The paradox and promise of small group research
About: This article is published in Communication Monographs.The article was published on 1970-08-01. It has received 69 citations till now.
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TL;DR: The research reported in this article addresses the need for a closer, micro-level examination of group process by showing no significant difference between the overall amount of influence behavior attempted in computer-supported versus unsupported groups, although significant differences were found in the pattern of influence behaviors.
Abstract: An emerging body of research in group decision support systems (GDSS) provides evidence that computer technology can and does impact the quality of decision making in groups. Most GDSS research is oriented toward examining the effects of a computer system on group outcomes, typically decision quality or group consensus, with the process itself often treated as a "black box." The research reported in this article addresses the need for a closer, micro-level examination of group process. An important group variable, namely influence behavior, was isolated and examined at various levels and by multiple methods.
A model of specific GDSS effects on influence behavior was developed, based on an information exchange view of decision making and on the impact of a GDSS as a communication channel. Based on the research questions of interest in the study, several propositions and hypotheses were advanced and empirically tested on a specific implementation of a GDSS. Results were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The major empirical findings of the study showed no significant difference between the overall amount of influence behavior attempted in computer-supported versus unsupported groups, although significant differences were found in the pattern of influence behaviors, i.e., the different types of behaviors used. In addition, the distribution of influence behavior was more even in GDSS groups than in unsupported groups in one of two measures used. Empirical findings partially supported th research model, with indications that decision-making groups need more active guidance in understanding how to adapt computer support technology to their view of decision-making processes.
356 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a theory of group decision-making is presented, which focuses on the production and reproduction of social systems through the application of generative rules and resources, and its advantages over previous formulations are explored.
Abstract: 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.
315 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that traditional models of group decision making as a series of discrete, consecutive phases are inadequate and propose a more complex and accurate model of continuously developing threads of group activity.
Abstract: 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...
203 citations
TL;DR: A review of the literature on naturalistic groups provides both a framework for identifying bona fide groups and a rationale for future research to focus on such groups as mentioned in this paper, and the identification of what can be called "bona fide groups" is proposed for future small group research.
Abstract: This study culminates in the identification of what can be called “bona fide groups,” a theoretical category proposed for future small group research. In some respects an answer to the various calls and critiques in the previous papers, the article begins with an examination of differing research approaches to naturalistic groups, including discussions of groups in field settings, the use of descriptive‐exploratory designs, full‐fledged and intact groups, and naturally emergent groups. Next, a review of the literature on naturalistic groups provides both a framework for identifying bona fide groups and a rationale for future research to focus on such groups.
181 citations
TL;DR: This article presented a detailed analysis of multiple decision sequences in two sets of groups: student groups performing a ranking task and groups of physicians performing a program planning task, with the object of meshing the two models.
Abstract: Poole's recent study of group decision‐making processes rejected the traditional unitary sequence model of decision development in which all decision‐making groups are assumed to follow a uniform set sequence of phases. It supported a multiple sequence model, which assumed different groups may have different sequences of phases. This study attempts to build on Poole's findings by presenting a detailed analysis of multiple decision sequences in two sets of groups: student groups performing a ranking task and groups of physicians performing a program planning task. This research had three specific goals: (1) To develop and define a Multiple Sequence Descriptive System adapted to the ten groups studied and generalizable for future research; (2) To analyze developmental patterns in conflict interaction and in the evolution of ideas in the ten groups; and (3) To compare unitary sequence and multiple sequence descriptions of the same discussions, with the object of meshing the two models. Results of the study s...
172 citations
References
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01 Jan 1951
3,173 citations
TL;DR: Two quite different types of research design are characteristically used to study the modification of attitudes through communication as discussed by the authors : the experiment where individuals are given a controlled exposure to a communication and the effects evaluated in terms of the amount of change in attitude or opinion produced, and the sample survey where information is secured through interviews or questionnaires both concerning the respondent's exposure to various communications and his attitudes and opinions on various issues.
Abstract: Two quite different types of research design are characteristically used to study the modification of attitudes through communication. In the first type, the experiment, individuals are given a controlled exposure to a communication and the effects evaluated in terms of the amount of change in attitude or opinion produced. In the alternative research design, the sample survey, information is secured through interviews or questionnaires both concerning the respondent's exposure to various communications and his attitudes and opinions on various issues. The picture of mass communication effects which emerges from correlational studies is one in which few individuals are seen as being affected by communications. Communications of the type studied by survey researchers usually involve reaching the individual in his natural habitat, with consequent supplementary effects produced by discussion with friends and family. The nature of individual differences in susceptibility to persuasion via communication has been the subject of a number of the recent studies.
414 citations
Book•
01 Jan 1967
TL;DR: The sociology of small groups as mentioned in this paper, the sociology of the small groups, and small groups in the social sciences, is a good starting point for our work, however, it is not a complete survey.
Abstract: The sociology of small groups , The sociology of small groups , مرکز فناوری اطلاعات و اطلاع رسانی کشاورزی
152 citations
01 Jan 1964
86 citations
64 citations