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Continuities in the Study of Role-differentiation
Abstract
A variety of theoretical problems and issues in measurement regarding functional differentiation in task-oriented groups are investigated in this study. Bales' equilibrium theory has underpinned most subsequent research in this area, yet there has been no systematic refinement of that theory nor verification of a critical assumption. Parallel to those problems are some unresolved questions about appropriate measurement techniques. Sociometric data from 88 sessions of student discussion groups were used to test several hypotheses. The basic measures of functional differentiation were obtained by use of Burke's factor-score procedure. Other variables were measured through experimental manipulation or sociometric and evaluative questions. Evidence supported the proposition that role differentiation can be separated analytically from leadership differentiation. It is further shown that the indicators used by Bales for expressive and instrumental prominence and for function differentiation are of poor quality and should be discarded. His use of popularity scores to measure expressive prominence is especially prone to difficulties. A revised version of the equilibrium theory is proposed which incorporates and organizes previous research generalizations. Many of the earlier findings are not replicated, though inequality of participation and low ranking consensus continue to be important conditions in the development of functional differentiation. These factors are believed to be significant in disturbing the supposed equilibrium between instrumental and expressive problem solving. Further testing cast considerable doubt on the accuracy of Bales* theory. According to the logic of the theory, disturbance of the equilibrium which is not accompanied by the compensation of functional differentiation results in disharmony and impairs problem solving. This implicit assumption has not been subjected to a test before. Data from the present study indicate that, under presumably disequilibrating conditions, the differentiation of leaders or roles has a minimal effect on the group's ability to deal with its functional imperatives. The credibility of the theory must therefore be questioned and re-affirmed before it can justifiably be used for the purpose of explanation.
Subject Area
Sociology
Recommended Citation
RIEDESEL, PAUL LAWRENCE, "Continuities in the Study of Role-differentiation" (1974). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI7423932.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI7423932