Final answer:
The problem is a management issue where a group member, Alice, is not fully engaged, causing concerns about her contribution to the group assignment. To address this, Jason needs to manage the group effectively, communicate expectations clearly, and establish a system of accountability to ensure equitable contributions from all group members.
Step-by-step explanation:
Identifying the Problem in Group Management
The problem that Jason is experiencing with Alice in their group assignment pertains to management and possibly a collective action problem. Alice's consistent lateness and lack of attention during meetings may indicate that she is not fully engaged with her group responsibilities, which could be caused by a variety of factors, such as personal issues, work overload, or a lack of motivation. Without addressing these issues, the team's productivity and the quality of the group assignment may suffer.
A key element of effective management in group projects is ensuring that all members contribute fairly to the workload. This can be challenging when dealing with free riding, where certain members benefit from the efforts of others without contributing equally. In educational settings, this behavior can result in frustration among team members, as everyone typically receives the same grade regardless of individual contributions.
To resolve such a situation, Jason, as the group leader, could employ several strategies. He might begin by speaking with Alice to understand the root cause of her behavior. It's important to establish clear expectations, communication, and possibly a redistribution of tasks to ensure that all group members are on the same page and contribute effectively to the project. Jason could also set up a system of accountability within the group to minimize free riding and encourage collective responsibility.