On the Importance of Examining Relationships

A few of the benefits to staying in sync and in touch have been outlined elsewhere and in a previous blog post here. One benefit to being in sync, for example, is that it helps one get an overview of what's transpiring within the context of a particular project or, more broadly, an organization.

Although the benefits are described in terms of individuals, the underlying mechanisms that enable one to stay both in sync and in touch are better understood in terms of relationships. Both a sense of connectedness and the sharing of knowledge rely upon the extent to which communication channels remain open; and, the functioning of these channels necessarily is contingent upon (at least) two contributing parties: a sender and a receiver of information. In the case of informal exchanges--that is, those that can lead to a feeling of social cohesion between coworkers--it is never possible to describe the nature of this communication in terms of the isolated contribution of (and consequent benefits or costs to) individuals. In fact, doing so could lead to missing out on one critical half of the dynamic involved.

Why is it important to think of these concepts--in sync, in touch--in terms of relationships, anyhow? Because in order to examine the obstacles to staying in sync and in touch, it is of use to realize that breakdowns can occur on either side of the communication channel, and any plausible solution to these problems must take into account this possibility.

Recently I used Mind42.com to create an overview of the concepts. I found it helpful to conceptualize relationship outcomes in terms of symmetries. For example, a factor that fosters the development of symmetrical relationships is either: (1) a desire to stay in touch by both parties; or, (2) a lack of a desire to stay in touch by both parties involved. On the other hand, an asymmetrical relationship occurs when only one half of the communication channel is open. In terms of fostering a sense of connectedness, when an individual's attempts at staying in touch are not reciprocated, it can lead to a state of professional isolation. For a complete overview of these relationships, please see the mind map.

I am still looking into conducting a cultural probe study, but realize that in order to maximize the benefits of using such a technique I will need to recruit individuals who belong to the same co-located project team or organization so that I can examine what's going on at both ends of the communication channel simultaneously.