Page 263 - Business Principles and Management

Unit 3

BRAINSTORMING
Problems arise in business for which prior solutions
do not exist or are no longer acceptable. One tech-
nique for handling such situations is brainstorming.
There is a formal set of rules for running meetings Brainstorming is a group discussion technique
called Robert’s Rules of Order. Point your browser used to generate as many ideas as possible for solv-
to www.thomsonedu.com/school/bpmxtra. Visit ing a problem. A group leader presents a problem
sites that cover parliamentary procedure. Evalu- and asks group members to offer any solution that
ate some of these sites and the rules they de- comes to mind. Even wild and imaginative ideas are
scribe. Explain how Robert’s Rules of Order can encouraged. The group should make no attempt to
be helpful in running meetings. judge any ideas as good or bad while brainstorming
is under way. Only after participants have identified
www.thomsonedu.com/school/bpmxtra all possible solutions should they begin to judge the
usefulness of each one. Often, an idea that appeared
to be impractical or unusual when first presented
may become the best solution to the problem. Brain-
storming is frequently used to deal with problems that need especially creative
solutions, such as when generating new product ideas and creating advertisements.

CHECKPOINT
Explain the two methods used to encourage group communication.

10.2 Assessment

UNDERSTAND MANAGEMENT CONCEPTS
Circle the best answer for each of the following questions.
1. The system of official channels that carry organizationally approved
messages is called a(n)
a. sanctioned communication network
b. official communication network
c. formal communication network
d. informal communication network
2. A group problem-solving method in which group members write
down and evaluate ideas to be shared with the group is the
a. group idea technique
b. nominal group technique
c. brainstorming
d. none of the above

THINK CRITICALLY
Answer the following questions as completely as possible.
3. Describe how corporate culture influences communication.
4. Explain how managers overcome common
problems that occur in meetings.

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