Social
Process Observation Checklist
Cynthia L.
Nordgren
Sociology
101
Ron Siddell
May 16,
2001
Directions: Use this checklist to analyze the
meeting/social interaction you selected to observe. Answer the questions
about the interactions you observed and explain how and why people interacted
the way they did. Feel free to attach additional sheets of paper if needed.
Date and time of meeting observed: Thursday 5/10/01 11:00
a.m. � 12:00 p.m
How many people attended? Two Supervisors and 10 Team
Members
Type of meeting observed: (business, social, sales,
etc.)� Business Team Meeting
How long
did the meeting last?� One hour
1.
Describe the “mood” of the meeting. What were some
of the emotions that you believe were occurring at the meeting among the
people involved? Try to be as specific as you can about the different
emotions involved.
�
The mood of the meeting was casual but professional.� There was not a lot of interaction or
involvement until the end of the meeting.�
Some of the varying emotions and reactions I observed were antagonism,
pessimism, disinterest, curiosity, and skepticism. The meeting focused on two
issues.� One issue related to our
system changes, which occurred during the week.� Talking about the issues elicited some varying responses, some
were positive and some were negative.�
There was one person who was frustrated with the speed at which we get
new system upgrades and associated problems. I could tell by his response, he
was fed up with dealing with all the different changes we were experiencing.
The second issue was regarding the wonderful benefits AT&T offers.� I observed different reactions in regards
to the presentation.� The employees
who had been with AT&T the longest were the ones who seemed disinterested,
unconcerned, apathetic, and gave no opinions.� The employees who had been employed at AT&T the shortest
amount of time asked more questions, and were more involved and interested. I
noticed the employees which were employed by AT&T the longest had developed
an attitude that was negative. The employees who were positive about the
benefits brought a sense of encouragement and excitement to the meeting.
2.
Was there one person who dominated the meeting in some way?
If so, how would you describe the “people skills” of that dominant
member? If not, do you think that the meeting would have profited by having a
dominant leader? Why or why not?
Yes, there was one person who dominated the meeting.� She is a representative from our Personnel
Development department.� Her people
skills were excellent. She listened to our questions and stated each question
to ensure everyone could hear it. She made sure that everyone understood her
answer and followed up by asking if anyone had additional questions.� I think, in the case of this type of
meeting, we needed someone who dominated the meeting or there could have been
no discussion. She was able to talk about some issues and questions that
would not have been addressed or asked.�
3.
Do you feel that the meeting or social interaction was
successful? That is, do you believe that something was accomplished? If
something was accomplished, why do you feel it was successful? What part of
the success of that meeting could be attributed to the interpersonal dynamics
and social interactions of the group? If it was not successful, could it be
attributed to the lack of positive social interaction? Explain your answer.
It was
successful because the people who had questions about benefits, or did not
understand how some of the benefits worked or the extent of what was offered,
received knowledge.� I know there were
several aspects of our benefits package that I was not familiar with.�� I believe the point of this meeting was
to help us understand that along with our wages, the added benefits that
AT&T offers does add an increase to the base wage.� Questions were asked about recent changes
at AT&T regarding reorganization and the stock exchange that was
offered.��� Our questions were
answered in a way we could understand the process.� Yes it could be attributed to the interpersonal dynamics and
social interaction of the group, because some people that are normally
reserved and quiet participated when we reached a part of the conversation
that concerned them.
4.
Pick out one or two individuals at that meeting who you
believe exemplified positive social and interpersonal skills. What were some
of the social skills that those people exemplified?
Danielle
exemplified positive social and interpersonal skills.� I could tell by her command and control of
the room that she was experienced and comfortable with a group.� She talked clearly and articulately, and
made sure every question was answered.�
She did not answer anything in a way that the person asking the
question would feel stupid for asking.�
Her social skills were evident by the fact that she was at ease, not
nervous, and she made great eye contact.�
She was the type of person who seemed to be comfortable in any group
setting, as well as a one-on-one meeting.
David also
was positive and always uses interpersonal skills.� He has had a background in sales and I can tell.� He makes sure he carefully chooses his
words.� He was a team member but spoke
up clearly.� He made his points very
clearly and seemed to speak for the team as a whole.� One of the social skills that was most
interesting is that he wanted to include everyone, to draw everyone in the
conversation, I believe so that no one felt left out or that their questions were
not important.
5.
As you look at the meeting, how do you believe it could have
been improved? That is, what interpersonal or social skills could the people
in the meeting have exemplified better? In what ways would that have changed
the course and outcome of the meeting?
I believe
extending the time of the meeting would have benefited everyone.� The supervisors had scheduled the meeting
so that it would only be an hour, but the context of the discussion could
have warranted more time.� This
discussion was regarding how the employees viewed AT&T and the benefits
they offered. When the discussion was about stocks, it appeared everyone in
the meeting could relate to the effects of the exchange, since it involved
their money. The meeting ended too early, with some questions unanswered,
because it was 12:00.� I believe
extending the meeting could have changed the course and outcome by allowing
all questions to be answered and giving a sense of closure on the
subject.� Now, I think that some of
the members will take time out to email their questions to Danielle to get
answered.� In doing so, it does not
benefit everyone in the meeting because that information may not be shared.
6.
Did you detect any negative undercurrents among some of the
members? Was there conflict that occurred at the meeting? If so, was it
resolved? Why or why not? If no conflict was shown at the meeting, what do
you think some of the factors were that contributed to the group�s
cohesiveness?
There were definite undercurrents of negativity.� Employees that did not want to be there
made it obvious by their body language and comments.� They were only there because they were
required to attend.� There were no
conflicts during this meeting at all.�
I believe that some of the factors that contributed to the groups
cohesiveness were the fact that we all have to work together as a team daily,
assisting each other in all aspects of our business.� We have to maintain good, healthy business
relationships, to accomplish our company goal.�� The goal of AT&T is one call resolution; by putting the
customer needs first.� I also believe
we have a group of people who are educated, enjoy their jobs, and are given
the freedom to grow personally and professionally.
7.
What part did YOU play in the meeting or social interaction?
Do you believe that the meeting was more or less successful because you were
there? Why or why not?
����������� I took the opportunity at this meeting to observe.� I did not ask any questions because my
questions were addressed throughout the discussion.� I do not believe I really had an impact on whether the meeting
was more or less successful by my presence.�
This meeting was more of an informational meeting rather than a
directional or brain storming type of meeting.� My input was not involved to make any type of decision or plan.
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