Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2634-7427

Date Available

11-5-2025

Year of Publication

2025

Document Type

Doctoral Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

College

Communication and Information

Department/School/Program

Communication

Faculty

Dr. Derek Lane

Abstract

Many organizations, including churches, rely on leadership groups to coordinate efforts and fulfill their mission. Guided by the characteristics of highly effective teams, the functional theory of group decision-making, and symbolic convergence theory, this study examines how one church staff group engages in decision-making and enacts identity through socioemotional and task-related communication. This group is unique in that its members each lead different areas necessary for the church’s functioning. Data for this qualitative case-study consists of semi-structured interviews with each group members and five meeting observations. Findings provide insight into the group’s dynamics, decision-making process, and identity. However, of most note, this study reveals how symbolic messages (e.g., jokes, rituals) and collaborative task talk are both used to enact identity and support the group’s functioning. Specifically, the group’s shared, mission oriented identity shapes how the group works together when making decisions and the content of their work. Decision-making was spiritual and tended to be iterative than reflecting the functional theory of group decision-making. This study expands theoretical understanding of how expressive and task-oriented communication intersect in naturally occurring groups and offers practical insights for enhancing collaboration in religious nonprofit organizations.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2025.464b

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