The effects of changes in patterns of communication on the behaviors of problem-solving groups.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Boston UniversityThe study of organizations in their natural state and problem-solving groups in the laboratory has received increased attention in recent years. Communication in particular has been the research concern of many investigators. Problems of changes in communication processes have been virtually ignored in experimental studies as well as in field investigations. The existence of disparate notions unsupported by empirical evidence about the effects of such changes provides somewhat confusing and conflicting references for making predictions. There is, however, a growing body of evidence coming from laboratory experimentation about the relationship between communication networks and the performances of problem-solving groups in them. As well as providing such evidence, certain of these studies also make possible the establishment of operationally distinguishable communication structures and the introduction of rigorously controlled changes in them. [TRUNCATED