Case Notes
Chapter 8: Group Communication
Answer to Case Study 8: The Gifted Group
Question 1. Using the functional model, was the decision on how to establish the gift shop likely
to be effective? Why or why not? Describe how and when each function emerged.
Question 2. What antecedents of groupthink are present? What symptoms of groupthink are
present? What could the group do to prevent groupthink from occurring?
Question 3. Using adaptive structuration theory, what structures did the group create? Make
sure to consider both rules and resources. Also, consider how the rules and resources might
have been different if the group had used more technology in their group decision-making
process.
SAMPLE STUDENT ANSWER: The group attempted to balance the task
communication and socioemotional communication by beginning each meeting with
Question 4. Discuss the elements of symbolic convergence as related to the group. How do you
think symbolic convergence might have affected the decision-making process?
Question 5. Which theory alone seems to provide the “best” explanation for the situation? Why
do you believe this to be the case? What situations might surface that would make a different
Instructor Resource
Dainton, Applying Communication Theory for Professional Life 4e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
theory or theories better at explaining the situation? How could you combine several theories to
make for an event “better” explanation of the encounter?