CHAPTER THREE: The Small Group as a System © 2013 McGraw-Hill Companies. All Rights Reserved. McGraw-Hill/Irwin

Bona Fide Group Perspective Communicating across boundaries Preview Principles of a system Variables of a system System environment Bona Fide Group Perspective Communicating across boundaries

Systems Perspective A system is a set of relationships among interdependent, interacting components and forces. Seeks to explain the individual components of a small group as they interact in a complex whole.

Principles of a System Interdependence states that the parts of a system do not operate in isolation. The principle of Nonsummativity suggest that the whole is not the sum of its parts.

Principles of a System The principle of equifinality posits that different systems can reach the same outcome. Similarly, multifinality suggests that systems starting out at the same place may reach different end points.

Principles of a System Multiple Causation is the principle that each change is a system is caused by multiple factors.

Members, Expertise, Money, Computer Technology Variables of a System Inputs Components from which a small group is formed and that it used to do its work. Members, Expertise, Money, Computer Technology

Understand group’s purpose Membership small Variables of a System Ideal Input Variables Share beliefs Understand group’s purpose Membership small Understand relationship to other groups Time to work Good meeting place

How the group actually transforms inputs into final products Variables of a System Throughputs How the group actually transforms inputs into final products Rules, Roles, Norms

Dependable and Reliable Considerate of others Variables of a System Ideal Throughputs Dependable and Reliable Considerate of others Roles are stable and understood Relatively equal status Norms are followed and discussed Communication flows Procedures are efficient

Written reports, self-confidence Variables of a System Outputs Results of products of the group’s throughput processes (tangible and intangible) Written reports, self-confidence

Group’s leadership is stable Unique Culture Variables of a System Ideal Outputs Purpose achieved Personally satisfied Cohesiveness is high Group’s leadership is stable Unique Culture Parent organization is strengthened

System Environment A system may either be open or closed, depending on the degree to which it interacts with its environment. Feedback

Publicly recognize the accomplishments of the group. System Environment Ideal Environments Publicly recognize the accomplishments of the group. Supply whatever information is needed Supply whatever resources is needed Provide supportive atmosphere

Bona Fide Group Perspective Bona fide group groups have stable but permeable boundaries and borders and are interdependent with their environments Permeable Boundaries Interdependent

Bona Fide Virtual Groups A collaborating group is one in which its members come from different organizations and form a temporary alliance in order to attain a particular purpose

Bona Fide Virtual Groups Virtual v. Face to Face Traditional groups know where to find needed information Virtual groups have stronger ties to parent organization Less defined formal positions of power

Communicating across Boundaries Some groups need boundary spanners, who monitors the group’s environment to import and export information relevant to the group’s success

Communicating across Boundaries Functions Initiate transactions Respond to outsiders Initiate membership

Communicating across Boundaries Strategies Ambassador Task Coordinator Scout Guard

Bona Fide Group Perspective Communicating across boundaries Summary Principles of a system Variables of a system System environment Bona Fide Group Perspective Communicating across boundaries