COMMUNICATION
THEORY WORKBOOK
SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION
FUNCTIONAL
PERSPECTIVE
Explanation
of Theory: Functional Perspective claims that there are
four functions for effective decision making which include
an analysis of the problem, goal setting, identification
of alternatives, and an evaluation of positive and negative
characteristics, all of which are equally important.
Theorists:
Randy Hirokawa & Dennis Gouran
Date:
1983
Primary
Article: Gouran, Dennis & Hirokawa,
R. "The Role of Communication in Decision-Making Groups:
A Functional Perspective," in Mary Mander (ed.) Communications
in Transition, Praeger, NY, 1983, pp. 168-185.
Model:
Can be found on page 287 in Theories of Human Communication
by Littlejohn
Individual
Interpretations: I believe that this theory is very good
in guiding groups through different types of communication.
The theory stresses all four functions as being important,
which they are.
Metatheoretical
Assumptions:
Ontological
Assumptions: This theory is very deterministic
in that the groups follow a linear pattern along four steps,
not necessarily inputing their own thoughts.
Epistemological
Assumptions: This theory is based on
one truth. There is a system that groups will follow
Axiological
Assumptions: This theory is value-neutral
because there is a four- step system that groups follow
to rationalize their communication, regardless of their
original values.
Critique:
There are many political and social factors, which are not
accounted for in this theory. These will inevitably play
a role in group communication, therefore inhibiting the
group process. People like to do things the way they always
have been (historical function) & a discussion of those
who aren¹t present, but are involved (institutional
function).
Ideas
and Implications:
-
By following the four functions, effective decision can
be made.
-
The functions do not need to be prioritized because they
are all important to fulfilling group needs.
-
There are some losses due to the process of group decision
making.
-
Promotive communication keeps the group moving along, yet
some members can be disruptive or even counteractive.
-
Most of the research on this theory has been some in a controlled
setting.
Example:
When a group gets together in one of the classes here at
UK, one of their first assignments is usually to form a
peer evaluation form. The process that they go through to
determine what is important to them could very easily follow
along these four functions so that the group can reach their
common goals.
Relevant
Research:
Gouran, D., Hirokawa, R., Julian, K., & Leatham, G.,
"The Evolution & Current Status of the Functional Perspective
on Communication in Decision-Making & Problem Solving
Groups," in Communication Yearbook, 16, Stanley Deetz
(ed.), Sage, Newbury Park, CA, 1993, pp. 573-600.
Hirokawa, R., "Group Communication & Decision-Making
Performance: A Continued Test of the Functional Perspective,"
Human Communication Research, Vol. 14, 1988, pp. 487-515.
Hirokawa, R., "Functional Approaches to the Study of Group
Discussion," Small Group Research, Vol. 25, 1994,
pp. 542-550.
Stohl, C. & Holmes, M. " A Functional Perspective for
Bona Fide Groups," Communication Yearbook, 16, 1993,
pp. 601-614.
Other
Communication Scholars who have done work on this theory:
Dirk Scheerhorn, Cynthia Stohl, Michael Holmes, and Kelly
Julian.
Location
in Eight (8) Primary Communication Theory Textbooks:
Anderson,
R. & Ross, V. (1998). Questions of Communication:
A practical introduction to theory (2nd ed.). New York:
St. Martin¹s Press, not in.
Cragan, J. F., & Shields, D.C.
(1998). Understanding communication theory: The communicative
forces for human action. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon,
p. 227-229
Griffin, E. (2000). A
first look at communication theory (4th ed.). Boston,
MA: McGraw-Hill, p. 211-222.
Griffin, E. (1997). A
first look at communication theory (3rd ed.). New York:
McGraw-Hill, p. 247-258.
Infante, D. A., Rancer,
A.S., & Womack, D. F. (1997). Building communication
theory (3rd ed.). Prospect Heights, IL: Waveland Press,
not in.
Littlejohn, S.W. (1999).
Theories of human communication (6th ed.). Belmont,
CA: Wadsworth, p. 286-287.
West, R., & Turner,
L. H. (2000). Introducing communication theory: Analysis
and application. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield, not in.
Wood, J. T. (1997). Communication
theories in action: An introduction. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth,
not in.
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