Chapter 2 Small Group Communication Theory This multimedia

Central issues • Nature of theory and theory building • Practicality of theory to

Theory building • Observe a phenomenon • Witness repeated pattern • Develop explanation Copyright

Definition of theory • Way of binding together multitude of facts so that one

Theory is crucial to study of small group and team communication Functions of theory

Explanatory Function Explanation power of good theory helps make sense of processes involved when

Predictive Function Predictive precision allows people to anticipate probable outcomes of communicative behaviors in

Theory informs communicative behavior • Process theories: descriptive • Method theories: prescriptive Copyright ©

Theoretical Perspective • Complexity is pervasive characteristic of small groups • Speech communication is

Complexity creates uncertainty When two people communicate at least six Relationships are involved: 1)

Five theories for group • Social exchange • Systems • Symbolic convergence • Structuration

Social Exchange Theory Rewards pleasurable outcomes minus Costs anxiety, mental effort Profit Copyright ©

Systems Theory • Openness to environment: interaction & climate • Interdependence: cohesiveness • Input

Open Systems’ properties • Openness to environment • Interdependence • Input variables • Process

Symbolic Convergence Theory Fantasies & stories • shape group’s identity & culture • influence

Structuration Theory • Rules: implied prescription; learned from previous group encounters • Resources •

Functional Theory • Helps conceptualize connections among behaviors and outcomes • Aids in decision

Constellation of Variables • • Communication Leadership Goals Norms Roles Cohesiveness Situation Copyright ©

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Chapter 2 Small Group Communication Theory This multimedia product and its contents are protected under copyright law: any public performance or display, including transmission of any image over network; preparation of any derivative work including the extraction, in whole or in part, of any images; any rental, lease, or lending of the program. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2006

Definition of theory • Way of binding together multitude of facts so that one may comprehend them all at once • Enables us to make reasonably precise predictions that may be termed scientific. • Crucial to the study of small groups Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2006

Complexity creates uncertainty When two people communicate at least six Relationships are involved: 1) who you think you are 2) who you think the other person is 3) who you think the other person thinks you are 4) who the other person thinks s/he is 5) who the other person thinks you are 6) who the other person thinks you think s/he is Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2006

Systems Theory • Openness to environment: interaction & climate • Interdependence: cohesiveness • Input variables: funds, tools, knowledge, purpose, relationships • Process variables: procedures to reach goals • Output variables: decision making to personal growth Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2006

Symbolic Convergence Theory Fantasies & stories • shape group’s identity & culture • influence dynamics such as norms, roles & decision making • result in collective consciousness Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2006

Functional Theory • Helps conceptualize connections among behaviors and outcomes • Aids in decision making & conflict management • Identifies behaviors that help attain goal Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2006