THE CONTEXT OF COMMUNICATION

Abstract

This study explores the effects of an interactive cable television system upon the dynamic of interpersonal communication and the diversity of new ideas within work groups. A group-level property of interpersonal communication termed `intermediation” is developed. The diversity of new ideas is also conceptualized as a group-level property. Intermediation is operationalized using sociometric data. Evidence is found that intermediation can actively enhance or suppress the diversity of new ideas. The increase in the diversity of new ideas brought about by the interactive communication system was regulated by intermediation. It is argued that the introduction of new communication systems into work groups will have complex effects because the systems interact with interpersonal communication. Conditions under which types of new communication systems can suppress or optimize the development of new ideas are discussed.