ABSTRACT
First published in 1976, this A Theory of Group Structures is a study of the aggregation of individuals into groups, which cuts across many different social sciences.
Volume one attempts to formulate a more rigorous theory of group structures by providing consistent definitions, assumptions, measures, methodology, theory and results. Volume two examines a sequence of twelve experiments and reports empirical tests of the theory presented in volume one. The result is a major revision of existing research into problems of group structure and a case study in paradigm development.
This book will be of interest to students of all social sciences.
Volume I: Basic Theory. 1. Introduction 2. Defining Group Structures 3. Measuring Group Structures, Structural Centrality and Total Expected Participation 4. Task Processes, Structures, Roles, Levels and Efficiency 5. A Process Based Measure for the Degree of Hierarchy 6. Maximum Span of Control 7. Two Behavioural Constitutions for Changing a Group's Role Matrix 8. A Concept of Change and a Model for the Rate of Change of Group Structure 9. A Model for Predicting the Occurrence of a Change of Group Structure 10. Summary and Test Implications of this Theory; References; Author Index; Subject Index. Volume II: Empirical Tests. Preface; 11. A Method for Strong Inference 12. Some Basic Results 13. Channel Preferences 14. Group Preferences for Type of Structure 15. Ex Ante Test Implications of the Theory 16. A Test for the Validity of the Axiom of Consummation and a Model for Interpersonal Hostility 17. Summarizing the Empirical Work; References; Author Index; Subject Index
