Authority Themes and Worker-Group Transactions

Abstract

This paper develops an additional dimension for the Boston University model of the stages of group development. In utilizing the Bennis model of T-group development, it integrates the authority theme into the Boston model. Summaries of the Boston model and the Bennis model are presented. Stage related themes which characterize worker-group transactions are created to enable integration of the authority issue. The following aspects of the worker role are addressed within the framework of these themes: (1) the reaction of the group to the worker, (2) the worker's role responses to these reactions, and (3) the worker's practice issues in the transaction.