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Centralized Authority as a Factor in Small Group and Family Problem Solving

A Reassessment of Tallman's Propositions

University of Sydney

Tallman (1970) has proposed that the optimum family structure for effective problem solving is one that makes provision for open channels of communication, centralized authority, and consensus regarding members 'perceptions of the family roles and goals relevant to the problem in hand. Support for this proposition is claimed from the findings of studies of communication networks in small ad hoc groups. This generalization appears to be in contradiction to Shaw's (1971) summary of the communication network literature. However, it can be argued that research evidence involving invariant communication networks is not entirely appropriate to the more dynamic structures that emerge from and are influenced by complex family problem-solving processes. A more appropriate basis for Tallman's view lies in studies of achieved centrality of organization when groups are given the opportunity to structure themselves as part of their problem-solving process.

Small Group Research, Vol. 16, No. 1, 59-73 (1985)
DOI: 10.1177/104649648501600103


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