Stability, bistability, and instability in small group influence patterns.

Abstract

Three models of change and continuity in group structure are tested using existing longitudinal data on 20 small groups. Groups met face to face or via a computer-mediated communication system for 13 weeks. Computer-mediated groups fit the robust equilibrium pattern best, with initial fluctuations in the influence hierarchy followed by a more stable structure that persisted despite changes in operating conditions. Face-to-face groups fit a bistable punctuated equilibrium pattern best, retaining their initial influence structure until an environmental cue triggered a shift. Contrary to die predictions of this model for radical change, adjustments were modest. Poor performance on tasks failed to trigger changes predicted by the adaptive response model, probably because outcomes were not very important to group members.When a number of persons have come together to form a group, their behavior never holds to its first pattern. Homans, 1950, p. 109 Lasting patterns can appear as early as the first few seconds of a group's life. Gersick, 1988, p. 33

Time, Change, and Development

“…These models emphasize early change in the process of establishing a stable state, which is then maintained through a process of self-regulation that dampens or counters external disruption (Arrow, 1997). Change within the group is primarily apparent in the early phase of self-organization, and here we can posit a modified evolutionary motor operating on the early variation provided by members.…”

“…During the second stable period, the project groups worked more effectively and achieved their goals and objectives. More general punctuated equilibrium models (Arrow, 1997;Gersick & Hackman, 1990) propose a pattern of longer stable periods punctuated by sudden, discontinuous times of instability and reorganization. Whereas change can be triggered by either internal or external forces, stability is seen to be maintained by processes internal to the group.…”

“…These models emphasize response to environmental opportunities and constraints as a guiding force in group change and continuity (Arrow, 1997). Developmental patterns are seen as contingent on the forces and incentives available to each group (McGrath, 1991), leading to idiosyncratic patterns of development across groups, depending on whether the relevant embedding context is relatively stable or dynamic.…”

Faktoren der Veränderung des Selbst bei computervermittelter Kommunikation

“…Die JEMCO Workshop Studie (vgl. Arrow, 1997 setzt sich mit Gruppenentwicklungsmodellen auseinander, die Effekte der wahrgenommenen Öffentlichkeit beschreibt Kawalek (1997). Ferner sind die Untersuchungen zur Interpersonalen Wahrnehmung in Inter-Gruppen-Interaktionen (vgl.…”

Attitude Change, Affect Control, and Expectation States in the Formation of Influence Networks

“…During the past decade, there has been a dramatic increase of work on how social networks are formed and change (Arrow, 1997;Carley, 1990Carley, , 1991Doreian & Stokman, 1997;Lazer, 2001;Stokman & Berveling, 1998). Our focus is on the influence networks in groups that shape group members' attitudes, and we develop a model of the evolution of such influence networks in which the set of attitudes that group members have about themselves and others (i.e.…”