Browsing by Subject "Groups"
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Item The role of geographical distance in perceptions of dissenters(2012-12) Rohrbach, John Michael; Bigler, Rebecca S.; Henderson, Marlone DDissent is a common feature of intragroup relations. The consequences of dissent, positive or negative, depend largely on group reactions to dissenters. The current study examined whether geographical distance as well as social dominance orientation (SDO) influence group responses toward a dissenter. I hypothesized that geographical distance would exacerbate negative reactions toward a group member who dissent from—rather than conform to—group norms. Further, I predicted levels of social dominance orientation would moderate group reactions. Findings were not consistent with our predictions; however, the current results did elucidate several interesting lines of future research. Specifically, the findings from the current study reveal that people were more likely to attribute blame to and perceive more harm done to the ingroup by a distal group member, regardless of whether he dissented or not. Further, those high in SDO, relative to low in SDO, were more likely to reprimand and perceive more harm done to the ingroup by a non-dissenting member when he was faraway compared to nearby. These results suggest that geographical distance, as well as individual differences, such as SDO, is important, albeit complex, factors in group reactions to dissenters.Item The effects of wave groups on the nonlinear simulation of ship motion in random seas(Texas A&M University, 2006-04-12) Richer, Jeffrey A.Historically, the analysis of ship motion and loading responses has been performed in the frequency domain with both linear response amplitude operators and wave energy density spectra. This method, therefore, did not account for the nonlinear nature of waves. A more precise method is to obtain the response in the time domain, processing non-linear wave data with a linear response amplitude operator. Since the input is non-linear, even though the system is linear, the output will also be non-linear. This resultant data can then be used to generate a more accurate design of seaworthy vessels. Furthermore the linear frequency domain method does not account for the presence or effects of wave groups. This study shows the improved accuracy in the response obtained by accounting for non-linearities and furthermore indicates that wave groups affect the vertical relative motion of a moored ship (zero-speed).Item Time out : organizational training for improvisation in lifesaving critial teams(2012-08) Ishak, Andrew Waguih, 1982-; Browning, Larry D.; Ballard, Dawna I.; Stephens, Keri K.; Maxwell, Madeline M.; Ziegler, Jennifer A.Exemplified by fire crews, SWAT teams, and emergency surgical units, critical teams are a subset of action teams whose work is marked by finality, pressure, and potentially fatal outcomes (Ishak & Ballard, 2012). Using communicative and temporal lenses, this study investigates how organizations prime and prepare their embedded critical teams to deal with improvisation. This study explicates how organizations both encourage and discourage improvisation for their embedded critical teams. Throughout the training process, organizations implement a structured yet flexible “roadmap”-type approach to critical team work, an approach that is encapsulated through three training goals. The first goal is to make events routine to members. The second goal is to help members deal with non-routine events. The third goal is to help members understand how to differentiate between what is routine and non-routine. The grounded theory analysis in this study also surfaced three tools that are used within the parameters of the roadmap approach: experience, communicative decision making, and sensemaking. Using Dewey’s (1939, 1958) theory of experience, I introduce a middle-range adapted theory of critical team experience. In this theory, experience and sensemaking are synthesized through communicative decision making to produce decisions, actions, and outcomes in time-limited, specialized, stressful environments. Critical teams have unique temporal patterns that must be considered in any study of their work. Partially based on the nested phase model (Ishak & Ballard, 2012), I also identify three phases of critical team process as critical-interactive, meaning that they are specific to action/critical teams, and they are engaged in by critical teams for the expressed purpose of interaction. These phases are simulation, adaptation, and debriefing. These tools and phases are then placed in the Critical-Action-Response Training Outcomes Grid (CARTOG) to create nine interactions that are useful in implementing a structured yet flexible approach to improvisation in the work of critical teams. Data collection consisted of field observations, semi-structured interviews, and impromptu interviews at work sites. In total, I engaged in 55 hours of field observations at 10 sites. I conducted 31 semi-structured interviews with members of wildland and urban fire crews; emergency medical teams; and tactical teams, including SWAT teams and a bomb squad. I also offer practical implications and future directions for research on the temporal and communicative aspects of critical teams, their parent organizations, and considerations of improvisation in their work.