The role of concrescent conversation in the performing stage of work groups

Abstract

PurposeTo provide an alternative paradigm to traditional group development research in understanding how group performance is constructed through conversation by its members.Design/methodology/approachIn this qualitative field study, empirical data was collected on the performing stage of two work groups. Searle's speech act categories were used to analyze the conversation of group members. Using grounded theory a model is inductively constructed by examining the individual communication pieces (i.e. speech acts) and putting those pieces back together into a coherent frame.FindingsThis study proposes that during the performing stage of work group talk, a unique type of describable verbal behavior, termed concrescent conversation, is present which enables group member's ability to “contribute to task success” – being a more productive group.Practical implicationsHow productive groups are is a highly relevant issue to managers in complex organizations. In the new workplace, groups are the primary work unit used to achieve business goals. Understanding how groups develop and how to improve their performance is of primary interest to managers and leaders of successful organizations.Originality/valueWhat is required to make groups productive? Taking a social constructionist's perspective to this question means acknowledging the social constructionist's view that conversation helps produce reality and that group productivity is a communication‐driven phenomenon. The study explores conversation's role in one phase of Tuckman's group development model – the performing stage. The goal is to extend the understanding of group performance and to be better able to create and sustain productive groups