Theories and Models of Small Group Communication

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Theories and Models of Small Group Communication
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Theories are...

• very practical.
• basic to human behavior.
• systematic ways for understanding experience.
• essential to effective small group communication.

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Basic Functions of Theory

• Explain (Process Theories)
• Predict (Method Theories)

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Interpersonal vs. Small Group Communication

• Small group communication is more uncertain and
  complex.
• This leads to the need for a broad variety of
  theories...
• to allow for understanding of small group
  communication (process theories)
• to guide practice in small group communication
  (method theories)

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Social Exchange Theory

• A psycho-economic model of group attractiveness.
• Seeks to explain/predict people's choices to
  join, remain in, and leave groups.
• A relatively simple equation costs vs. rewards.
• A profitable situation (rewards gt costs) leads to
  a rewarding experience which leads to group
  cohesion, productivity, etc.

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Systems Theory

• Groups can best be understood as open systems.
• Characteristics of open systems
• Interaction with the environment
• Interdependence of parts
• Input, process, and output variables

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Systems Theory

• Goal of a system
• To survive in an environment by avoiding entropy.
• This can be accomplished through various
  strategies of self-regulation or environmental
  modification (equifinality).

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Symbolic Convergence Theory

• Describes how groups develop a collective
  consciousness.

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Symbolic Convergence Theory

• Group identity comes from communicating group
  "fantasies" or stories.
• Fantasy A creative and imaginative shared
  interpretation of events that fulfills a group
  psychological or rhetorical need.
• Fantasy theme Common content or recurring
  script in shared group stories.
• Fantasy chain A string of connected stories
  revolving around a common theme.

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Symbolic Convergence Theory

• Theory challenges notions of the value of "off
  task" group communication behavior.

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Structuration Theory

• Explains how people use rules and resources to
  produce and reproduce group systems/ structures.

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Structuration Theory

• Combines elements of Rules Theory and Systems
  Theory but goes beyond by...
• Acknowledging the dynamic, changing nature of
  groups and group structures.
• Reaching outside the boundaries of the group to
  understand structure development and change.
• Structure process Structuration.

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Functional Theory

• Based on the idea that group communication
  behaviors can be strategically chosen and planned
  to achieve particular outcomes such as
• Sound reasoning
• Critical thinking
• Preventing errors
• Building relationships