ABSTRACT
To develop an understanding of specific communication difficulties unique to predominantly African-American organizational systems, the interview data from the human service organization were examined for particular patterns of difficult interaction. In addition to the interpenetration of contradictory structures, a complex array of forces combine to produce difficulties that are further exacerbated by this difficult blend of cultures. These forces include contradictions within the structures, variation in choices as to how to enact the structures, and other forces such as internal competition over resources, incompatible goals between coalitions, and cultural change.
