Why Are Groups Too Closed

Can groups be too open, or, too closed? In chapter two of the textbook: In Mixed Company: Communicating in Small Groups and Teams (2013), it is affirmed that groups can be too open, or, too closed. A group may start out with the perfect balance of membership skills and knowledge to fulfill its’ goal; however, in time that will change. Therefore, group boundary adjustment will be necessary to maintain control. For groups; boundaries are set with membership rules, roles, networks, and other barriers. These barriers are used to control the group’s size and effectiveness. There are times when a groups’ openness can prevent it from accomplishing its’ task. Alternatively, being too closed; risks morale deterioration, and, can even cause group extinction. Social media assembly is open to everyone, as long as, full compliance with the rules and regulations are followed. Historically, closed groups like the U.S. military have become more open in order to increase diversity within the group. “Knowing whether to relax or tighten boundaries depends on whether the group is already very closed or very open (Rothwell, 2013, p. 64).” …show more content…
Organizations must implement regulations that align with its’ goals. As well, an ongoing assessment of how the group is changing, determines whether a boundary change adjustment is a necessity. There are several ways that a group may regulate its’ openness with boundary control. The types of boundary control that a group could implement includes: physical barriers, linguistic barriers, roles, psychological barriers, rules, and, networks. Author J. Rothwell (2013) further explains: “Group members should watch for signs of excessive openness or closedness, such as when groups experience debilitating stress and tension, divisive conflicts, boredom and malaise, and poor