Entropy and equifinality
impact small groups in a variety of ways.
Some groups rely more on
energy and information to liven up a group meeting. These groups believe
numerous rules can cause a meeting to be “boring”. Unfortunately, too much
energy can create chaos and disorganization. If there is too much energy, all
members of the groups feel the need to exert the same amount of energy. If
everyone is talking at the same time, effective communication is not practiced.
On the other hand, some groups greatly depend on rules and control. In this
group, when countless rules must be followed, creativity and input within the
group declines. If creativity and input declines, different options for
reaching a goal are diminished and members of the group are restricted to one
option. Without equifinality, the group’s success with their process and goals
cannot be met. In another example of family groups, when parents tend to always
restrict their children, the children lose effective communication with their
parents. Members of a group want freedom to explore different routes to a goal.
To enhance creativity within a group, balanced entropy and equifinality must be
present.
I like the family example that you used for equifinality. I think that is an accurate example of how parenting and family dynamics work. There is no set way of raising your children. We do not live in “Brady Bunch” type of world where everything is black and white. Instead, we live in world where we have to adapt to our children and vise-versa. I work with tons of families and kids, and so I tend to analyze how some parents discipline their children and type of relationship they have. I have kids that come in and tell me that their parents are super strict. A result of that type of relationship causes this kid to misbehave at times as a sign of rebellion. All cases aren’t like that, but that is just one example. Then there are parents who don’t discipline their kids and don’t set rules and it reflects in how they behave in program. I really agree with your family example.
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