Changing Small-Group Communication Networks.

In a series of small-group communication network studies using the Bavelas-Leavitt procedure the following observations were made: (1) Groups continued to learn over longer periods than previous studies of periods of shorter duration had revealed. (2) Differences in antecedent network experiences led to differences in efficiency, organization, and satisfaction in identical subsequent networks. (3) More efficient problem-solving systems were developed, the more groups tried to understand their network structure, and the more they eliminated redundant organizational planning behavior; changes in satisfactions occurred when changes in positions involved issues of promotion and demotion. (4) The opportunity to have elections led to greater continuity of leadership when networks were changed. (5) A model comprising assertions about human response tendencies and network properties was useful for predicting the effects of changes. (6) A prediction regarding the effects of past experience based on the model was confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]