„‚ CONDITIONS THAT HINDER EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

In a star pattern (leader-centered) group, for example, the only person who may be
enjoying the situation is the leader, person C; the others will probably feel bored and left
out. In a circle (radial) group pattern, however, almost any member can, at one time or
another, be the “leader.”
A leader-centered group is likely to be faster at a specific task than a radial group.
But the radial group is likely to demonstrate higher morale and more enthusiasm than
the leader-centered group. A radial group also seems more capable of coping with
change (Leavitt, 1972).
Knowledge of patterns can aid a leader in developing an accurate and task oriented
pattern that influences job satisfaction positively. Formal and informal communication
patterns in real organizations do have many characteristics discovered and analyzed by
researchers. However, one must remember that the regulation of communication flow
and the imposition of restrictions in a laboratory setting are techniques, not intended to
be a close analog of particular groups or organizations. Communication patterns are
important potential tools for investigation. However, insight into other aspects of
structure—such as span of control, formalization, specialization, and organization size—
should complement an understanding of communication-link patterns.
REFERENCES
Davis, J.H. (1967). Group performance. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.
Gibson, J.L., et al. (1973). Organizations: Structure, processes, behavior. Dallas, TX: Business Publications.
Hall, R.H. (1972). Organizations: Structure and process. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
Leavitt, H.J. (1972). Managerial psychology (3rd ed.). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
The Pfeiffer Library Volume 6, 2nd Edition. Copyright ©1998 Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer ❚❘ 369