John F. Cragan

Small Group Communication Research of the 1970's: A Synthesis and Critique.

Small group communication studies of the 1980s were classified and critiqued as representing seven lines of research. Four research trends were identified and evaluated. Three new theories and several important group communication models were developed during the decade. In addition, new methodologies and contextual settings for the study of small group communication were advanced.

The use of symbolic convergence theory in corporate strategic planning: A case study

Abstract This case study reports on the employment of Symbolic Convergence Theory (SCT) to intervene in a corporate environment in a strategic planning situation. The study concerns the use of SCT to guide corporate positioning, market segmentation, and advertising and sales message testing. The report sets out SCTs assumptions and technical terms, summarizes the relevant research undergirding the SCT theory‐method‐message complex, describes the strategic planning intervention, illustrates the research findings, and draws out both the applied and theoretical implications of the case.

An expansion of the rhetorical vision component of the symbolic convergence theory: The cold war paradigm case

This study focuses on the expansion of the rhetorical vision component of Symbolic Convergence Theory (SCT). The Cold War rhetorical vision serves as a paradigm case illustrating the emerging theory of group consciousness that is part of SCT. Through this extended example, we explain that, prior to their decline and terminus, three streams of communication (consciousness creating, consciousness raising and consciousness sustaining) characterize the life cycle of a rhetorical vision. We also demonstrate that rhetorical visions exist along at least four continua and that a number of distinct rhetorical principles operate in the creation, development, maturity and decline of a rhetorical vision.

Three Decades of Developing, Grounding, and Using Symbolic Convergence Theory (SCT)

For 30 years, good fortune has enabled us to contribute to the development of symbolic convergence theory (SCT). SCT is a general theory of communication that helps explain broad aspects of interpersonal, small group, public, organizational, mass, and intercultural communication. SCT explains the communicative force of fantasy-sharing on human action as stemming from its ability to forge a symbolic consciousness that is constitutive of reality. In this chapter, we first depict SCT’s heuristic value. Next, we highlight its historical development and grounding research. Then, we set out its anatomical elements providing a clear view of the relationship among its 18 technical concepts. Specifically, we highlight its basic, message, dynamic, communicator, medium, and evaluative concepts. Then, we depict its utility by describing its use in solving real-world problems ranging from physician recruitment to relationship building to creating a new corporate identity and culture. Thereupon, we synthesize the answers to its major criticisms. Finally, we discuss potential avenues for future research and development. We highlight the need for researchers to develop a propensity to fantasize scale and work toward the unification of the force of fantasy and the other communicative forces.

Defending symbolic convergence theory from an imaginary Gunn

(2003). Defending symbolic convergence theory from an imaginary Gunn. Quarterly Journal of Speech: Vol. 89, No. 4, pp. 366-372.

Rhetorical strategy: A dramatistic interpretation and application

Rhetorical strategy is examined in light of Ernest G. Bormanns dramatistic method of criticism. The author argues that rhetorical strategies that flow from a dramatistic view of rhetoric are different than the rhetorical strategies that are contained in ideologies, situations, or speaker‐centered persuasion theories. Once defined, the term is applied to the Indian occupation of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Translating scholarship into practice: Communication studies reflecting the value of theory‐based research to everyday life

Abstract This essay reports the use of six communication theories to address real‐world social problems. The essay synthesizes selected exemplary studies that rely upon information systems, uncertainty reduction, boundary management, rational argumentation, narrative paradigm, or symbolic convergence theory to guide applications. The essay highlights the pragmatic outcomes of the selected studies and suggests avenues for future research.

A revisionist perspective on political ad hominem argument: A case study

These authors argue that a political ad hominem should not be regarded as a fallacy but as a legitimate argument that directly deals with a candidates fitness for office. They illustrate their ideas in an analysis of the 1982 Illinois gubernatorial campaign.

Revitalizing the study of small group communication: A thematic critique

(1994). Revitalizing the study of small group communication: A thematic critique. Communication Studies: Vol. 45, Revitalizing the Study of Small Group Communication, pp. 92-96.

Political diversify is alive in TV and newspaper rooms

Journalists and broadcasters at small, medium, and large newspapers and television stations were compared on their political views, using a 45‐card Q‐deck containing liberal, conservative, and pragmatic statements. Results indicate widespread political diversity among reporters with broadcasters exhibiting more conservative viewpoints.