CST 271
"Complete Q&A Guide – Study Less, Score Higher"
(Next four terms are Ways to Resolve Dialectic Tensions) #1 Do Nothing - A group and its
members ignore, deny, or pretend to fix dialectic tensions. In other words, they do nothing. If the
tensions are trivial or diminish with time, this strategy can work. Suppose a person invited to join
the group because of a specialized expertise or talent dominates discussions and belittles less-
informed group members; the group may tolerate the resulting tension, hoping that group
pressure eventually will modify the new member's behavior.
Ways to Resolve Dialectic Tensions #2 Select Only One and Ignore the Other - A group
chooses only one of the dialectic behaviors, such as stick to a strict agenda or rely on creativity.
For example, even though a group knows that two absent members would vote against a
proposal, they go ahead and make the decision anyway—all in the name of avoiding tensions.
Ways to Resolve Dialectic Tensions #3 Choose Different Options for Different Situations -
Say that a group's monthly meeting usually adheres to a highly structured agenda. When group
members have difficulty coming up with new ideas or a range of solutions to a problem, they
may choose a dissimilar approach: set aside the agenda and do some unstructured brainstorming.
Switching back and forth may work when the group carefully chooses techniques compatible
with the group's task and member traits.
Ways to Resolve Dialectic Tensions #4 Collaborate - In our definition of group
communication, we use the term collaboration to describe coordinated group interaction in which
members share a common goal, respect others, and work together. Effective collaboration also
occurs when a group recognizes the tension and attempts to work out creative, both/and
responses to it. Depending on the nature of the problem—be it the potential for conflict between
members, a domineering member, tension between structure and spontaneity, or any other
tension—the group may choose any of the above three options, or collaborate with one another
by balancing a both/and approach. When members collaborate, they openly acknowledge and
honestly confront the dialectic tensions. Only then can they discuss ways to balance the
contradictory tensions in the hope that the problems will be resolved.
Optimal Group Experience - A situation in which all group members are caught up in the
group's work and are performing at a high level of achievement
, Ethics - An understanding of whether group members' communication behaviors meet
agreed-upon standards of right and wrong.
Doctrine of the mean - An ethical virtue based on moderation and a response somewhere
between the two extremes of expressing mild annoyance and spewing uncontrolled rage.
NCA Credo for Ethical Communication - set of guiding principles that assess how well
communication behaviors meet agreed-upon standards of right and wrong, as written and
approved by the National Communication Association
Principles of Ethical Communication - We advocate truthfulness, accuracy, honesty, and
reason as essential to the integrity of communication.
We endorse freedom of expression, diversity of perspective, and tolerance of dissent to achieve
the informed and responsible decision making fundamental to a civil society.
We strive to understand and respect other communicators before evaluating and responding to
their messages.
We promote access to communication resources and opportunities as necessary to fulfill human
potential and contribute to the well-being of families, communities, and society.
We promote communication climates of caring and mutual understanding that respect the unique
needs and characteristics of individual communicators.
We condemn communication that degrades individuals and humanity through distortion,
intimidation, coercion, and violence, and through the expression of intolerance and hatred.
We are committed to the courageous expression of personal conviction in pursuit of fairness and
justice.
We advocate sharing information, opinions, and feelings when facing significant choices while
also respecting privacy and confidentiality.
We accept responsibility for the short- and long-term consequences of our own communication
and expect the same of others.
"Complete Q&A Guide – Study Less, Score Higher"
(Next four terms are Ways to Resolve Dialectic Tensions) #1 Do Nothing - A group and its
members ignore, deny, or pretend to fix dialectic tensions. In other words, they do nothing. If the
tensions are trivial or diminish with time, this strategy can work. Suppose a person invited to join
the group because of a specialized expertise or talent dominates discussions and belittles less-
informed group members; the group may tolerate the resulting tension, hoping that group
pressure eventually will modify the new member's behavior.
Ways to Resolve Dialectic Tensions #2 Select Only One and Ignore the Other - A group
chooses only one of the dialectic behaviors, such as stick to a strict agenda or rely on creativity.
For example, even though a group knows that two absent members would vote against a
proposal, they go ahead and make the decision anyway—all in the name of avoiding tensions.
Ways to Resolve Dialectic Tensions #3 Choose Different Options for Different Situations -
Say that a group's monthly meeting usually adheres to a highly structured agenda. When group
members have difficulty coming up with new ideas or a range of solutions to a problem, they
may choose a dissimilar approach: set aside the agenda and do some unstructured brainstorming.
Switching back and forth may work when the group carefully chooses techniques compatible
with the group's task and member traits.
Ways to Resolve Dialectic Tensions #4 Collaborate - In our definition of group
communication, we use the term collaboration to describe coordinated group interaction in which
members share a common goal, respect others, and work together. Effective collaboration also
occurs when a group recognizes the tension and attempts to work out creative, both/and
responses to it. Depending on the nature of the problem—be it the potential for conflict between
members, a domineering member, tension between structure and spontaneity, or any other
tension—the group may choose any of the above three options, or collaborate with one another
by balancing a both/and approach. When members collaborate, they openly acknowledge and
honestly confront the dialectic tensions. Only then can they discuss ways to balance the
contradictory tensions in the hope that the problems will be resolved.
Optimal Group Experience - A situation in which all group members are caught up in the
group's work and are performing at a high level of achievement
, Ethics - An understanding of whether group members' communication behaviors meet
agreed-upon standards of right and wrong.
Doctrine of the mean - An ethical virtue based on moderation and a response somewhere
between the two extremes of expressing mild annoyance and spewing uncontrolled rage.
NCA Credo for Ethical Communication - set of guiding principles that assess how well
communication behaviors meet agreed-upon standards of right and wrong, as written and
approved by the National Communication Association
Principles of Ethical Communication - We advocate truthfulness, accuracy, honesty, and
reason as essential to the integrity of communication.
We endorse freedom of expression, diversity of perspective, and tolerance of dissent to achieve
the informed and responsible decision making fundamental to a civil society.
We strive to understand and respect other communicators before evaluating and responding to
their messages.
We promote access to communication resources and opportunities as necessary to fulfill human
potential and contribute to the well-being of families, communities, and society.
We promote communication climates of caring and mutual understanding that respect the unique
needs and characteristics of individual communicators.
We condemn communication that degrades individuals and humanity through distortion,
intimidation, coercion, and violence, and through the expression of intolerance and hatred.
We are committed to the courageous expression of personal conviction in pursuit of fairness and
justice.
We advocate sharing information, opinions, and feelings when facing significant choices while
also respecting privacy and confidentiality.
We accept responsibility for the short- and long-term consequences of our own communication
and expect the same of others.
