Mass Communication Theory: Functional Theory, Symbolic Covergence theory and Structuration Theory, Slides of Mass Communication

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Mass

Communication

Theory

2015 spring sem Prof. Jaewon Joo

Group Communication Theory

<집단(그룹) 커뮤니케이션>

 During a group meeting, the leader provides oral and written instructions for all group members.  50% of them understand clearly, 25% understand partly & the remaining members didn’t follow at all  So, how are we organizing/analyzing this matter?

Group Communication Theory

Group Communication Theory

 Early research on work groups in organizations used a machine metaphor to understand group processes.  But, the machine metaphor may help us develop an efficient assembly line (대량 생산 라인) for producing automobiles, but it won't help us understand why the line's team members interrupt each other's work.

Group Communication Theory

 The Nominal group technique is usually employed after a brainstorming session. Here the group members are asked to write down all the possible solutions for the existing problem and asked to rank them.

Group Communication Theory

<Four stages of Tubb’s Theory> Orientation - The first step is about getting to know each other. Conflict - At this stage the problem is analyzed and each individual tries to convey get into a solution through their perspective. Consensus - Out of the many solutions by each individual, as a group they will reach to an agreement and will select the best feasible answer to the problem Closure - In the final stage, the announcement of the decision taken by the people. Ex) Satchi & satchi, an ad agency is being approached by Pepsico to create an ad campaign.

THEORIES OF SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION  The majority of small group communication theory are grounded in systems theory.  The emphasis on harmony in systems theory means that conflict must be presented as abnormal and destructive.  Systems theory encourages us to examine the ways in which group members and groups are inter-related, it ignores other aspects of small group communication that are equally as important.  There are four theories of small group communication: Functional Theory, Symbolic Convergence Theory, Structuration Theory, and the Naturalistic Paradigm.

Group Communication Theory

(1) Functional Theory  The functional approach to small group communication is concerned with the results or outcomes of group behaviors and structures.  Communication as the tool that group members use to solve problems and make decisions.  Communication helps group members by promoting rational judgments and critical thinking, as well as preventing group members from faulty decision-making and flawed problem solving.

Group Communication Theory

According to the functional perspective, groups follow systematic procedures to accomplish their tasks. So, group members must:  demonstrate that they understand the charge,  establish criteria with which to evaluate possible solutions,  develop alternative solutions,  evaluate those alternatives by comparing them to each other and the previously-established criteria, and  use the evaluation to choose between alternatives.

Group Communication Theory

Group Communication Theory

Information Base Identity Alternatives Identity Objectives Assessment of Positive/Negative Consequences Choice Assessment of Situation Probable Entry Hirokawa’s General Functional Theory

Weaknesses

1. assessing outcomes is challenging.
2. some researchers argue that decision making is not rational. Emotions, power, hidden agendas, interpersonal conflicts, competing goals, and forces outside the group all play a part in the final decision a group makes.
3. researchers have found it difficult to consistently identify the key group functions essential to small group decision making and problem solving.

Group Communication Theory

(2) Symbolic Convergence Theory  "Symbolic" refers to verbal and nonverbal messages and "convergence" refers to shared understanding and meaning.  In small groups, members develop private code words and signals that only those inside the group understand.  Central to this theory is the idea that group members share fantasies that serve as critical communication episodes, forming the basis for members' sense-making.  Fantasy themes develop when group members actively engage in dramatizing, elaborating on, and modifying a story.

Group Communication Theory

Strengths

1. Symbolic Convergence Theory helps us understand how group members interact and provides a way of examining small group culture.
2. We can also determine who is a group member and who isn't depending on whether they are familiar with the group's fantasy themes, inside jokes, and rhetorical vision.
3. Symbolic Convergence Theory is useful for examining groups in organizations because it provides a useful way to compare them

Group Communication Theory

1. some people believe the theory is not useful because it is not predictive or evaluative.
2. researchers who apply Symbolic Convergence Theory to small groups tend to assume that fantasies themes and rhetorical visions have singular meanings for all group members.
3. Symbolic Convergence Theory assumes that all group members have equal influence in creating fantasy themes and rhetorical visions. This is hard to believe.

Group Communication Theory

Weaknesses