When working in a small group situation it is very important to take into consideration the concept of entropy/chaos. This is an interesting idea to utilize because when you have a small group that is either over-functioning, or under-functioning entropy/chaos may rear its nasty head.
A small group that has a lack of member contribution, and the remainder of the ideas are old and boring is in danger of being entropic. On the other hand a group that has too much input flying around without any organization is considered chaotic. It is a great necessity within a small group situation to create an environment where all members have a voice and an accepting team to consider their contributions to the outcome.
Within a dynamic small group one much also remember the valuable concept of equifinity.
This concept is appropriate to a well functioning group, but may not be easy for people to adjust to. Most people in a small group situation are usually so consumed with organization (especially because their grade is subject to other peoples work ethic) that the idea of being semi free spirited and exploring new options in problem solving and decision making may cause some anxiety.
However when group members have the freedom to explore other paths and/or alternative options within their contribution range they can find new combinations of ideas to create a stellar paper, or even a new way to present their ideas effectively. Therefore by allowing some space to breathe and giving team members liberty to explore within their own realm one may find a unified highly functioning small group.
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