Small Group, Systems, and Structuration Theories

Chapter 4 Assignment
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Chapter 4 Assignment
1. Do you appreciate theories and find them helpful, or do you avoid theories and find them useless?
I find theories instrumental because they guide and offer meaning in life. Theory has facts, assumptions and hypotheses that result in foundational knowledge about how the world works. It also assists in understanding how people communicate, different behaviours and how a person should act in a given situation. Theories are also useful because they enable one to organize and comprehend communication experiences, choose communication behaviours, and increase understanding of human communication. It also assists one to forecast and manage communication circumstances, challenging the present social connections, and providing new ways of acting and living.
2. Small group theory in the U.S. is primarily developed by and for “individualistic” Americans. Do you identify with the dominant “individualistic” American culture, or do you identify with “collectivistic” cultures? Explain your answer and give specific examples of your individualism or collectivism.
I identify with individualistic cultures because they are more rational than collectivistic cultures. It is not always good to be dependent or generous to all individuals. I also believe that each person should be independent, strong and assertive to be a functional member of society. A great example of individualistic culture is where people support themselves financially and do not rely on others. A collectivist society is where citizens depend on the government for social security.
3. Systems theory describes the phenomenon of “synergy.” Have you ever experienced “synergy in a small group? Try to give specific details about positive or negative synergy that you have experienced in a small group.
Yes, I have experience synergy in a small group. This happens at schools where we are given some assignments. Instead of doing it alone, we form discussion groups where each person contributes as per their understanding. There is positive synergy because we can finish tasks within a very short time.
4. Structuration Theory points out that small group processes and behaviours are structured by the norms that operate in a group. What are some of the norms that stru...