Fall 2013, Issue 1

A theory proposed by Anthony Giddens

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Giddens' theory of structuration

explores whether it is individuals

or social forces that shape and

create our social reality. He

avoids extreme positions,

arguing that even though people

are not entirely free to choose

their own actions, as well as

their knowledge being limited,

they nonetheless are the

agency, which mimics the social

structure and leads to changes

in society.

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The medium of human activities

is social structures as well as the

result of those activities.

Human agency and social

structure are related in such a

relationship to one another that

the individual agents act in such

a repetitive way, it reproduces

the structure.

The connection between

structure and action is an

essential aspect of social

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theory, structure and agency are

in such a contrast that cannot

be considered apart from one

another and his main argument

is contained in his expression

"duality of structure".

People make society, but are at

the same time constrained by it.

This is the main understanding

of the theory.

Inside this Issue: • About the Author

• Definitions • Examples

• Explanation

Structuration Theory

James Prem

Lorem Ipsum About the Author:

Anthony Giddens is a British

sociologist who is known for

his theory of structuration and

his comprehensive view of

modern societies. He is well

thought out to be one of the

most outstanding modern-

day sociologists. Giddens is

the author of at least 34

books, which are published in

at least 29 languages. He

issues on average more than

one book every year.

Giddens was the fifth most-

referenced author in 2007 on

books in the humanities.

Giddens developed the

theory of structuration, an

analysis of agency and

structure, in which primacy is

granted to neither.

From 1997-2003, Giddens

served as Director of the

London School of Economics

where he is now Emeritus

Professor.

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System- A group or organization and the behaviors that the group engages in to pursue its goals.

Structure- The rules and resources used to sustain a group or organization.

Structuration- The production, reproduction, and transformation of social environments through rules and resources in relationships.

Fresh act- Something new developed from action or behavior.

Power- Imposition of personal will on others.

Agency- Behaviors or activities used in social environments.

Agent- A person engaging in behaviors or activities in social environments.

Reflexivity- A persons ability to monitor his or her actions or behaviors.

Discursive Consciousness- A persons ability to articulate personal goals or behaviors.

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Practical Consciousness- A persons inability to articulate personal goals or behaviors.

Duality of Structure- Rules and resources used to guide organizational decision about behaviors or actions.

Rules- General routines that the organization or group follows in accomplishing goals.

Resources- Attributes or material goods that can be used to exert power in an organization.

Allocative Resources- Material assistance used to help groups accomplish their goals.

Authoritative Resources- Interpersonal assistance used to help groups accomplish their goals.

Reward Power- Perception that another person has the ability to provide positive outcomes.

Coercive Power- Perception that another person has the ability to enact punishment.

Definitions

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Referent Power- Perception that another person has the ability to achieve compliance becaue of established personal relationships.

Legitimate Power- Perception that another person has the ability to exert influence because of title or position.

Expert Power- Perception that another person has the ability to exert influence because of special knowledge or expertise.

Social Integration- Reciprocity of communication behaviors in interaction.

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Duality of Structure- Organization is both a medium and an outcome of interaction.

Summary

“Organizations create structures, which can be interpreted as an organizations rules and resources. These structures, in turn, create social systems in an organization. Organizations achieve a life of their own because of the way their members use their structures. Power structures guide the decision-making that takes place in these organizations” (West & Turner, 2009).

Assumptions

• Groups and organizations are produced and reproduced through the use of rules and resources.

• Communication rules serve as both the medium for, and an outcome of, interactions.

• Power structures are present in organizations and guide the decision-making process.

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Examples

The relationship between a teacher and a student: when they come across each other in another context, say on the street, the hierarchy between them is still preserved.

In many companies the process of being hired or position you can have is determined the experience you have or years with the company, while others determine your educational background and whether or not you have a college level degree.

In other companies such as private ones, it’s all about whom you know in the company. If you are part of the family or good friends with the owner it could determine your position within the company.

James Prem 1660 Loblolly Ct. Kent, Ohio 44240

Rozell Duncan

Kent State University School of Communications

References

Gauntlett, D. (2002). Anthony giddens: The theory of structuration. Retrieved from

http://www.theory.org.uk/giddens2.htm

Gill, J. (2009, March 26). Giddens trumps marx but french thinkers triumph. Retrieved

from http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/405925.article

Modaff, D., DeWine, S., & Butler, J. (2008). Organizational communication:

foundations, challenges and misunderstandings. (2 ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson

Education, Inc.

Reuters, T. (2009, March 26). Most cited authors of books in the humanities, 2007.

Retrieved from http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/405956.article

Ritzer, G. (2003). The blackwell companion to major contemporary social theorists. (1

ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell.

West, R., & Turner, L. (2009). Introducing communication theory. (4 ed.). New York,

NY: McGraw-Hill.