A Review and Technological Consideration of the Bona Fide Group Perspective

Citation: Stephenson John Beck, Renee Bourdeaux, Nancy DiTunnariello, Emily A. Paskewitz (2016/12/01) A Review and Technological Consideration of the Bona Fide Group Perspective. Small Group Research (RSS)
DOI (original publisher): 10.1177/1046496416665703
Semantic Scholar (metadata): 10.1177/1046496416665703
Sci-Hub (fulltext): 10.1177/1046496416665703
Internet Archive Scholar (search for fulltext): A Review and Technological Consideration of the Bona Fide Group Perspective
Wikidata (metadata): Q69372075
Tagged: Sociology (RSS)

Summary

Bona fide groups refers to the perspective that when studying groups, we should account for "complex dynamics associated with interdependent contexts and stable, yet permeable boundaries" (p. 685). This article reiterates the basic tenets of Putnam and Stohl 1990, describing the history and impact of the bona fide group perspective, as well as summarizing work which has advanced the basic body of understanding about relevant dimensions. The article closes with a suggestion of areas of future work, particularly the role of technology in such dimensions as communicating presence and absence, membership and non-membership, and maintaining group identity.

Theoretical and Practical Relevance

This article provides a useful updating to Putnam and Stohl 1990, with an expanded context on applications and uses of the bona fide group perspective. The article is interdisciplinary in its orientation, and connects the bona fide group perspective with significant issues of interest not only in communication, but also in psychology, computer-supported cooperative work, and human-computer interaction.