In order for a small group to function, all parts of the group must function well. If all parts of the group do not function, then the group falls apart. In every aspect of our lives, we experience groups that are functioning together. Have you ever seen a fire truck driving down the street? Operating the fire truck is a group task. There is a driver that steers the vehicle from the front, and sometimes one from the rear. There is a person who is the navigator: the person who directs the driver where to go. If these people don’t function together as a team, then help may not be on its way.
When thinking of a scenario from my own experiences that illustrates interdependence, I think of group projects in class. Usually the project is broken up so that each member has an equal part in the project. If each person does not complete their part, then the project will be incomplete. In my experience, there is always one person who does not fulfill their part of the project. Whether it is a small part like bringing the actual assignment to class, or a big part like doing the research, it never fails.
An example that illustrates interrelationship is a family. A family has to depend on each other on a regular basis. One person cooks and cleans, and another person cuts the grass and the hedges. One person pays the electric bill, while another pays the insurance premium. If one person does not complete their part, then the group falls apart. My example includes a lazy ex-girlfriend. We both have our parts. If I pay the electric bill, it is up to you to pay the cable bill. If the cable bill does not get paid, it is not up to me. Each person must do their part so that the group can function. It is not up to her to buy the new dress she saw at the mall instead of paying the cable bill. All parts must function together.
Henry
Henry, I enjoyed reading your post because it is well thought out and your example of the fire truck being a group task is excellent. It is true that all parts of the group must function in order to in sync. I too chose family as an example of interrelationship and agree with you that working together “on a regular basis” as you state, is important to ensure that the group continues to function. Another example you provide is group projects in class and I personally, I feel that if one person does not put forth the effort in the group, the outcome of the project will show how well the group worked. To give you a personal example, my professor in Anthropology divided up the class into groups and each student needed to complete a project on a commodity. As fun and simple this project began, it soon felt like I was left with only two other students in my group who did their part. It gets exhausting to try to motivate team members when they do not have the desire. Success comes from being able to work well with others and as you exemplify in your post, any situation can be interdependent in order to function well. Great Job!
ReplyDeleteFinan Hagos
Hi, Hloud
ReplyDeleteI think we all experienced that one of the group members just can’t fulfill their parts and the group always ended up with some problems. Even though it’s a group and we are suppose to be depended on each other but there are always some problems with interdependence in the group system. I always get frustrated when people in the group can’t fulfill their task because I think it’s very irresponsible. I also take group works very seriously but not all members in the group feels the same way, therefore I often feel powerless about group situation. Despite all that, I still like group work a lot because I like that sense of accomplishment and I am able to share that with my group members.
-Sogo
Hi, I wanted to comment on Sogo's comment. I feel the same way sometimes when it comes to class work projects. Although you might get done faster and more efficient doing a project by yourself, completing the project in a group is at times more fulfilling, You get to interact with other students and peers and bring forth insight to the project that would not have been there if done alone. And its true in every group there will be a member who does not complete their assigned tasks. But from my experience, I've always expected this situation and have been prepared to take on the tasks that are not completed in order to receive a good grade on the assignment.
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