Extending Symbolic Convergence Theory: A Shared Identity Perspective of a Team’s Culture

Alaina Zanin; Carrisa S. Hoelscher; Michael W. Kramer

doi:10.1177/1046496416658554

Extending Symbolic Convergence Theory: A Shared Identity Perspective of a Team’s Culture

Alaina Zanin, Carrisa S. Hoelscher, Michael W. Kramer

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study addresses theoretical and contextual weaknesses of symbolic convergence theory (SCT) through a fantasy theme analysis of a life enrichment group (i.e., an all-female club rugby team). By using a variety of data sources, including group social media posts, participant observation, and interviews, the authors found two concurrent rhetorical visions present within this group: belong and triumph. These visions were created through member chaining of fantasy themes. In contrast with current assumptions of SCT, results indicated several tensions within concurrent fantasy themes and the two rhetorical visions. Theoretical and pragmatic implications for transferability and application of symbolic convergence and fantasy themes in other life enrichment groups are discussed.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	438-472
Number of pages	35
Journal	Small Group Research
Volume	47
Issue number	4
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1177/1046496416658554
State	Published - Aug 1 2016
Externally published	Yes

Keywords

fantasy theme analysis
life enrichment group
symbolic convergence theory
team cohesion

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Social Psychology
Applied Psychology

Access to Document

10.1177/1046496416658554

Cite this

@article{b0bf6955171c405eb57cb4940f675523,

title = "Extending Symbolic Convergence Theory: A Shared Identity Perspective of a Team{\textquoteright}s Culture",

abstract = "This study addresses theoretical and contextual weaknesses of symbolic convergence theory (SCT) through a fantasy theme analysis of a life enrichment group (i.e., an all-female club rugby team). By using a variety of data sources, including group social media posts, participant observation, and interviews, the authors found two concurrent rhetorical visions present within this group: belong and triumph. These visions were created through member chaining of fantasy themes. In contrast with current assumptions of SCT, results indicated several tensions within concurrent fantasy themes and the two rhetorical visions. Theoretical and pragmatic implications for transferability and application of symbolic convergence and fantasy themes in other life enrichment groups are discussed.",

keywords = "fantasy theme analysis, life enrichment group, symbolic convergence theory, team cohesion",

author = "Alaina Zanin and Hoelscher, {Carrisa S.} and Kramer, {Michael W.}",

year = "2016",

month = aug,

day = "1",

doi = "10.1177/1046496416658554",

language = "English (US)",

volume = "47",

pages = "438--472",

journal = "Small Group Research",

issn = "1046-4964",

publisher = "SAGE Publications Inc.",

number = "4",

}

TY - JOUR

T1 - Extending Symbolic Convergence Theory

T2 - A Shared Identity Perspective of a Team’s Culture

AU - Zanin, Alaina

AU - Hoelscher, Carrisa S.

AU - Kramer, Michael W.

PY - 2016/8/1

Y1 - 2016/8/1

N2 - This study addresses theoretical and contextual weaknesses of symbolic convergence theory (SCT) through a fantasy theme analysis of a life enrichment group (i.e., an all-female club rugby team). By using a variety of data sources, including group social media posts, participant observation, and interviews, the authors found two concurrent rhetorical visions present within this group: belong and triumph. These visions were created through member chaining of fantasy themes. In contrast with current assumptions of SCT, results indicated several tensions within concurrent fantasy themes and the two rhetorical visions. Theoretical and pragmatic implications for transferability and application of symbolic convergence and fantasy themes in other life enrichment groups are discussed.

AB - This study addresses theoretical and contextual weaknesses of symbolic convergence theory (SCT) through a fantasy theme analysis of a life enrichment group (i.e., an all-female club rugby team). By using a variety of data sources, including group social media posts, participant observation, and interviews, the authors found two concurrent rhetorical visions present within this group: belong and triumph. These visions were created through member chaining of fantasy themes. In contrast with current assumptions of SCT, results indicated several tensions within concurrent fantasy themes and the two rhetorical visions. Theoretical and pragmatic implications for transferability and application of symbolic convergence and fantasy themes in other life enrichment groups are discussed.

KW - fantasy theme analysis

KW - life enrichment group

KW - symbolic convergence theory

KW - team cohesion

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84978488676&partnerID=8YFLogxK

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84978488676&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1177/1046496416658554

DO - 10.1177/1046496416658554

M3 - Article

AN - SCOPUS:84978488676

SN - 1046-4964

VL - 47

SP - 438

EP - 472

JO - Small Group Research

JF - Small Group Research

IS - 4

ER -

Extending Symbolic Convergence Theory: A Shared Identity Perspective of a Team’s Culture

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Access to Document

Other files and links

Fingerprint

Cite this