Mapping Dynamic Interaction Patterns in Work Groups

Abstract

The purpose of this exploratory study is to visually map the dynamics of work groups using a method that emerged from chaos/complexity research. The verbal statements of members of 16 work groups were categorized using the Group Development Observation System. A Wavelet Transform Test was used to produce visual representations of the dynamic interaction patterns in each group's data string. Overall, the patterns that emerged in all 16 groups were similar in shape but different with regard to color, overall tone, and visual clarity. The groups were divided into three tiers based on these visual differences. Significant differences were noted among the tiers. The results support the concept that groups are complex adaptive systems and that the generated images provide a broader perspective of these systems, which may help researchers to explore human groups in more depth.