Littlejohn - Chapter 8

From what I read on Littlejohn &Foss’ book titled “Communication Theories, Theories of Human Communication” chapter 8 (Group), I am interested in sociocultural tradition which has two main theories, they are group structure and group task&responsibility (page 338). The member of the group have a main goal with many steps to do. It requires a structure form in order to let the member do their own task and responsibility. It can divided into two theories, there are collective theory and functional theory to support this sociocultural tradition.

I am interested in this tradition and the two theories in it because I believe that an effective group requires structure and the task&responsibility. Collective theory and functional theory cannot be separated to achieve the group’s goal. A structure is needed because every member has his/her own capability.

Due to the example (please kindly find the attachment), a group has a complex and clear structure. It happens because a group has its own main goal and it cannot be reached if the group does not have a clear structure. If there is not a clear structure, the member will get a mess each other to do the activity. In the picture attached, a structure always leaded by a leader of the group and then it spreads to a lower position and more complex structure. Every position has its own task and responsibility and it refers to a specific one.

From the example above, I learnt that to make an effective group, a clear and complex structure is needed with cooperation in it. It requires the member commitment to do their own task and responsibility.

Question: If a position is left behind by those who responsibility in it, what best decision a leader must take?

References:

Littlejohn, Stephen W. and Karen A. Foss. Communication Theoris, Theories of Human Communication. Indonesian Edition, 9^th Edition. Jakarta: Salemba Humanika, 2009.

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