Communication theory
Information is one of the fundamental elements of humans’ lives. All activities that are performed by individuals presuppose the use of information for various purposes. Under these conditions, communication, as one of the central and most effective ways to share data, acquire the critical importance for society (Dainton & Zelley, 2018). Communication theory is a field of knowledge that focuses on the technical process of information and various modes that can be related to this area (Stones, 2005). The existence of many approaches to classify and describe communication is preconditioned by multiple sources and characteristics peculiar to this field.
Structuration theory
The structuration approach is one of the paradigms of a broader communication theory that is focused on the investigation of certain structures of multiple systems. In accordance with this perspective, patterns of behavior are the core elements of any social system, and structuration helps to understand these very aspects better (West & Turner, 2014). It is a process by which units are produced and reproduced (West & Turner, 2014). In other words, the given theory considers that organizations create structures which, in their turn, form social entities and contribute to future development. In accordance with this idea, groups are also produced through various actions and behaviors. In such a way, structuration theory helps to understand core patters by differentiating them.
Structuration theory also assumes that every action performed by a person results in the production of a so-called fresh act that should be considered to understand the work of organizations. At the same time, every pattern of behavior is impacted by the past. In this situation, history is the bridge between the past and present that is needed to understand the current context and engage in meaningful cooperation between individuals (West & Turner, 2014). Moreover, there are specific rules that serve as the guidelines for individuals and their opportunities; however, at the same time, they also limit people in their actions as there is the need for the observation of certain rules and regulations (Griffin, 2014). Under these conditions, the ability to achieve positive results by considering all existing contexts and guidelines is taken as the concept of power, which becomes critical for the functioning of organizations and their rise.
Structuration Theory Central concepts
As any other theory, the structuration paradigm also has its basic concepts that serve as the fundament for its functioning. Thus, agency is defined as a set of specific behaviors in which individuals become engaged guided by existing rules and contexts (West & Turner, 2014). As for reflexivity, it is the ability to monitor actions and behaviors (West & Turner, 2014). In such a why, these two terms create the theoretical framework for the application of the theory as they describe its main assumptions related to an agent, or a person who perform various behaviors, and his/her main qualities. Furthermore, in accordance with the principle of duality of structure, organization members are limited by rules and resources to monitor and guide their basic decisions (West & Turner, 2014). It means that any action should be coordinated regarding these two aspects. Finally, the concepts of power and resources are two other vital terms as they are used to describe individuals’ contributions to the group and its substantial development.
Meaning
The structuration theory also gives specific attention to the concept of meaning that becomes essential for an improved understanding of organizations’ work. In accordance with this paradigm, space and time are vital aspects of relations between individuals in any group as they provide an opportunity to engage in communication and generate meaning that is needed to understand each other (West & Turner, 2014). At the same time, various patterns of behavior that are peculiar to all members of a team become understandable regarding the context and the dimensions mentioned above (Giddens, 1986). For this reason, the structuration theory assumes that meaning can be generated only if there is the interaction of space, time, and context, which are critical for better collaboration.
Invention
The structuration theory was invented by Anthony Giddens as the continuation of his cogitations about the abstract features of social interactions. Being interested in fundamental characteristics of people’s cooperation, he offered the idea that all social structures are a double-edged sword as interacting we produce rules, which, in their turn, influence other rules and create specific guidelines for behaviors (Giddens, 1986). In such a way, Giddens introduced the basis for the formation of structuration theory.
Development
With the further development of the theory, Giddens (1986) offered the idea of the duality of structure, assuming that they exist both internally, within actors, and externally, in the form of social actions. In such a way, the theory should consider both these aspects. Moreover, the term structure refers to all rules and resources that exist and that are peculiar to a particular group. Giddens stated that there is a certain cycle of structuration that preconditioned the functioning of various systems and their further evolution.
Theories used
The creation of the structuration theory was impacted by several specific paradigms. First of all, the broader communication theory focused on the investigation of information, its transmission and sharing by individuals was used. Second, Giddens (1986) accepted the basic assumptions of post-empiricism to create his own concept as some abstract characteristics were of critical importance for him. Finally, objectivist and subjectivist social theories were employed to analyze the idea of detached structures and provide an explanation of the basic assumptions of the created framework.
Practical Application
The structuration theory can be applied to various groups or collectives with the primary goal to analyze the main peculiarities of their functioning and outline basic behaviors, or structures. It can be used in different settings or conditions, which contributes to the high practical value of the paradigm and its wide usage (Infante, Rancer, Avtgis, & Macgeorge, 2017). At the same time, some specialists admit that the concept can be too expansive as it includes many notions that are related to various spheres of human activity.
References
Dainton, M., & Zelley, E. (2018). Applying communication theory for professional life: A practical introduction (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.
Giddens, A. (1986). The Constitution of society: Outline of the theory of structuration. New York, NY: Polity.
Griffin, E. (2014). A first look at communication theory (9th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.
Infante, D., Rancer, A., Avtgis, T., & Macgeorge, E. (2017). Contemporary communication theory (2nd ed.). Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt Publishing.
Stones, R. (2005). Structuration theory. New York, NY: Palgrave.
West, R., & Turner, L. (2014). Introducing communication theory (6th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.