CHAPTER TWO: Group Systems McGraw-Hill/Irwin © 2013 McGraw-Hill Companies. All Rights Reserved.

Effective Group Discussion: Theory and Practice 14 th Edition Gloria J. Galanes & Katherine Adams WHAT’S A “SYSTEM”? 2-2 A set of elements that function as a whole because of interdependent relationships 2

Effective Group Discussion: Theory and Practice 14 th Edition Gloria J. Galanes & Katherine Adams GENERAL SYSTEMS THEORY 2-3 Living organisms  Systems of body work together Groups: individuals interact to become a social system 3

Effective Group Discussion: Theory and Practice 14 th Edition Gloria J. Galanes & Katherine Adams ELEMENTS OF SYSTEMS 2-4 INPUTS All the elements of a system that are present at the outset (or, the initial raw materials of the system) Attitudes Abilities/experiences Outside information/items Purpose 4

Effective Group Discussion: Theory and Practice 14 th Edition Gloria J. Galanes & Katherine Adams ELEMENTS OF SYSTEMS 2-5 THROUGHPUTS Influences on the system that result from actual activities within the group as it functions Activities Roles, rules, leadership Conflict Evaluating Verbal and nonverbal behaviors *ALL OUR THROUGHOUTS ARE AFFECTED BY ONE ANOTHER! 5

Effective Group Discussion: Theory and Practice 14 th Edition Gloria J. Galanes & Katherine Adams ELEMENTS OF SYSTEMS 2-6 OUTPUTS The tangible and intangible products or achievements of the group that emerge from the throughput process Results Final paper/presentation 6

Effective Group Discussion: Theory and Practice 14 th Edition Gloria J. Galanes & Katherine Adams ELEMENTS OF SYSTEMS 2-7 ENVIRONMENT Systems are embedded in multiple surroundings or contexts Example: room characteristics The environment affects communication within the group 7

Effective Group Discussion: Theory and Practice 14 th Edition Gloria J. Galanes & Katherine Adams ELEMENTS OF SYSTEMS 2-8 VIRTUAL GROUPS Members do not communicate in the same place and time Tasks more multi-dimensional Who to contact for more information? Few formal power positions Decision-making usually guided by “parent” organizations 8

Effective Group Discussion: Theory and Practice 14 th Edition Gloria J. Galanes & Katherine Adams CHARACTERISTICS OF SYSTEMS 2-9 OPEN SYSTEM Free exchange of information; inputs and outputs flow back & forth between the system and its environment Much Interaction with environment Example: Companies use inputs such as labor, funds, equipment, and materials to produce goods or to provide services 9

Effective Group Discussion: Theory and Practice 14 th Edition Gloria J. Galanes & Katherine Adams CHARACTERISTICS OF SYSTEMS 2-10 CLOSED SYSTEM Limited flow of information between themselves and their environment Little Interaction Example: a clock is a relatively self- contained, self-maintaining unit that has little interacts or exchange with its environment 10

Effective Group Discussion: Theory and Practice 14 th Edition Gloria J. Galanes & Katherine Adams CHARACTERISTICS OF SYSTEMS 2-11 INTERDEPENDENCE The elements of a system are interdependent, because all elements mutually influence one another FEEDBACK The return of system outputs as system inputs, which allows the system to change and monitor its movements toward goals 11

Effective Group Discussion: Theory and Practice 14 th Edition Gloria J. Galanes & Katherine Adams MULTIPLE CAUSES & PATHS 2-12 Equifinality: start different, end same Multifinality: start same, end different Multiple causes: no single system input determined system outputs; outcomes are the result of many factors Multiple paths: objectives can be reached in a variety of ways Nonsummativity: A system’s ability to take on an identity separate from its individual elements 12