Hello again, and welcome to Module 3 where we'll focus on conflict, difference, and diversity. Key aspects of group communication we need to understand to be more successful in our professional and civic groups. We laid a good foundation in Module 1 by rethinking communication, developing a more sophisticated understanding of communication. Communication as social construction, and recognizing the important hidden forces of group interaction. Like context, design, and systems and institutions. Then in Module 2, we built on that foundation with some of the practical and functional dynamics of group communication, group development and decision making. Now we turn our attention to some of the more personal dynamics of group communication. Especially concerning how group members get along with each other, and the unique characteristics that each member brings to the group. All of this is crucial for understanding of group communication because the so called human element of group work is always present. People are often the source of great frustration in dysfunctioning groups, but our humanity is also our greatest source of ingenuity, innovation, and insight. Enabling us to solve problems and accomplish things we simply could not do on our own. So we have to figure out how to work well with other people, how to leverage our diverse backgrounds and experiences and perspectives, and even how our groups can be more equitable and just. Let's face it, groups are inherently dysfunctional because they're made up of imperfect people. In fact, if you ever find the perfect group, don't join it because you'll ruin it, and so would I. So the issue isn't how we can eliminate our flaws, but rather how we can manage and mitigate our imperfections. And even channel that energy towards more productive outcomes. We also don't want to make the mistake of thinking that conformity and similarity are the ways to overcome problems in our groups. That we need to minimize our differences to be more effective, as tempting as that might be for a short term solution. Instead, we need to value our differences, and consider how diversity provides strategic advantages in so many situations. That's what Module Three is all about, learning how to manage conflict with other people and understanding the significance of difference and diversity in our groups. Our next three videos are all about conflict management. First, we'll look at how groups can have a good fight. Remember we learned previously that quality group decision making requires substantive dissent and debate. But this can quickly spiral out of control if not done well. Have you ever been in a group where you started to have a good debate about the merits of a particular idea? But then things got off-track, the critiques got a bit more personal, the responses got a bit more defensive. And next thing you know, you're in the midst of a big argument. Although this is common, it's not inevitable, we can learn to fight fair. It's all about how we approach and frame the conflict. And how we interact with each other towards a more productive resolution. Next, we'll focus on choosing the right words in a conflict. We know from Module One that our language doesn't just reflect reality, it also constructs reality, our social worlds, social construction. And our choice of words, especially in a conflict is a big part of this. I'm sure you've experienced how the wrong word or phrase can take a dispute in a terrible direction, whereas well placed words can help us move more towards a resolution or even a breakthrough. So, we have to think carefully about the social worlds we're creating with our language and to choose better words when we're in a conflict. And finally, we'll cover the basics of effective negotiation. How do we navigate the territory when people in our groups want different things? What strategies and tactics can help us get us to yes where we reach consensus on a final plan or decision even if it's not ideal for everyone? Maybe we can even avoid some conflicts if group members feel that their interests were respected and that the outcome of the deliberation is better than what they could have achieved without negotiating. The remaining videos in Module Three will focus on appreciating difference and diversity. First, we'll explore why difference matter in the first place. And then, what diversity matters we should attend to. Not only are difference and diversity a basic demographic reality in our modern society, but there are also important strategic and moral reasons for valuing the differences in our groups and embracing the diversity people bring to those groups. Next we'll examine the important concept of identity. So much of effective group work is about understanding who you are as a member of the group. How you see yourself in relation to other group members, how group member see you, how you see other group members, and even how the group itself develops it's own sense of a collective identity. Finally, we'll look at communication and gender and how cultural notions of masculinity and femininity influence our group interactions. This is one of the key aspects of difference and diversity that is certain to impact almost every group that you're a part of. So that's what we'll be doing in Module Three. We'll start by exploring how groups can have a good fight. I'll see you next time.
