Maintains that coalitions form as a function of the popularity of an individual and the reciprocation between individuals. An algorithm is introduced, incorporating both popularity and reciprocation components, to generate units of analysis for coalition identification. The algorithm reflects aspects of the whole group and intensity of dyads.…

Argues that the development of a rhetorical theory for social movements is a lost cause. Examines two questions: (1) how movements differ from other forms of collective behavior, and (2) whether these differences create rhetorical differences. (PD)

The effects of group problem-solving methods and problem-situation complexity on attempts at implementing group solutions were investigated in a laboratory field setting. Structure in group decision-making processes led to increased rates of implementation attempts at all levels of problem-situation complexity. (Author/IRT)

Presents suggestions to handle children during an interpretive program and use their presence to enhance the program. Suggestions include make children feel they are part of the group, learn names, let them know who's the boss, use hands-on activities, let them help, focus their attention, include everyone, and give positive feedback. (JRH)

Through the use of a culinary metaphor, the authors depict common problems that can occur when process is overlooked in group settings. The metaphor offers "food for thought" for helping leaders achieve a balance between process and content in effective group work. (Author)

Individualism-collectivism theory predicted that Egyptian and Canadian children's performance would differ on relevant scales of the Robert Apperception Test for Children (RATC). Findings validated cross-cultural use of the RATC and demonstrated that the increasingly general theory of collectivism allowed meaningful predictions about personality…

Claims that group cohesiveness has proven to be astonishingly difficult to define precisely and consistently, although it remains a critical group-level variable. Notes that some researchers rely on classic definitions while others leave it undefined. Suggests that greater focus on the definitional issue should improve the quality of future…

Used causal modeling procedures to investigate the relationship between cohesion and productivity in 54 recently formed work groups within the framework of a nine-month longitudinal field study. Results support the central role of group acceptance of organizational goals in determining both productivity and cohesion. (Author/ABL)

Manipulated external status of a target by presenting person as ethnic majority female, ethnic minority male, or ethnic majority male discussing issue with four ethnic majority males. Subjects were college students (N=219). Results were consistent with previous research showing odd person in a group is more salient than other group members. (ABL)

Presents an initial formulation of a dysfunctional group dynamic in which one focal individual creates a dysfunctional group. Identifies habits of individuals and properties of systems that result in the emergence of such an individual. Presents the interactional dynamics which constitute and sustain this group dynamic and discusses three types of…

Contributes to scholarship on the media, mnemonic agents, and collective memory by examining the special role played by Israeli media in the struggle over the commemoration of Yitzhak Rabin. Shows how the media, especially television, became the main mnemonic site and the most influential mnemonic agent in these processes. Looks at how Rabin's…

Focuses on whether a collective mind forms in large-group writing in the workplace. Discusses "collective form" in two senses. Describes how group leaders prominently displayed a task completion check-off chart that, in a downsizing environment, helped both to coordinate group activity and to encourage completion. Discusses pedagogical…

The most essential set of skills that camp directors can impart to staff are effective group skills. One trick to working with campers in groups is to formalize brief meetings as part of the program. Types of meetings described are daily group, bunk, or cabin meetings; briefing and debriefing before and after activities; public appreciation;…

Illustrates the use of popular culture in business education by examining cartel behavior of contestants in the television show "Survivor." Examples depict incentives to form cartels and to cheat on cartel decisions. Ways to integrate the material into business courses are described. (SK)

The authors offer a framework for conceptualizing collective identity that aims to clarify and make distinctions among dimensions of identification that have not always been clearly articulated. Elements of collective identification included in this framework are self-categorization, evaluation, importance, attachment and sense of interdependence,…