3. Visible Assumptions of System
Theory
System
Positive Synergy
Negative Synergy
Equifinality
4. Digital Codes
Complimentary and
Axioms Symmetrical
Impossibility of not
communicating
5. patterns of group
discussions in terms of
Interaction
leadership
Process
Analysis
group communication
SYMLOG System for the Multiple Level
Observations of Groups
6. Groups
Task Goals
2 Goals to
achieve:
Maintenance Goals
7. Symbolic Convergence Theory
“Oh be-have! We’ve got
to find our mojo!”
Group used Austin Powers fantasy to link each
member, from different departments, to a
common humorous theme
8. Was the group likely to be effective?
Problem Analysis Identify Alternatives
Goal Setting Evaluate + Select
Greatest Accomplishment of the theory: process for analyzing group communication The latest version of this is the SYMLOG; group members evaluate themselves and all other members of the group on either their values or their behaviors to understand the group better, improve productivity, or increase satisfaction
Task- requires communication toward achieving the groups’ goals ex: receiving information or giving suggestions Maintenance- achieved by socioemotional communication ex. expressing agreement, releasing tension, and demonstrating behaviors of “working together” Task Leaders: Dave and Charlene Maintenance Leader: Tonya
