The Dialectics of Boundary Spanning: An Examination of the Dialectic Tensions Experienced by the Boundary Spanners of a Complex Organization Composed of Interrelated Groups

Author

Eric John Zackrison

Date of Graduation

Summer 2012

Degree

Master of Arts in Communication

Department

Communication

Committee Chair

Gloria Galanes

Abstract

Using the Bona Fide Group Perspective as a frame and a theory based in dialectics, this study examines the dialectic tensions experienced by boundary spanners in a complex volunteer organization composed of interrelated groups. Observation of group meetings during the annual budgetary planning process of a Midwestern chamber of commerce and interviews with key members of that chamber were qualitatively analyzed allowing for the emergence of several dialectic tensions, including: dialectics of control, focus and identity. These dialectics offer a clearer picture of the experiences of the boundary spanner and expand the theoretic development of the communication of boundary spanners, dialectic theory and inter-group communication.

Keywords

boundary spanning, dialectics, groups, organization, bona fide group perspective

Subject Categories

Communication

Copyright

© Eric John Zackrison

Recommended Citation

Zackrison, Eric John, "The Dialectics of Boundary Spanning: An Examination of the Dialectic Tensions Experienced by the Boundary Spanners of a Complex Organization Composed of Interrelated Groups" (2012). MSU Graduate Theses. 1053.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/1053