Symbolic Convergence Theory July 24, 2011 from Theories of Small Group Communications

Symbolic Convergence Theory is very different from the Functional Theory of group communication. One strength of symbolic convergence theory is the focus on group identity and the development of group consciousness. This theory is descriptive rather than predictive. Symbolic Convergence Theory helps us understand how group members interact and provides a way of examining small group culture. We can also determine who is a group member and who isn't depending on whether they are familiar with the group's fantasy themes, inside jokes, and rhetorical vision. Finally, Symbolic Convergence Theory is useful for examining groups in organizations because is provides a useful way to compare them; similarities and differences in the rhetorical visions and fantasies of small groups are often significant.