OM 94
CAAP Paper
December 1, 2009
CAAP
Estill I. Green’s Quote, “Clearly no group can, as an entity, create ideas. Only individuals can do this. A group of individuals may, however, stimulate one another in the creation of ideas.” This quote clearly depicts a process of how an individual can possess their own ideas; at the same time, successfully utilize these ideas in a larger context, which will create bigger and better ideas. “We are, at different times, student or teacher, son or daughter friend, counselor, leader or follower, spouse, parent, manager or employee. It is important to realize that roles are simply sets of identifiable behaviors” (Tubbs 2004).
The Tubbs Model of Small Group Interaction organizes important group variables into three categories (Tubbs 2004). The first attribute of small groups according to the Tubbs Model include; relevant background factors; which contributes to the fact, that each and every human being has individual personalities. For instance, some personality traits are passed through genetics, or it is possible to develop your own individuality through life stages. However, at some point and time in a person’s life he or she will need to communicate with other peers, family members and co-workers. If a person does not have good social skills it will affect the development of a person’s personality; on the other hand, socializing improves mental functioning and cognitive reception; therefore, a person’s capacity to communicate can affect your way of life style and the way people view you. I am currently a part-time Front Desk Coordinator at The Center for the Homeless in South Bend, IN being a member of the centers administrative team has been a rewarding, working experience for me. I continue to be, overwhelmingly satisfied with my job; due to, the friendliness and comfortable zone, that has been felt since I became affiliated with the homeless shelter; and this type of karma is a portion of what makes working at the center, a strong and successful organizational culture; easygoingness makes things enjoyable and tension free. This clearly shows that relevant background factors are important factors, which are very influential and an important facet, if a person is seeking employment and would like to be considered for a position at the Center for the Homeless. The candidate will practice good ethics, morals and values; which are, character traits the Center’s Human Resources Team is looking for in employees who work at the shelter.
Tubbs next focus in this model for small group interaction was the internal influences in an organization. Specifics that integrate the groups physical environment, group norms interaction roles and group communication, to name a few. Communication is an incredibly well-put together asset at the shelter; everyone keep in contact, through the telephone, group e-mails, and through documenting important daily matters concerning the guest at the center in a legal log book. This includes, staff members logging in and out while working at the front desk; guest check-ins and check-out times; bed hold orders and referral holds, and any other important issues that may arise. This system incorporates good communication skills between all staff members, also through a mandatory organizational communication training program; I have learned, that critical communication skills will be needed for each department to maintain quality leadership skills; because, this allows more input and new ideas for better output; which demonstrates, a successful and well functioned organization, through the Tubbs Model of Small Group Interaction. The Center's administrative team consist of 35 to 40 staff members; the organizational chart for job titles and positions include; the Executive Director, Assistant Director, and other positions such as, a development coordinator, events coordinator, to name a few. Every single position is combined into working teams such