Task Group Observation Paper

This term paper is an analysis of the group processes that were observed from the participant observation point of view. The task group project was designed to allow a group of randomly selected students in an online course to work together in order to research, outline, and write a research paper as a group. This paper will synthesize the observations noted and the course material to demonstrate the knowledge obtained with regard to group process.

The course was set up as an asynchronous/online format, which means the class did not have regular face-to-face meetings or even set times for meeting to complete the project. Instead, the group was put together by the instructor and the group members were provided assignment instructions with basic suggestions on how to complete the task. An online group as defined by Forsyth on p 7 is, “two or more individuals who interact with

As Forsyth explains on pg. 267, “powerful individuals exhibit more intense and resilient goal-striving’. This was observed when group member A repeatedly took the initiative to set goals for the entire group in order to keep the group moving along in our tasks. As the text indicates this positive aspect of power allowed member A to plan more task-related activities and task item deadlines for the group. Member A was very motivated and positive in her approach to the group and it appeared to be well received by the other group members. I also took this initiative a couple of times in order to get the group moving in the beginning. The positive effect of power and action was observed in the proactive discussion posts that allowed the group to start making decisions on the research project. By posting an open discussion to the group it allowed us to make mutually agreed upon choices in the beginning