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Missouri State University

The Dialectics of Boundary Spanning: An Examination of the Dialectic Tensions Experienced by the Boundary Spanners of a Complex Organization Composed of Interrelated Groups

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>Using the Bona Fide Group Perspective as a frame and a theory based in dialectics, this study examines the dialectic tensions experienced by boundary spanners in a complex volunteer organization composed of interrelated groups. Observation of group meetings during the annual budgetary planning process of a Midwestern chamber of commerce and interviews with key members of that chamber were qualitatively analyzed allowing for the emergence of several dialectic tensions, including: dialectics of control, focus and identity. These dialectics offer a clearer picture of the experiences of the boundary spanner and expand the theoretic development of the communication of boundary spanners, dialectic theory and inter-group communication.</p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Arts in Communication
Level thesis:degree_level
Masters
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Communication
Year
2012

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Zackrison, Eric John
Contributors dc:contributor
  • Gloria Galanes

Subjects

dc:subject × 6

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • © Eric John Zackrison

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/1053
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:bearworks.missouristate.edu:theses-2054

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Missouri State University
Base URL
bearworks.missouristate.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Zackrison, Eric John. The Dialectics of Boundary Spanning: An Examination of the Dialectic Tensions Experienced by the Boundary Spanners of a Complex Organization Composed of Interrelated Groups. Masters thesis, 2012. https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/1053