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j dan rothwell. in mixed company. communicating in small groups and teams. Chapter Two. in mixed company. Primary Elements of a System. in mixed company. Interconnectedness of Parts A. Ripple effect One part of a system can have a significant impact on the whole B. Synergy
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j danrothwell in mixed company communicating in small groups and teams
Chapter Two inmixedcompany
Primary Elements of a System inmixedcompany • Interconnectedness of Parts A. Ripple effect • One part of a system can have a significant impact on the whole B. Synergy • “Group Genius” or “When the sum of the whole is greater than its parts.” • Can be positive or negative
Primary Elements of a System inmixedcompany II. Adaptability to Change A. Openness and change • Dynamic Equilibrium = a group’s ability to regulate the degree, rate and desirability of change B. Boundary control • Boundaries help regulate input
Methods of Boundary Control inmixedcompany • 4. Rules • Who can join, chain of command, defining appropriate behaviuor • 5. Roles • Expected behavior based on role 1. Physical Barriers • Protect group space 2. Psychological Barriers • Regulate intimacy & belonging 3. Linguistic Barriers • Use of argot, or private vocab, to solidify group bonds
Primary Elements of a System inmixedcompany III. Influence of Size • Quantitative significance • As size increases, so does complexity • Qualitative significance • As size and complexity increase, quality of group transactions change, namely…
Primary Elements of a System 1. Nonparticipation Increases • Competition, aggressive members take control 2. Overt disagreement and dissatisfaction more prevalent • Conformity harder to enforce; splinter groups and factions develop 3. Cooperation decreases • Results in diminished task effectiveness, unmet goals, increased conflicts 4. Satisfaction decreases • Research groups 10+
Primary Elements of a System Q: What is the Ideal Size for a Group? A: The smallest size capable of performing the task effectively.
Primary Elements of a System inmixedcompany Summary I. Interconnectedness of Parts • Ripple Effect & Synergy II. Adaptability to Change • Dynamic Equilibrium & Methods of Boundary Control III. Influence of Size • Quantitative & Qualitative Significance
Group Size inmixedcompany Interactions Possible • 2 • 9 • 28 • 75 • 186 • 441 • 1056 Number in Group • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8
Group Size inmixedcompany C to A B to C C to B A to B and C B to A and C C to A and B Triad A to B B to A A to C