This paper was a follow up on my experiences in a virtual group. Our group was tasked with creating a business proposal while interacting completely in the digital realm. To some degree, a large number of the population takes part in virtual groups everyday. Facebook, twitter, and any other form of social media could be considered a virtual group. Using virtual groups to their fullest problem solving potential can be difficult, as outlined in my experiences expressed below.
Reflection on Virtual Group
Introduction
Dealing with virtual groups can be difficult. In order to be effective when dealing with a virtual group one must learn how to communicate effectively, stay motivated, and become an asset to the group. The purpose of this paper is to reflect on, not just my experience in this virtual group, but my thoughts on virtual groups in general.
My Experience
I had a rather unique experience among my colleagues this semester. I was originally assigned to a different group than the one I found myself in. The group I was in was disbanded because only myself and one other person remained. Even though this was early in the semester, I still felt at somewhat of a disadvantage being the newcomer into an already established group. I struggled with trying to find a way to make myself relevant and essential to the group. The first thing I noticed upon joining the group was that they had already set up an unofficial hierarchy. There were already established team leaders. I would not say that the experience was negative, but it definitely came with its challenges. The most prevalent affliction I had was one that was common to all: life. Being an adult, there are certain responsibilities that I had taken on that were always threatening to get in the way of my active participation in the group. I’m married with one child at home and another on the way, working a full time job which I was just promoted at (greater workload), taking my online courses, and keeping our local community theatre up and going among other things
Considered Issues
In comparison to a traditional group, I found that working in a virtual environment easier in terms of not needing to appear any specific way. Just like any group there were some that chose to interact heavily with the group, and those that did not. I found the information transfer a great addition to the virtual group. The ability to instantly send word documents across great distances never ceases to amaze me. The response times were excellent among those that participated. The ability to communicate was greatly enhanced in my opinion. Every participating group member’s contribution was instantly viewable upon their submission. I do believe that groupthink may be easier to fall into in a virtual group, just by the sheer nature of the virtual group. If someone chooses not to voice an opinion and remain silent, I feel that groupthink would start to take hold. I don’t feel that this represents a true form of groupthink, but rather a simulated, watered down version of group think. Groupthink itself implies a certain level of a collective consciousness, while I think that in a virtual group it would simply be brought on by laziness. I found no issues expressing my agreement or disagreement. The group stayed relatively cohesive. I accepted the pre-selected roles that the group was in prior to my arrival. I felt that there was no reason to shake up the group as they seemed to be efficient as it was. I definitely feel that the final product was influenced by the nature of the virtual environment. My philosophy of the butterfly effect aside, the way the virtual group played out versus the regular group wasn’t better or worse in my opinion. The virtual group allowed for the exchange of data exclusively in the digital realm. There was no need to type up our findings or ideas, as they were already in that format.
Conclusion
As I previously stated, dealing with virtual groups can be difficult. I value the experience that I gained, as I know I will have to deal with a virtual group in some form or fashion in my workplace. To a certain degree I already do, but in the groups I deal with I still meet with the people face-to-face on regular intervals. In the case of this virtual group, I’m probably never going to meet any of the members at any point in my life. My dealings with them have been and will remain digital in nature. Once again, I thank you for the experience you and Ottawa University
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