CP15:Structuration Theory
system a group or organization and the behaviors that the group engages in to pursue its goals
structure the rules and resources used to sustain a group or organization
structuration the production, reproduction, and transformation of social environments through rules and resources in relationships
Assumptions of Structuration Theory
∙ Groups and organizations are produced and reproduced through actions and behaviors
∙ Communication rules serve as both the medium for, and an outcome of,interactions.
∙ Power structures are present in organizations and guide the decision-making process.
fresh act something new developed from action or behavior
power imposition of personal will on others
practical consciousness a person’s inability to articulate personal goals or behaviors
Central Concepts of Structuration Theory
agency behaviors or activities used in social environments
agent a person engaging in behaviors or activities in social environments
reflexivity a person’s ability to monitor his or her actions or behaviors discursive consciousness a person’s ability to articulate personal goals or behaviors
discursive consciousness a person’s ability to articulate personal goals or behaviors
practical consciousness a person’s inability to articulate personal goals or behaviors
duality of structure rules and resources used to guide organizational decisions about behaviors or actions
emphasized the role of processes in the constitution of society and, thus, fit well with conceptions of communication as a process.
resources
resources attributes or material goods that can be used to exert power in an organization
allocative resources material assistance used to help groups accomplish their goals authoritative
resources interpersonal assistance used to help groups accomplish their goals
power
coercive power perception that another person has the ability to punish you
referent power perception that another person has the ability to achieve compliance because of established personal relationships
legitimate power perception that another person has the ability to exert influence because of title or position
expert power perception that another person has the ability to exert influence because of special knowledge or expertise