This essay presents a theory of group decision‐making. Utilizing recent advances in structuration theory, which focuses on the production and reproduction of social systems through the application of generative rules and resources, the new conceptualization is presented and its advantages over previous formulations are explored. Results from an ongoing research program are summarized as partial substantiation of the perspective.

Group decision‐making as a structurational process

A perspective is presented on communicative competence that is based on Erving Goffman's model of face‐to‐face society. The concept o£ interaction involvement is then explicated in relation to the model as a fundamentally important cognitive dimension of communicative competence. Data from two studies are reported to support the validity of the interaction involvement concept and its operational definition. The results are interpreted as being useful for future basic research on communicative competence as well as applications in classroom and other instructional settings.

Interaction Involvement: A Cognitive Dimension of Communicative Competence.

In response to McCroskey's definition of competence as knowledge of appropriate behavior, distinct from skill and effectiveness, it is argued that competence should be viewed as a function of knowledge, skill, and motivation. In the proposed approach, competent communication refers to functionally effective interaction appropriate to a given relational context. These impressions of appropriateness and effectiveness are more likely when a person is motivated to communicate, knowledgeable about communication, and skilled in communicating in a particular interpersonal relationship and context. Some of the implications of this relational competence approach for theory and pedagogy are discussed.

Communication competence as knowledge, skill, and impression

This paper argues that traditional models of group decision making as a series of discrete, consecutive phases are inadequate. It advocates replacing them by a more complex and accurate model of continuously‐developing threads of group activity. In section I the phasic model is evaluated in view of recent research on decision development in small groups. To overcome several problems with the phasic model section II develops a new model, which conceptualizes decision development as a set of continuously evolving tracks of activity, intertwining over time. Based on previous research, this model advances a new descriptive system, which specifies (a) three tracks of group activity, (b) several types of “breakpoints” which mark changes in the development of the strands, and (c) a structural model of task accomplishment. The interrelations among the three descriptive components give a more complex and accurate picture of decision development than the phasic model. In section III, two explanatory factors which d...

Decision development in small groups: III. A multiple sequence model of group decision development.

Managing the Inclusion Process in Collaborative Governance

Though collaboration is often required in community initiatives, little evidence documents relationships between collaboration and program success. The authors contend that clarification of the con...

The Influence of Collaboration on Program Outcomes The Colorado Nurse—Family Partnership

With the enactment of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act in 1991, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) became more important institutions for planning and funding regional transportation systems. This study attempts to assess the success of MPOs in four fast-growing areas- Dallas/Ft. Worth, Denver, Phoenix, and Seattle-in meeting regional transportation needs. The research identifies the criteria that distinguish more successful from less successful MPOs-effective leadership, staff competence and credibility, quality public involvement, development of a regional ethos, streamlined and efficient processes, cooperative relationships with the state DOT, land-use coordination, and accountability to members-and offers suggestions for improving transportation planning. Copyright 2002, Oxford University Press.

Carl E. Larson

Papers

The Influence of Collaboration on Program Outcomes The Colorado Nurse—Family Partnership

Metropolitan Planning Organizations: Findings and Recommendations for Improving Transportation Planning

Forms of analysis and small group problem‐solving

Problems in Assessing Functional Communication.

Speech communication research on small groups