CHAPTER TWO: Group Systems

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Effective Group Discussion: Theory and Practice 14th EditionGloria J. Galanes & Katherine Adams

WHAT’S A “SYSTEM”?2-2

A set of elements that function as a whole because of interdependent relationships

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Effective Group Discussion: Theory and Practice 14th EditionGloria J. Galanes & Katherine Adams

GENERAL SYSTEMS THEORY2-3

Living organisms Systems of body work together

Groups: individuals interact to become a social system

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Effective Group Discussion: Theory and Practice 14th EditionGloria J. Galanes & Katherine Adams

ELEMENTS OF SYSTEMS2-4

INPUTSAll 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

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Effective Group Discussion: Theory and Practice 14th EditionGloria J. Galanes & Katherine Adams

ELEMENTS OF SYSTEMS2-5

THROUGHPUTSInfluences 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!

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Effective Group Discussion: Theory and Practice 14th EditionGloria J. Galanes & Katherine Adams

ELEMENTS OF SYSTEMS2-6

OUTPUTSThe tangible and intangible products or achievements of the group that emerge from the throughput process Results Final paper/presentation

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Effective Group Discussion: Theory and Practice 14th EditionGloria J. Galanes & Katherine Adams

ELEMENTS OF SYSTEMS2-7

ENVIRONMENTSystems are embedded in multiple surroundings or contexts Example: room characteristics The environment affects

communication within the group

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Effective Group Discussion: Theory and Practice 14th EditionGloria J. Galanes & Katherine Adams

ELEMENTS OF SYSTEMS2-8

VIRTUAL GROUPSMembers 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

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Effective Group Discussion: Theory and Practice 14th EditionGloria J. Galanes & Katherine Adams

CHARACTERISTICS OF SYSTEMS2-9

OPEN SYSTEMFree 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

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Effective Group Discussion: Theory and Practice 14th EditionGloria J. Galanes & Katherine Adams

CHARACTERISTICS OF SYSTEMS2-10

CLOSED SYSTEMLimited 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

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Effective Group Discussion: Theory and Practice 14th EditionGloria J. Galanes & Katherine Adams

CHARACTERISTICS OF SYSTEMS2-11

INTERDEPENDENCEThe elements of a system are interdependent, because all elements mutually influence one another

FEEDBACKThe return of system outputs as system inputs, which allows the system to change and monitor its movements toward goals

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Effective Group Discussion: Theory and Practice 14th EditionGloria J. Galanes & Katherine Adams

MULTIPLE CAUSES & PATHS2-12

Equifinality: start different, end sameMultifinality: start same, end differentMultiple 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

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