The Dialectics of Boundary Spanning: An Examination of the Dialectic Tensions Experienced by the Boundary Spanners of a Complex Organization Composed of Interrelated Groups
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.
boundary spanning, dialectics, groups, organization, bona fide group perspective, Communication
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