The group

Question 1

What is Structuration Theory?

Answer 1

It describes the general process, where groups create structures with attention to a task. This is about how norms and rules in a group affect the actions in the group.
As we communicate with each other, we create these structures (patterns, rules, norms)

Question 2

Within the Structuration Theory, we have the concept the Duality of structure - what is it?

Answer 2

This is a process, where the structure provides rules that guide the actions of individuals, but the actions creates and reproduce new rules.

Question 3

Within the Structuration Theory, we have 3 dimensions -> please name these, and elaborate on them.

Answer 3

1. Interpretation
   - > signification. How something should be understood.
2. Morality
   - > Legitimatation. What should be done.
3. Power
   - > Domination. How to get things accomplished.

Question 4

Structuration Theory and communication -> Pole…

How does a group operate?

Answer 4

3 variables of the problem itself

• obejctive task characterhistics. If the problem already is established with solutions.
• Group task characteristics. This depends on the previous experiences of innovation in the group. Do we do this the standard way, or do we innovate?
• Group structural characteristics. Is the group cohesive, how about power distribution, history of conflicts and the size of the group.

Question 5

What is a “decision path”? (Structuration Theory)

Answer 5

3 kinds

• the task-process path. Actives dealing directly with the task
• The relational track. Activities dealing with interpersonal relationships
• Topic-focus track. Series of issues, topics etc that concerns the group over time.

Question 6

How can Structuration Theory be critiqued?

Answer 6

It is very complex, very difficult to apply. It is not specific enough?

Question 7

What is Functional Theory?

Answer 7

How groups make decisions, about the quality of output and the quality of the communication in the group.

Question 8

Who is behind Structuration Theory?

Answer 8

Giddens, and Pole is about Structuration Theory and communication

Question 9

Who is behind Functional Theory?

Answer 9

John Dewey

Question 10

Dewey has 6 steps of problem solving. Please name these.

Answer 10

1. expressing a difficulty
2. defining the problem
3. analyzing the problem
4. suggesting solutions
5. comparing alternatives, testing them against objectives or criterias.
6. implementing the best solution.

Question 11

In Functional Theory, which groups makes the better decisions?

Answer 11

That is the groups that are most effective in meeting the 4 aspects of decision quality. THOSE WHO ARE BEING REFLECTIVE:

• Appropriate understanding of the problem
• Appropriate understanding of the objectives, and standards, or a good decision
• Appropriate assessment of the positive quantities of alternatives.
• Appropriate assessment of the negative qualities in the alternatives.

Question 12

What is GroupThink?

Answer 12

Groupthink is a result of cohesiveness.
Because of the degree of mutual interest, a group can make errors that can have great consequences.

The dark side of communication.

Question 13

Who is behind GroupThink?

Answer 13

Irving Janis

Question 14

There are 3 symptoms of groupthink, what are they?

Answer 14

1. Overestimating the group (invulnerability, belief that what they do is the correct way)
2. Closed mindness (ignores influence from outside, like warnings)
3. Pressure towards uninformative (Members do not express doubts/concerns. Mind guards, silence = consent.)

Question 15

How can you prevent groupthink?

Answer 15

4 general recommendations (from Paul’t Hart)

• Control and oversight
• Whistle-blowing
• Conscious objectors
• Majority support over consensus.

Question 16

Why can groupthink occur?

Answer 16

Conditions in groups promote high cohesiveness.
Groups problems solving is a unified process -> we strive to get along.
Groups and decisions are fairly complex.

–
High cohesiveness of the decision group
Specific structural characteristics of the environment in which the group functions
Stressful internal and external characteristics of the situation.

Question 17

What are the roles that according to Kuada a group have? (Groupdynamics)

Answer 17

A leader, an innovator, a though developer, a team organizer, a completer, a free-rider

Question 18

Within the critical tradition, what is critical about group theories?

Answer 18

Taskfocus is male oriented.
-> women’s groups are often more less interested in outcome

Groupthink is because of power oppression. People are willing to “go along to get along”