Why are goals important for a group discussion?
They limit open conversation.
They limit group participation.
They keep the discussion on track.
They keep the discussion short.
Goals are important for a group discussion primarily because they keep the discussion on track. By having a clear objective, the participants are more likely to stay focused on the relevant topic and work towards a productive outcome. Goals help ensure that the conversation remains purposeful and that the time spent in discussion is used efficiently to address the issues at hand.
While one might argue that goals could potentially limit open conversation or group participation, if established properly with the input and agreement of all participants, they should facilitate a more inclusive and focused dialogue. Goals are not typically set to keep the discussion short per se, but they can help manage the length of the discussion by providing a framework for what needs to be covered, potentially making the use of time more effective.