The functional perspective on group decision making theory and the cultural approach to organization theory illustrate how group communication function.
Group decision making can be frustrating, often difficult, and could create a hostile environment. However, the functional perspective on group decision making, discovered by Hirokawa and Gouran has produced a theory that is back by empirical data, which provides guidelines for effective group decision making. The functional perspective “specifies what communication must accomplish for jointly made decisions to be wise” (Griffin, 2012). The effective decision making process must include and complete all four functions defined by Hirokawa and Gouran. The four functions include, analyzing the problem, goal setting, identification of alternatives, and evaluation of positive and negative characteristics. Each step is important to a good decision. Therefore, good communication during each step must be given and received. When analyzing the problem, the entire group should agree on …show more content…
Both theories are good guides for groups to obtain effective communication. All group setting can be seen as an organizational setting and both of these theories can apply. Both theories are based on subjective observations but they both provide a system that groups can follow for success on any task. In the functional perspective on group decision making theory the functions do not need to be completed in order because they are all important to fulfilling the group needs therefore, as long as they are all fulfilled that communication will be effective and the need will be met; also in the culture approach to organizations the stories told about the culture do not need to be told in order, they can be told in random still making the a cultural