PSYC4004 Exam Q&A ALREADY PASSED
Key features of CAS - =1. emergence - behaviours, roles, processes etc.
2. phase space - chaos/order, exploration/exploitation or defence/offence
3. bifurcation points - point at which the phase changes
4. sensitivity to initial conditions - entrainment
5. irreversibility - no two points are the same.
4 different phases of CAS - =1. simple - straightforward/clear action - linear/empirical response
2. complicated - straightforward but expert knowledge needed - linear/empirical response
3. complex - interdependence, dialogue and co-creation needed - emergent response
4. chaos - agents acting separately, and need structure to reinstate dialogue and interdependence -
structured response.
- chaos is a phase of complex systems
Common aspects of emerging theories about complex systems/organisations - =1. Greater focus
on connectedness and process
2. A wider systemic horizon with more inclusive system boundaries
3. A broader temporal view.
2 behaviour zones of complex systems - =1. stable zone - if disturbed the system returns to its
initial state/homeostatic point.
2. instability zone - small disturbances lead to movement away from starting point
*complex systems often operate at the boundary between these two zones --> known as the edge
of chaos or bounded instability.
Katzenback & Smith's working group vs team - =Working group:
1. strong focused leader
2. individual accountability
3. individual work product
4. efficient meetings.
Team:
1. shared leadership
2. individual and mutual accountability
3. collective work product
4. time spent in open discussion.
, Tonnies (1887) two basic types of social groups - =1. Gemeinschaft = community - membership
based on togetherness
2. Gesellschaft = society - membership sustained by an instrumental goal.
3 basic characteristics of groups - =1. norms - socially constructed and culturally relative - define
nature and function of groups.
2. roles - set of norms that apply to a group - can be assigned or emergent from interactions.
- can be task-related, maintenance related, or self-focused.
3. cohesion - force that binds members together
2 types of norms - =1. crucial/pivotal norms - explicitly stated in policies and organisation goals
- violation leads to disapproval and censure.
2. peripheral norms = unwritten and not crucial to achieving organisation goals.
- violations let slide until critical mass is reached.
Asch's conformity experiment - =- size of majority is important - must be >3
- must not have a partner
- influence is unevenly distributed - 37%
Conditions that lead to groupthink - =1. group is highly cohesive
2. group is isolated from contrary/outside opinions
3. group ruled by dominant leader and voice
4. lack of consistent rules for decision making
5. stress from external threat/pressure
6. low self-esteem in members
7. excessive complexity
Symptoms of groupthink - =1. Illusion of invulnerability
2. rationalisation of decisions
3. stereotyping of enemies
4. self censorship to maintain group unanimity
5. mindguards - holding back information
6. direct pressure
4 phases of Hare's (1976) cyclical group development - =(1) latent patterns maintenance -
develop common identity, commitment and values
(2) adaption - access skills and resources need to reach goals.
(3) integration - develop norms and cohesion to complete tasks
(4) goal attainment
Key features of CAS - =1. emergence - behaviours, roles, processes etc.
2. phase space - chaos/order, exploration/exploitation or defence/offence
3. bifurcation points - point at which the phase changes
4. sensitivity to initial conditions - entrainment
5. irreversibility - no two points are the same.
4 different phases of CAS - =1. simple - straightforward/clear action - linear/empirical response
2. complicated - straightforward but expert knowledge needed - linear/empirical response
3. complex - interdependence, dialogue and co-creation needed - emergent response
4. chaos - agents acting separately, and need structure to reinstate dialogue and interdependence -
structured response.
- chaos is a phase of complex systems
Common aspects of emerging theories about complex systems/organisations - =1. Greater focus
on connectedness and process
2. A wider systemic horizon with more inclusive system boundaries
3. A broader temporal view.
2 behaviour zones of complex systems - =1. stable zone - if disturbed the system returns to its
initial state/homeostatic point.
2. instability zone - small disturbances lead to movement away from starting point
*complex systems often operate at the boundary between these two zones --> known as the edge
of chaos or bounded instability.
Katzenback & Smith's working group vs team - =Working group:
1. strong focused leader
2. individual accountability
3. individual work product
4. efficient meetings.
Team:
1. shared leadership
2. individual and mutual accountability
3. collective work product
4. time spent in open discussion.
, Tonnies (1887) two basic types of social groups - =1. Gemeinschaft = community - membership
based on togetherness
2. Gesellschaft = society - membership sustained by an instrumental goal.
3 basic characteristics of groups - =1. norms - socially constructed and culturally relative - define
nature and function of groups.
2. roles - set of norms that apply to a group - can be assigned or emergent from interactions.
- can be task-related, maintenance related, or self-focused.
3. cohesion - force that binds members together
2 types of norms - =1. crucial/pivotal norms - explicitly stated in policies and organisation goals
- violation leads to disapproval and censure.
2. peripheral norms = unwritten and not crucial to achieving organisation goals.
- violations let slide until critical mass is reached.
Asch's conformity experiment - =- size of majority is important - must be >3
- must not have a partner
- influence is unevenly distributed - 37%
Conditions that lead to groupthink - =1. group is highly cohesive
2. group is isolated from contrary/outside opinions
3. group ruled by dominant leader and voice
4. lack of consistent rules for decision making
5. stress from external threat/pressure
6. low self-esteem in members
7. excessive complexity
Symptoms of groupthink - =1. Illusion of invulnerability
2. rationalisation of decisions
3. stereotyping of enemies
4. self censorship to maintain group unanimity
5. mindguards - holding back information
6. direct pressure
4 phases of Hare's (1976) cyclical group development - =(1) latent patterns maintenance -
develop common identity, commitment and values
(2) adaption - access skills and resources need to reach goals.
(3) integration - develop norms and cohesion to complete tasks
(4) goal attainment
