Introduction
The symbolic convergence theory (STC) is a communication model that assesses the process through which individual imaginations converge to establish a shared cultural identity. Individuals shared dreams and aspirations facilitate the merging of disparate personalities into a single entity. SCT provides a rationale for the apparent cohesion of a group, which is characterized by a unity of feelings, goals, and views. There are three components to the term symbolic convergence theory: symbolic, converge, and theory, which creates a common identity and shared purpose through communication and cooperation (Kafle, 2014). Ernest Bormann, a lecturer at the University of Minnesota, developed SCT, a communication-linked model. Among American philosophers, he is best recognized as the originator of SCT as well as its associated method, fantasy theme analysis, which investigates how the exchange of stories, or “fantasies,” can give rise to and sustain a shared identity among a group of people (Poole et al., 2021). In his view, community consciousness is not limited to personal communication but varies from interpersonal to mass media. Consequently, he concluded that SCT is a universal model of communication.
Understanding of the theory
SCT provides insight into what underlies the outward manifestation of group cohesion, including feelings of identification, common goals, and interpretations. Those who engage together and share a common interest in several fantastical themes are more likely to form a cohesive community or group consciousness (Ștefăniță & Buf, 2021). However, this model does not permit the regulation of human interaction, even while it does enable researchers and professionals to foresee or foretell what happened and what would happen. It aims to clarify how the exchange of stories or illusions can give rise to and maintain a shared sense of identity within a group. According to SCT, people’s attempts to make an understanding a shared experience generate communication settings that contain meaning, attitudes, goals, and motivations for action. It is the method by which groups form a shared identity and agreed-upon symbolic veracity.
Weaknesses of Symbolic Convergence
It has been stated that individuals who wish to construct and expand broad concepts of human interaction face the unpopularity of theory-building and the false belief that the prevalence of research conflicts signals the necessity to stop theory-building activities. Scholars should reconsider their previous critiques of symbolic SCT, and the accompanying approach of fantasy theme analysis in light of the criticisms made public. Since its inception, symbolic convergence theory has been subject to some criticism. More widely noted and debated issues against SCT include the idea that SCT’s advocates have not articulated the fundamental assumptions that constitute the hypothesis (Kobiruzzaman, 2019). Also, SCT is Freudian-based and hence solely applicable to smaller team interactions. Another criticism is based on SCT’s conclusions being researcher-dependent, not theory-dependent. Finally, SCT rebrands old principles with inconsequential language that lacks accuracy and understanding.
How symbolic convergence theory should be Strengthened
Much remains to be enhanced to strengthen STC, including establishing substantial study into the theory’s validity and articulating its foundational assumptions. Understanding how effective communication can influence team performance should be the primary focus of SCT. This would acknowledge the significance of effective communication in “conveying and preserving organizational vision,” as well as in “sharpening, embodying, and helping actualize” that vision (Kafle, 2014). Additionally, the model should define how colleagues ought to develop a positive corporate culture. Thus, the principles of effective communication will be summarized in the same range of ideas as the fundamental elements of SCT. The main application of SCT to group communication must also be its preconception of rhetorical view as a synthesis of personalized narratives and associated concepts.
Associated research
The article titled Symbolic Convergence in the 2015 Duggar Scandal Crisis Communication by Perreault and Perreault (2019) investigates the conflict response utilizing SCT to offer insight into the social media methods used in status control, particularly among religious celebrities. By analyzing fantasy themes, the analysts could trace the evolving discursive image of the issue through its several stages of communication. However, the article’s methods and findings, such as the insights, depending on the scholar, not the STC theory. The article’s authors rebrand out-of-date ideas with meaningless rhetoric that obscures rather than clarifies their findings. The article’s conclusions rely heavily on the authors’ prior knowledge and experience rather than on STC; hence, the theory has no clear road map to extrapolate the results. Furthermore, multiple research methods are used in the article’s methodology, with some of the theories being renamed to match the STC model.
Conclusion
Rhetorical scholar Ernest Bormann’s SCT offers a set of principles for understanding how identifying mutually compatible personalities, being conscious of shared behaviors, and working in a shared environment can facilitate consensus building among team participants through exchanging stories and shared goals. Consensus building is a key part of the theory, highlighting the importance of sticking to established work norms, employing common metaphors, and taking credit for team successes. However, a few crucial details need to be deliberated, such as how the theory fails to explain its foundational assumptions and constantly renames old concepts using meaningless jargon.