Extraction of Problem Solving Patterns on Business Meeting

Abstract

The authors observed and analyzed the problem solving processes of a business meeting. Specifically, we analyzed conversations at a meeting between the headquarters of an apparel company and employees at the site. In this paper, the types of problem solving are classified into small problem solving and large problem solving. Small problem solving involves sharing, communicating and confirming information. Small problem solving are also classified into three patterns. Pattern 1 is the case where the problem is solved immediately in the dialogue. Pattern 2 has the prospect of solution, but the solution is carried over to the next time. Pattern 3 is a case where the subject is moved to another agenda without being resolved. Large problem solving requires discussion. As a result of analysis and discussion, it was suggested that headquarters employees' awareness and changes in viewpoints by grasping the situation at the site had a great effect on problem solving. In the meetings, not only were discussions on the agenda set in advance, but also new problems were discovered from the conversation. This showed the importance of the face-to-face problem solving process.