Bormann's Symbolic Convergence Theory
Ernest Bormann's Symbolic Convergence Theory offers a promising method of looking at small group interaction and cohesiveness. When individuals who are not familiar with each other come together for the sake of achieving a common goal, be it a group in an organization or students working on a school project, the symbolic convergence theory presents an understandable and generally accurate stance on how cohesiveness within the group is attained.
The symbolic convergence theory is praised and even considered a bit unusual, because it meets the criteria for both scientific and humanistic standards. Symbolic Convergence Theory is credible because it fulfills the "twin objectives of scientific knowledge" (Griffin, 1991, p.34). Bormann's theory meets the scientific standards of explanation of the result, relative simplicity, and practical utility.
Symbolic convergence theory meets the humanistic standards of aesthetic appeal (in some cases), community of agreement, and reform of society. While it appears that all five requirements must be met in order to make a good scientific theory, it is only necessary that some of the standards be met to achieve a good humanistic theory. In this light, it appears that Bormann has created more of a humanistic theory than a scientific one. However, because symbolic convergence theory manages to meet the criteria for three out of five of both sides, the theory serves as an acclaimed attempt at combining the two views (Griffin, 1991, pp.34-42).
The symbolic convergence theory is based on the idea that members in a group must exchange fantasies in order to form a cohesive group. In this theory, a fantasy does not refer to fictitious stories or erotic desi...
... middle of paper ...
...e outcomes. Additional forecasts on what happens next will also support the scientific standard for prediction of future events.
Though I have mentioned many weaknesses of Bormann's symbolic convergence theory, generally, the theory provided me with beneficial insights on the process of group cohesion. Without cohesion, it is difficult and unenjoyable for a group to accomplish the task or goal at hand. Bormann provides a useful alternative for looking at interpersonal communication within a group, and understanding how cohesion is formed through the symbolic convergence theory.
References
Griffin, E. (1997). A first look at communication theory (3rd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
Jackson, B. (1997). Linking the immediate with the mass-mediated theatre in organizations:
The case for symbolic convergence theory. Online: http://www.it.com.pl/scos/jackson.htm.
In the iconic film, The Breakfast Club, five random high school students must spend their Saturday together in detention. Each teen is in detention for a different reason. The Jock (Andrew), the Princess (Claire), the Brain (Brian), the Basket Case (Allison), and the Criminal (Bender) must put aside their differences to survive their grueling eight-hour detention with their psychotic and rash principal Mr. Vernon. While in detention, they are expected to write about “who they really are” in one thousand words. Throughout the day, their actions reveal their innermost struggle involving their cliques and their home lives. As the movie progresses, we find out the reason each teen is in detention that culminates in a climactic discussion about
B. Credibility statement-"Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., is one of the leading fast-casual Mexican restaurants in the United States, with more than 1,200 company-owned outlets in 38 states ( International Directory of Company Histories)."
Such factors may include threat of new entrants, power of suppliers, power of buyers, product substitution, and the intensity of rivalry among competitors (Hitt, Ireland, & Hoskisson, 2013). Since Chipotle was opened in 1990, they have already become a well-established company within the industry. In order for Chipotle to continue having a competitive edge in the market, they must heavily compete with companies or restaurants such as Qdoba that offer a wider variety of menu options for lower prices. Chipotle directly works with suppliers, usually in local areas, to permit more competitive prices to buy their products. Since Chipotle focuses so greatly on product quality, the supplier’s power plays an enormous role in Chipotle’s ability to obtain their raw
When Chipotle first opened in 1993, the goal was to serve quality food fast, but not be considered “fast food.” To avoid falling under the fast food stigma, Chipotle strives to find the best ingredients with respect to animals, farmers, and the environment. In order to achieve these goals, Chipotle has created a matrix organizational structure that is divisional by location and functional by authority. Chipotle recently expanded internationally to the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, each following strict guidelines assigned by corporate employees from their headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Similarly, each location is functionally organized according to authority: regional manager, district manager, store manager, assistant manager, and
Turman, P. (October 25, 2000f). Group Cohesiveness and Conflict: Group Communication [Lecture] Cedar Falls, IA. University of Northern Iowa, Communication Studies Department.
The theory of symbolic convergence was developed by University of Minnesota professor, Ernest Bormann. Originally called fantasy theme analysis, Bormann set out to develop a method of rhetorical criticism, which uses a dramatistic approach (Griffin, 2009, p. 27). While completing his research, he noticed a distinct connection between the use dramatic imagery and the degree of group consciousness and solidarity. He named this connection symbolic convergence, meaning “The linguistic process by which group members develop a sense of community or closeness; cohesiveness, unity, solidarity,” (Griffin, 2009, p. 29). The driving force of symbolic convergence is the fantasy. Bormann defines the fantasy as, “The crea...
In To Kill a Mocking Bird, By Harper Lee, Fictional Novel, Scout has had many experiences with several characters. She as one of the main characters throughout To Kill Mocking Bird, has always judged other characters or people based on their appearances and actions. Atticus, scouts father explains about this by telling Scout that most people are nice “when you finally see them” (Lee, 376). But how does this theme apply to past minor characters? Does scout later realize that her thought of who the person was before was false? .Based on past characters scout judged before and after. The author Harper Lee shows that in the book To Kill A Mocking Bird, misunderstandings and interpretations, demonstrates the fact that, once you put yourself into someone else’s shoes, you as a human being will later understand and reflect on what you knew about the person before and determine who the person really is, and what morals do they as a character demonstrate. Though this, the theme implies to minor characters in the book such as: Calpurnia, Mrs. Dubose and Dolphus Raymond. Firstly, based on To Kill a Mocking Bird, Scout, understands the fact that most people are nice at first when you see them because of Calpurnia. From the book…”Hush your mouth! Don’t matter who they are anybody steps foot in this house’s yo company” (Lee, 33). In chapter 3 based on this quotation, When Walter Cunningham arrives inside Scouts home, Scout judged Walter. This made Calpurnia as a minor character angry and so she tells scout based on the quote. This makes Scout as a major character feel a bit mad because, Scout never agrees with Calpurnia’s teachings. Though later we as the reader realize that Scout has a change of character in the book. For e...
Groups are an essential component of society as they allow individuals to affiliate themselves with certain people, typically those who are most similar to themselves. Groups also provide social support and a greater sense of belonging for the individual, which is not provided by crowds. Due to the significance of groups, it is important that groups are maintained in organized structures that encourages group harmony and group cohesion. It is essentially the leader’s task to maintain these ideals since the leader has authority over the members of the group.
Symbolic Interactionist, is a concept that borders on the fringes of sociology, speech and communications, and even human psychology. The term was first coined by Herbert Bulmer who did not invent the concept. The concept was created by his professor at the University of Chicago and renowned social phycologist George Herbert Mead. The basic premise of this concept is that the very root of being human is being social creatures and our connection to each other. It is in this light that we judge our actions and choices as either successful and appropriate. Another important aspect of this theory that differentiates humans from animals is our ability and almost autonomous goal oriented behavior. Lions don’t think to themselves, if I produce more food for the pack then I will be King one day, animals don’t think long term, they react and think about survival. Whereas humans think if I don’t finish high school, people will think less of me and it will be harder to earn a living in the future, whereas others think the same about collage leading them to devote the actions and money to meet social standards that will allow them to live a life that meets a different
The first chapter of “Working in Groups” focuses on group communication, the first aspect being the key elements of group communication (Engleberg and
During the winter, many of us suffer from "the winter blues", a less severe form of seasonal depression than SAD. Still others are sufferers have an already existent condition, such as pre-menstrual syndrome or depression, which is exacerbated by the coming of the winter. (2). In general, many people suffer from some form of sporadic depression during the wintertime. We may feel more tired and sad at times. We may even gain some weight or have trouble getting out of bed. Over 10 million people in America, however, may feel a more extreme form of these symptoms. They may constantly feel lethargic and depressed to an extent that social and work related activities are negatively affected. This more extreme form of the "winter blues" is SAD. Typical SAD symptoms include sugar cravings, lethargy, depression, an increase in body weight, and a greater need for sleep (1). Onset of these symptoms usually occurs in October or November, and the symptoms disappear in early spring. Frequently, people who suffer from SAD react strongly to variations in the amount of light in their surrounding environment. Most often, patients who suffer from SAD and live at more northern latitudes note that the more north they live, the more distinct and severe their SAD symptoms become. In addition, SAD patients note that their depressive symptoms increase in severity when the amount of light indoors decreases and the weather is cloudy.
The size of a group is considered to be a restrictive condition on the quantity and quality of connection that can transpire amongst particular members. Kephart (1950) established that as group size increases the number of relationships that exist among member’s increases greatly. He suggests that as a result of this increase in relationships among members there will be an increased tendency towards divisions into subgroups in which participants relate to one another.
It is proven that teams who work well together perform and have a higher rate of success compared to teams who do not work well together or communicate with each other. A recent article with regards to leadership discussed the topic of group cohesion and how this is a factor for success. The article discussed several situations, one about a business company, one about a sports team and one about a military operation. The article closely analyzed the leaders of the three situations and discussed the similarities and differences between the three. The main similarity between was there focus on cohesion. The article contained facts about how the business was operating and how that in recent years, production and sales as increased drastically, and one factor for this increase was the CEO implemented a mandatory team building exercise each
The IMF plays a pivotal role in the international economy system. As its initial goal about reconstructs world’s international payment system, such as contributes to surveillance of the global economy, to stabilize exchange rates, to lend money to help countries to resolve emergency situation but with certain conditions and should pay back in a short time. The IMF has done a large number of things to help the world economy, not only in the western countries, but in many developing countries as well.
One major effect of Seasonal Affective Disorder is the seasonal change in sleep patterns. People who are diagnosed with SAD generally sleep for much longer periods of time during their correlating season than during the greater part of the year. Changing of sleep patterns is a common symptom of depression as well; it is only a symptom of SAD when it only occurs during a particular season. These changes can leave the patient feeling very tired. This symptom can eventually lead to sleep deprivation, which is very dangerous and even deadly.