom’s text, they believe, “Computer mediated communication (CMC) describes communication that takes place through a variety…include computer, audio, and video conferencing systems, computer chat rooms, electronic mail, bulletin boards” (p.318). In addition, the authors offer, “In a face-to-face (FTF) meeting participants simultaneously exchange more types of information emotional, attitudinal, relational, and contextual-along with the informational content” (p.326). In these expressions, we understand that the participants use the computer, internet, email, and other electronic media to exchange the ideas and messages which are CMC. On the other sides, we exchange the ideas simultaneously in which the ideas and information can directly show our attitude, relation, and emotions that call face-to-face. Under these two differences, I want to share some examples in the following paragraphs.

The comm141P by Professor Perez is the online class that we only turn in our papers, blogs, comments, and all examinations through the computer. Under this issue, we don’t have to talk directly FTF but only send the messages by emails. We can do our assignments at any time and at any places when we have a break at school, office, or during the midnight. Clearly, the CMC does not have any time boundary in the day or at night, but it depends on our availability. Usually, I turn in my assignment when I have a break at school in the afternoon or at the midnight because these time slots are my availabilities.

For the face-to-face (FTF) issue, I want to talk about the other communication classes at school. Clearly, I should come to class according to my schedule as this is the must. The benefits that I can get from the FTF in class are the interaction, decision making, problem solving when I have the small group discussion with my classmates.

Today, I always use CMC technology to talk with my children because they are at work and at college. Undoubtedly, the web-cam is the most important thing to connect three of us at the same time which depends on our availabilities in different places. Sometimes, I want to have FTF gathering with both of them because we can hug together to show our care and bonding in the family.

Re: Week 16: 5/9-5/15 Question 3 - Reward and Punishment Power

3). Pick one other concept in the book (any chapter) that you feel needs further discussion?

Reward and Punishment Power is the concept in chapter 12 that I want to share with all of you. In Harris and Sherblom’s text, they offer, “In an organizational small group, the administrative assistant or secretary may hold this power” (p.257). I full agree with the authors’ expression. We understand each of these individuals have their own positions in the organization because of the classical management. In an organization, the organization chart is an important chart to let everyone understands who lead or supervise the staffs.

Before I came in the United States, I worked in a company with 50 staffs in the office. My position was the administrative assistant who was lead by the secretary. My routine work was to do filing, prepared the meeting agenda and memos to all clerks in different divisions. If I could not finish the work, I should do the OT (over time) work but without any additional pay. After one year, the secretary took her vacation for four weeks and I tried to act her position in the office. Clearly, the work load was very heavy that let me work until nine o’clock at night time. One day, my boss talked to me and gave me a big surprise. He understood that I was very hard working and always worked long hours in the office. In order to be fair to me, he increased twenty percent of my salary which was a kind of reward. Under this issue, I believe that if you work hard to your job, your boss will give you the reward as he has his own power to lead and manage the office.

In another issue at home, if my children get the good grades at his or her report card, I usually buy the small gifts to both of them. Conversely, if they have the low grades at the report card, I may try to cut their chattering time over the computer and pocket money. Under these two issues, my children understand that I have the reward and punishment power in the family.

Re: Week 16: 5/9-5/15: Question 2 Observation an Outside Group

2). NEW QUESTION: Review the Observation of an Outside Group project. What did you find useful/not useful? Did you like this project? Why/why not? Why did you choose the group you observed for this project? In short, briefly introduce your project to the members of the class, and discuss its usefulness, frustrations, etc.... (I expect for most, that the answer to this question will be quite long - go ahead and make it as long as you'd like).

“The Path of Love” for the baptismal group in my church was the outside group that I did the observation for this project. Before I chose this group, I faced lot of difficulties as I was not active in my social network in the community. After discussion with the pastor, he accepted my request and processed my observation to the baptismal group with five meetings as well as prepared my paper.

Generally, this is a good project that enlightens me to know the purpose of the baptismal group before baptized. In regards of five meetings of the observation, I learned lots of concepts that worked with the text book. For examples, a good leader with strong ability in leadership, conflicts management, problem solving and decision making during discussion, the effectiveness in small group, creativity, and the feedback from group members.

In my observation, I found a good leader who should be capable and have a strong ability in leadership to handle all problems happened in group discussion. The creativity and conflict management are the interesting concepts that I write in my paper. Due to the lacking of Bible knowledge by the new believers, they absolutely need to learn more knowledge in the Bible before they baptized. Under this issue, Pastor Wong, the group leader organizes this baptismal group which is also the new group in my church. Clearly, this is the creativity by the leader. In the conflicts management, I notice that the chapters and sentences in Bible are very helpful to manage the conflicts and arguments in their group discussions. Besides, based on their discussions, I learn how to pray when I struggle in my life.

Conclusively, I study the concepts in small group which are only the ideas from the text book. When I start to write my paper, I notice that these concepts are completely and actively being done in this baptismal group. At the end of this semester, I want to express my sincere thanks to Pastor Wong and Professor Perez because they give me a good opportunity to listen, learn, and observe to this outside group and do my project.

Week 14: 4/25-5/1 Question 2

2). Briefly outline an example of collaborative conflict resolution that you have engaged in. Contrast that with competitive conflict. Which was more satisfying to you? To the other party?

Collaborative (and Consensus) conflict resolution means “win-win” in group. In Harris and Sherblom’s text who offer, “ Consensus requires carefully defining the issues…being open, careful…but they focus on the problem solving issues not personalities or position (McNary,2003)” (p.250). In this statement, the authors express the collaborative (and consensus) conflict resolution depends on open-mind, careful consideration, and listening that will bring the problem solving at the end. In addition, Harris and Sherblom also say, “The resolution should reflect the process itself, as well as the substance of the ideas discussed…That resolution will ideally satisfy all participants” (p.250). In their indication, we have known the collaborative resolution also based on the satisfaction by participants after discussion.

Competitive conflicts resolution means “win-lose” in group. In Harris and Sherblom’s text who say, “It is marked by self-interest, rather than mutual interest, and by an assumption of a limited resource and limited possibilities for gain” (p.253). In this sentence, we understand that the members are very interesting in their own decisions and outcome rather than mutual interest.

Under these two resolutions, I choose the collaborative resolution and would like to share an example for myself. When I want to have dinner with my two children, I prefer to eat Chinese food but they like to eat Japanese food because these are their favorites. In order to avoid any conflicts, I always have the collaborative resolution that we conclude to have the buffet in the restaurant because the buffet serves many varieties of food. Under this issue, both parties are in “win-win” position with problem-solving issues.

Week 14: 4/25-5/1 Question 3 - Brainstorming

3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading, that we have not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.

The Brainstorming is the concept that I want to discuss with all of you this week. In Harris and Sherblom’s text who believe, “Brainstorming is one of the most popular and useful techniques for creative problem-solving” (p.220). I look back to my study in the community college and university at the present stage, I usually have the brainstorming when I am doing my research papers or projects. In the brainstorming, you can make many ideas and criteria because these things are very helpful to widen your thoughts as well as to solve the problems. Likewise, Harris and Sherblom say, “The key to successful brainstorming is establishing a climate that encourages individuals in an open manner” (p.221). While working with the small group project, the brainstorming plays an important role to encourage member to bring their ideas and opinions that may be very helpful to accomplish the task at the end. Sometimes, the creativity in groups or individuals depend on the brainstorming. Harris and Sherblom believe “Brainstorming is one of the many ways to enhance creativity in the group process” (p.221). However, I fully agree with their expressions in the text.

Week 14: 4/25-5/1 Question 1

1). (Regarding chapter 11) Distinguish among a forum, panel, colloquium, and symposium as a means for making a public presentation. Which one would you prefer? Why?

A forum is the public discussion by audience and participants that everyone can ask question, discuss problems, and give opinions to other people. A panel is a small group with four to eight experts who discuss the problems and make their decisions in front of the audiences. A colloquium is a public discussion involved three to six experts who discuss the problems and process the problem-solving. A symposium is a format with two to six people who prepare the speeches and technically point out the problems in front of the audiences. Literally, the panel, the colloquium, and the symposium are close to the forum but the experts need to prepare and organize the contents talking in front of people. Clearly, the audiences and participants have no choice to choose the speakers under such conditions. Sometimes, these prepared contents may not fulfill the audience requirements to make the decision. Under these issues, I prefer to have the forum in public discussion because it seems like freely and openly that let people have echo together. Sometimes, if someone needs problem-solving in the forum, other people can provide the opinions and let him or her make the decision at the end.

Week 13: 4/18-24 Question 2 Cultural Barriers to Creativity

2). Name five cultural barriers to creativity. What do you think these would keep a group from being creative? Have you experienced any of these personally? Explain.

After reading Harris and Sherblom's text, the five cultural barriers to creativity include a requirement for conformity, an expectation of practicality and efficiency, a trust in the power of reason and logic, a belief in an either/or perspective on issues, and reliance of expert knowledge. In my thought, I believe these five cultural barriers completely keep the group being creative. Sometimes, group members have different cultural behavior that may have different opinions during discussion. Clearly, the conformity, trust, and the belief on issues play the important roles to let members have interdependence and make conclusion at the end. In my fellowship at church, we always have different thoughts about the activities in every calendar year. In order to make things going proper and efficient, we usually make a list of activities and search for second opinions from the reliance and expert. After filtering their opinions, we prepare the modified list of activities and discuss with our members. If most of the activities fit in the members’ needs, then we make the conclusion. Literally, this conclusion absolutely depends on conformity, trust, and belief on issues in the group. Besides, I also support an expectation of practicality and efficiency which is the supplementary and very helpful to avoid the entropy in group members as well.

Week 13 - 4/18-24 Question 1: Creativity

1). Provide an example of creativity from your own experience. How does it fit with the chapter's discussion of creativity?

Harris and Sherblom say, “Creativity in this sense involving the power to originate, to break away from the existing ways of looking at things, to move freely in the realm of the imagination” (p.198). The authors completely demonstrate that the creativity is the new thing which breaks away from old things. In this definition, I may think about the creativity of my study in class and would like to share with all of you. In order to save time to flip each chapter of the book, I indicate the number of the chapter on a piece of “Post It” sticker and adhere on the front page of each chapter. Usually, I prepare ten to twelve color stickers for each class. Besides, I use the markers that are corresponding to those chapters and mark down on our weekly reading schedule. Literally, these two particular arrangements are very helpful and let me pay the attention during study. After completion of the classes, these “Post It’ stickers are easily taken off and I can donate or sell my text books as usual at the end of the semester. I do not know whether this creativity will be very helpful to other people, but at least, I follow this way to study for long time in community college as well as in this university.

Week 13: 4/18-24 Question 3: Concept - Sharing

Sharing is the concept that I want to discuss this week. In Harris and Sherblom’s text who say, “Being willing to share relevant information, resources, and responsibility is a cornerstone of a creative climate” (p.209). The authors express that the sharing of information and resources are the key steps to bring the creativity in the group. I absolutely support the authors’ expression. When we are doing the group project, our sharing is to convey messages about the information and opinions by individuals. If the sharing of these opinions is good and acceptable, then these sharing are very helpful to accomplish the task. In addition, Harris and Sherblom also say, “Without trust, we can become defensive and ruin the possibilities for creative interaction” (p. 209). In this statement, the authors believe that trust is the key to start with the sharing in group. I agree with Harris and Sherblom’s ideas. In my fellowship at church, the sharing is one of the key parts in the cell group meeting. We trust everyone in the group because we know each other for long time. Without any defensive, we have the good interactions to share our feeling and desires of the children, the problems of the family and marriage. Undoubtedly, these good interactions depend on our characters and behaviors. Under this issue, I believe that the trust in group discussion absolutely depends on time and individual behaviors.

Week 9: 3/21-27 Question 3

3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading, that has not already been discussed during this discussion week, that you found useful or interesting, and discuss it.

The memory is the concept that I have found useful and interesting in the discussion. Harris and Sherblom say, “Everyone in good mental health has both short-term memory and long-term memory” (pp.140). I absolutely agree with the authors’ illustration because they enlighten all of us to understand our memories are derived by the good mental health. In order to keep our memories lasting for long time, we should know the healthy and functional brain is the main concern to support our memories. For example, a good and fitted pair of shoes can protect and keep our feet comfortable.

In terms of the memories, the short-term and long-terms memories are the two memories that let us to remember the things in our mind. Harris and Sherblom say, “Short term memory is our working memory. It lasts from 1 to 60 seconds and decides which incoming messages should be preserved” (pp.140). In the authors’ statement, I understand the short-term memory means the momentary memory that can only keep in our mind maxium in 60 seconds. In order to make use of this short-term memory, we try to remember the simple stuff, such as your home address and the driver license numbers that related to daily lives.

Beside the short-term memory, the long-term memory is the key to store our memories in our mind. Harris and Sherblom say, “If we are stimulated to process and store particular bits of information, those bits gain access to our long-term memory. Although this part of our memory is relatively unlimited in its capacity, the message must first gain entry” (pp.141). In these sentences, we understand the long-term memory can store in the unlimited capacity in our mind. In my previous blogs, I have mentioned that speaking English is my second language. In order to memorize the stuff in the lecture, I always take notes and high-light all important points in the book that might strengthen the long-term memory in my mind. In addition, I always use the different colour stickers to identify the chapters in the text book that let me to flip and look for the chapters easily. More importantly, these attractive color stickers can gain the first entry in my mind and keep my memories properly.

Undoubtedly, the memories will fade out depending on the age that is the usual practice in our body structure and health. In order to keep the short-term and long-term memories properly and longer, I suggest taking pictures and notes, writing the dairy and blogs, and recording the videos to strengthen our memories as well as the images in our minds.

Re: Week 9: 3/21-27 Question 2

2). Give a personal example where you have had selective attention. Why do you think that is? Is there a way you were able to overcome it?

In Harris and Sherblom’s text who say, “Choosing one message over another is called selective attention” (pp.137). The authors illustrate the message conveying by someone that I may choose to listen or pay attention. I absolutely agree with Harris and Sherblom’s ideas because they indicate five reasons for the selective attention that let us have more in-depth ideas covering this concept. For instance, Harris and Sherblom say, “Some things are more important” (pp.138). In this statement, the authors reveal some things are more important that let us choose message and attention over another. With respect of this concept, I want to share an example about the incoming calls that happened in my cellular phone in last August in class.

Last August, in the middle of the communication class, there were few incoming calls from Hong Kong appeared in my cellular phone. Under this issue, I selected to pick up the call outside of the classroom. This particular call came from my brother who told me that my father passed away in the hospital. After I hung up the phone, I told my professor that I could not carry on the lecture because of my grief. When I read the chapter 7, the selective attention, I fully understand the important things are the motivation to select our attention.

In terms of the above said example and the reasons for the selective attention by Harris and Sherblom, I still support that some things are more important can drive us to the selective attention in the middle of the class, at the office, publicity or the events.

Re: Week 9 - Question 1

1. Think of a recent situation in which you found listening difficult. Which one (or more) of the four phases presented the most difficulty for you? Why? How could this have been overcome?

In Harris and Sherblom’s text of listening, interpreting the message is one of the four phases presented the most difficulty for me. Harris and Sherblom say, “In hearing the message and choosing to pay attention, we accept the message into our memory system. Interpreting the message is the next step. Our goal in this should be to understand the other person’s meaning” (Harris/Sherblom 139). In the authors expressions, Harris and Sherblom illustrate the key steps of interpreting the message are attention, memory, understanding, and interpreting. In my point of view, these four steps seem like the interlocking of chains that each part should not be missing.

In the small group discussion, we should pay more attention to someone’s ideas. If the contents are too long, I suggest memorize the general ideas that may be very helpful for us to understanding the meaning. After the understanding of the meaning, we go to the last step is to interpret the message. I am a Chinese and speaking English is my second language at my own situation. When I have a small group discussion with the members, the understanding is a bit hard for me before interpreting. In order to overcome my difficulty, I try every effort to memorize all in English instead of converting to Chinese in my brain. After the long time practice, I have found interpreting the message has improved. In addition, I always watch the TV news, interviews, and some TV shopping networks that will be very helpful for me to input all messages in English as these programs would definitely not have any Chinese interpretation.

Week 7 - Two Principles in Nonverbal Communication

1). Return to the eight principles of nonverbal communication. Pick two principles, and provide new examples of how they operate in a group or team.

The first principle of nonverbal communication that I want to share is the quality of the relationships between group members is established and perpetuated through nonverbal behavior. In Harris and Sherblom illustrates, “We provide a great deal of communication nonverbally to others that indicates how we feel about them” (Harris/Sherblom 118). The authors reveal that the nonverbal behaviors from an individual can definitely draw the other people’s attention. In terms of this principle in nonverbal communication, I want to share an example that happens in the church. In 2008, there was a pastor from Texas who shared his experience in South America. Because of his low voice and without any humor in his sharing, I had found lots of people left the conference room or went to rest room. Under this issue, I have known the pastor completely unsuccessfully brought his message to the audiences. The audiences’ nonverbal behavior completely let other people knew the sharing was really bored.

The second principle in nonverbal communication that I want to discuss is nonverbal communication becomes meaningful when one or more parties assign meaning to it. Harris and Sherblom say, “The importance of this is demonstrated when someone in our group assign meaning to our action, even when we did not intend to communicate that meaning” (Harris/Sherblom 119). In author’s statement, both of them reveal the further action depends on some particular nonverbal behaviors in group individuals. For instance, if someone needs to give a seat to an old person in the transportation vehicle, then he or she may stand up and let the old person to sit in. Under this issue, we have known the action is assigned under the nonverbal communication.

Re: Week 7: Sex-role stereotyping

3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading, that has not already been discussed this week, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.

Sex-role stereotyping is the concept that I want to share in the following paragraphs. In Harris and Sherblom’s text who say, ”Numerous recent studies indicate that women are more effective as managers and leaders in the areas of motivating others, fostering communication, producing high-quality work, and listening to others than are men (Sharpe,2000)” (Harris/Sherblom 125). I fully agree with the authors’ ideas in the text. Due to the strong ability of effectiveness in communication and high quality of work, we have known most of the women hold the important positions as the leaders and executives in the government and organizations in the twenty first century. For examples, Hillary Clinton, the Secretary of State and Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives who can definitely represent the outstanding and famous women in the United States as well as in the world. Literally, Mrs. Clinton and Mrs. Pelosi demonstrate as the role models and embrace in the hearts of most of the Americans. With respect of these two examples, we have seen the rapid and striking manifestation of social change in the last century that completely motivated the women to fight for the equality and justice for themselves in the society. Except working in the society, as a member in the family, the woman also understands who has the responsibility to share part of breadwinner work for the husband during the financial crisis and recession as well.

Week 7 - Proxemics and Chronemics

2). Explain proxemics and chronemics. Are there universal rules for all cultures regarding these concepts? Give personal examples if possible. Give examples of personal experience in other cultures regarding these two concepts.

In Harris and Sherblom’s text who mention, “Chronemics is the study of time” (Harris/Sherblom 123). In this statement, we understand chronenmics means time that is one of the important rules in small group discussion. In order to strengthen this rule, Harris and Sherblom also say, “In our culture, time is money. Small group organized in this context must be sensitive to the time-based expectations of many of their members and of the organizations within which they operate” (Harris/Sherblom 123-124). In these sentences, the authors completely reveal time is the important issue to operate in small group. In addition, we also understand time is related to punctuality. Generally, I agree with Harris and Sherblom’s expressions because the time and punctuality are the musts that the team members should comply with these particular rules in the meeting.

Luckily, the members working for my last project of “Group Facilitation” were very punctual when we had a meeting. Literally, all of them understood the time played the important role in group discussion. Before we had the meeting, I also updated our status and schedule by sending the emails to remind them that some members would leave earlier to go back to work or to class. Under this issue, the discussion of the project ended within our schedule. Clearly, we have seen the punctuality that also depends on the collaboration in small group. More importantly, the punctuality is the humanity because we understand that the time is money and would not be coming back again.

The proxemics means space. In Harris and Sherblom’s text who say,”How we structure, use and are affected by space in our interactions with others” (Harper, Wiens, & Matarazzo, 1978, p.xii) constitutes proxemics” (Harris/Sherblom 122). In this statement, the authors express that space plays the important role in the interaction. For example, in the meeting of an organization, we can see the “CEO” always has his or her own seat in the middle of the rectangular or round table that completely demonstrates the important position in the organization. In order to support his or her position, the rest of the staffs sit next to the CEO depending on their levels and positions in the company. Under this issue, we have known the space completely shown the hierarchy power in an organization. In Harris and Sherblom also mention, “More powerful people have freer use of the space around them than do less powerful individuals” (Harris and Sherblom 122). In this statement, we understand larger and lesser power are absolutely related to the space in groups and individuals' interaction.

Re: Week 4 February 14-20 Question 2: "White Men of Privilege"

Question 2. Explain the concept "white men of privilege". Do you agree with the concept? Why or why not?

In Chapter 5, the white men of privilege apply to the upper and middle class, and wealthy white European male in our country. In Harris and Sherbolm’s text who mention, “The overriding assumption of social, economic, and political power in this country has long resided with upper-class and upper-middle class white European males of wealth and privilege” (Harris/Sherbolm 99). In these sentences, the authors both reveal the white European males who resided in the United States since eighteenth century. Due to the inequality and injustice in the society in the past centuries, the white Europeans males possessed the social and economic power that brought them as the upper and middle class among the other individuals who also held the hierarchies of power to their group individuals in the following centuries.

In my opinion, I do not agree with the “white men of privilege” in the society in the twenty-first century because the presidential election in 2008 had given us the right answer. In this election, Mr. Barrack Obama has been elected as the first Black American president in the American history. Additionally, the white presidential candidates who completely lost their privileges to possess the social power in the election as well.

Conclusively, the “white men of privilege” can only apply in the eighteen century because of injustice in the society at that time. In terms of the change of political situation, environment, and the philosophy by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1960's, we have found the lower class residents, the Blacks, the women, and the poor people who are completely awakened and fight for the equality and justice in the society.

Re: Week 4 February 14-20 Question 3: Language Use

The language use is the concept that I am very interesting to discuss in chapter 5. Literally, language is a form of verbal communication to share the understanding and motivate them to take immediate response to our message. In Harris and Sherbolm’s text who say, “Language is the principal way we cross the barrier between our own interior world and that of others (Neuliep, 2000)” (Harris/Sherbolm 94). In this statement, the authors express that the language is a tool to break through the barrier of human beings and ultimately help the individuals to share their own meanings of the messages. In the United States, speaking English is the main language to communicate with people in the society. In the English criteria, grammar is among the most important things to demonstrate in a sentence. Generally, the English sentence structure has several grammatical forms. On the other hand, in the Chinese sentence, the sentence structure has only one grammatical form. Clearly, English links correct numbers of objects with correct nouns and tenses, but the rules of Chinese grammar cannot be applied to constructing the English sentences.

The oral examination is an important part to claim the American Citizenship in the United States. Most of the Chinese people who cannot speak fluently English that might take the particular class to improve their English language use before they process the application for citizenship. In that particular class, the use of correct English grammar is the most important thing for the Chinese applicants to learn.

Conclusively, the language use in different ethnic groups is completely different. If we want to communicate with different culture people, we might learn the proper language use that will be helpful to share and satisfy other individuals’ needs.

Re: Week 4 February 14-20: Question #1 Stereotyping

The stereotype means the people tend to make their assumptions to some particular individuals. In Harris and Sherbolm’s text who say, “Stereotyping as a form of categorization is part of the human condition" (Harris/Sherbolm 92). In this statement, the authors express that the stereotyping is a category which particularly describes a group of individuals. Literally, I agree with Harris and Sherbolm’s idea mentioned in the paragraph. In our Chinese community, most of the parents want to send their children to Ivy League schools for the university. In addition, if their children become a doctor, an accountant, an engineer, and a lawyer after graduation, these successes are the desires to the parents. Undoubtedly, this particular group of Chinese parents and their desires to their children are stereotyped by other individuals.

In year 2004, my daughter studied in the University California, Irvine and majored in performing arts and dancing that brought the echoes and astonishment to most of the parents in the Chinese community. In terms of their opinions, they do not expect that my daughter, who has a strong ability in science subjects and does not major in science for the path to attain the professional careers in future. Harris and Sherbolm also state, "If the person behaves in a way noticeably different from our stereotype, we may attribute that to the person's being an exception, rather than to the stereotype's being inaccurate or inappropriate for gauging our responses to members of that group" (Harris/Sherbolm 92). In these sentences, both authors reveal that if a person is different to the stereotype, he or she may belong to the exceptional individual rather than the members of the group. Under my daughter's issue, I always faced lots of scorns by most of the Chinese parents in the community in the past years. Clearly, I understand my identity is the exceptional individual in their groups at that time.

Today, my daughter works in the dancing company as a professional dancer and a teacher in a dance studio. Sometimes, she acts as a choreographer in the dance programs in some particular events. For me as her mother, I am very proud of her little success. More importantly, I should give her the great support and I also believe that she applies her interests to her career.

Re: Week 3 Question 3: Chapter 9 -Concept to be discussed

The problem identification and information gathering are the concepts that I want to discuss in this post. In Harris and Sherbolm’s text who say,” Asking questions is at the heart of group decision making. It is essential to identifying the problem to be solved and to gathering the prevent information to solve it” (Harris/Sherblom 184). The both authors state that the asking questions is the main concern in group discussion. Thus, Harris and Sherbolm suggest to gathering all related information that is the crucial way to solve the problems.

In the class project, we always have lots of questions and problems on the topic, criteria, and the research. In order to solve these problems, we may try every effort to list all questions at the first beginning. Secondly, we gather all related information to discuss with my group members. Thirdly, if we cannot solve the problems in the project, we try to consult with our professor who will give us his or her opinion at the end.

Conclusively, I am very confident to solve the problems with my group members in the class project because we understand the cohesiveness and cooperation are also the most important things in group discussion as well

Re: Week 3 - Question 2: Function of norms in group

The functions of the norms in groups base on mutual acceptance of rule and behaviors. In Harris and Shelbolm’s text who mention, “Norms establish the accepted rules of behavior. These rules represent the shared values, procedures, and beliefs that guide group members in their communication and actions” (Harris/Sherbolm 48). The authors reveal the sharing of values and beliefs, the setting of procedures and guidelines for members’ communication and actions covering the forthcoming events or projects are the rules and behaviors in groups that are also the must.

In accordance with my previous experience, one of my norm groups expressed their spiritual support to me when I did not know how to work with our project at the first semester in the university. During working of projects, the members sent me the related links and reference books of research for my study. We also set up the procedures and guidelines for the entire project. In order to have the updated information of the project, we usually sent email or text messaging for our communication. Hopefully, we had completed the project on time and deserved the good grades at the end.

For the violation of a norm issue, I understand the violation of a norm based on the humanity of the members. In Harris and Sherbolm’s statement, “ A crucial norm, when violated, usually brings some type of censure” (Harris/Sherbolm” In addition, the authors also states, ”Violation of a peripheral norm – such as poor social etiquette, occasional bad manners, or mildly inappropriate behavior-make us uncomfortable” (Harris/Sherbolm 48). The authors expressed that violated norms show the unfriendly behavior and uncooperative attitude to other members that make the uncomfortable situation in discussion. Generally, I have not met any violated norms in our groups because most of the members are very cooperative, friendly, and patiently to me. In my opinion, the good behavior and habits are the primary impacts in the group norms. If the members can behave themselves, then the violation in norms will be avoided.

Re: Week 3 - Question 1

In Harris and Sherbolm’s text who mention, “Knowing the norm means you have a map, or traveler’s guide, for navigating the territory of group behavior and processes” (Harris/Sherbolm 48). The authors explain the norm seems like a map and a traveler’s guide that can let the group members have the right directions to share their behavior and processes. At school, we have group norms in the class. During the small group discussion or doing our projects, we share our beliefs, values, and ideas that will be very helpful to have the best result and conclusion at the end. As speaking English is my second language, I always have the language blocks in our discussion. Hopefully, the norms have their own patience to give me the guidelines how to complete the discussion and project as well. I can say my group of norms is the crucial norms. Harris and Sherbolm say,” A crucial norm has a primary impact on how well the group performs it tasks” (Harris/Sherbolm 48). In this statement, the authors clearly reveal the crucial norms have their own primary impact to regulate the group members to accomplish the tasks. In last two semesters, I have the crucial norms in class that strengthen my confidence and give me a proper guideline doing the projects and presentations. Under this issue, I want to express my sincere thanks to all of them.

Re: Week 2 Question 2 - Entropy and Equifinality

In Harris and Sherbolm’s text, entropy means disorganization, stagnation, and chaos. The authors claim, “An overdependence on control or too many limits on new ideas through negative feedback leads to stagnation and entropy” (Harris/Sherbolm 34). Harris and Sherbolm clearly explain based on the small group communication, if members increase lots of their own ideas that reflect disorganization, not focusing as well as chaos. Additionally, if members cannot energize to increase any new ideas in the small group communication that result of stagnation. In order to avoid any disorganization, stagnation, and chaos happening in small group, the members should be responsible to conduct and control their behaviors in the meeting. Under such conditions, the negative feedback will be more helpful to awaken the members and bring them back to the right track for discussion.
Equifinality means that the small group members can take different ways to reach their target. Harris and Sherbolm say, “Equifinality refers to the fact that living systems can take different routes to the same destination” (Harris/Sherbolm 34). The authors reveal that different ideas coming from the members can lead to the same destination. In Harris and Sherbolm’s explanation, we understand every member in a small group may have their own ideas because of humanity. Sometimes, the different ideas may create the best and fast ways to reach the goal. Under this issue, the group members should not be subjective to reject or neglect someone’s idea in the meeting.
Generally, we always face the entropy and equifinality working for the class projects. If the members can monitor how to control their behaviors, be more perspective and more objective to accept someone’s idea in the meeting, then the best result will come out at the end.

Re: Week 2 - Question 3 " Feedback"

The feedback plays the important role in the small group communication. Harris and Sherblom state, "Giving and receiving feedback is an important consideration in small group communication. A group must pay attention both of the feedback that it receives from its larger environment in the form of its initial charge and directions, as well as to the response to its presentation" (Harris and Sherbolm 32, 33). In these sentences, the authors reveal that the feedback comes from other people's ideas, response, and comments which will be very helpful for the small group to codify their systems and the plans ahead. In terms of the feedback, the positive and negative feedback are the two dynamics to enhance the creativity as well as to give the right directions to the small group. Harris and Sherbolm say, " Positive feedback encourages creativity among group members and suggests and appreciation for diversity in thinking, perspectives, and opinions. Negative feedback encourages a reduction in deviation, can fulfill a corrective function to help keep the group on task, but can also reduce creativity" (Harris and 33). In the statement, Harris and Sherbolm explain clearly about the positive and negative feedback must not be ignored because these two dynamics can absolutely bring the creativity, productivity, perspectives, and reduce the deviation to the small group communication.

Regarding to the group project and presentation in class, we always have the positive and negative feedback from the teachers as well as the audiences. However, these feedbacks are very helpful to encourage the creativity, strengthen our confidence, and correct our mistakes for future tasks.

Re: Week 2 - Question 1: Groups must function well

The interdependence and the interrelationships play the important role in a small group. In Small Group and Team Communication written by Harris and Sherblom who claim, "Basic to the synergy of small groups is the interdependence of its members. To the extent that members depend on each other and share in resposibility for the group processs, the group gains the benefit of the shared ideas and interactions" (Harris and Sherbolm 32). In this statement, Harris and Sherbolm cleary explain all members in a team should work as a whole. However, every member has the responsibility to share the job and idea that will benefit their interactions during the group process. In order to reach the goal effectively, all members must function well and cooperate as a team. Harris and Sherbolm also state, "Taking advantage of interdependence requires learning how to work with the other members" (Harris and Sherbolm 32). In this sentence, the authors reveal the importance of collaboration in a team work.

The first example that I want to share is the project in last semester. We understand that each of us have to prepare two pages of contents related to the topic and present in class. At first, we select a member who is the coordinator to set up the meetings covering the whole project. The coodinator seems like the captain of a boat. Secondly, we share together with the ideas and the research in the meetings as these are the important steps to create our story board and power point for presentation. Thirdly, we modify the power point many times that will be very helpful to output our flawless project. At last, in order to present our project within the time limit, we rehearse several times that will not let the presentation overrun.

The second example that I want to share is the moving of my house in last spring. There is no doubt that moving a house is a big project for a single parent with two young and skinny adults. Hopefully, we are depend upon each other and set up our check lists covering all itms before we pack and label all boxes. We also understand that the perfect check lists will be very helpful for us to unpack after moving to our new house. Finally, we reach our goal within our schedule and there are no missing items after upack.

Conclusively, we have learnt that the interdependence and interrelationships are the crucial elements for the group process which seem like the concretes and cement for a building. If the group does not function well, as a result, every member will definitely waste the enery, times and have suffering at the end.

Re: My Introductory post

Hello Everyone!

My name is Kam Ip and I am a middle aged Chinese woman from Hong Kong. Since 2002, I have been a single parent of two children. My daughter is 23 years old who is a professional dancer working in Chicago. My son is 19 years old who is the sophomore in UC, San Diego. I transferred in this university last year and faced lots of challenges studying in class. My major is communication and the minor is business. For my interests, I like cooking the Chinese food, cleaning my house, and reading.

Although I have stayed in the United States for more than a decade, I still faced lots of difficulties when communicating with native speakers in this country. After taking English classes and communication classes in the community college, I finally find my confidence to keep on studying the communication in the university.

In this semester, the comm 141P, Small Group Communication is one of my communication classes that is also my first online class in this university. Because of the computer problems, I have tried every effort to fix and download some programs that can let me click in the "Blackboard" and send my introductory post to all of you. In terms of taking the small group communication, I want to learn how to be a good communicator to deal with people in the small group. After completing the class, I hope my communication skill either in the family or in a company can be improved.

Thank you,

Kam Ip