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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

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

14. 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

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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. Communicating across Boundaries
Functions
Initiate transactions
Respond to outsiders
Initiate membership

20. Communicating across Boundaries
Strategies
Ambassador
Task Coordinator
Scout
Guard

21. 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