| Nonlinear Dynamics, Psychology, and Life Sciences, Vol. 11, Iss. 2, Apr, 2007, pp. 235-251 @2007 Society for Chaos Theory in Psychology & Life Sciences A Swallowtail Catastrophe Model for the Emergence of Leadership in Coordination-intensive Groups Abstract: This research extended the previous studies concerning
the swallowtail catastrophe model for leadership emergence
to coordination-intensive groups. Thirteen 4-person groups
composed of undergraduates played in Intersection coordination
(card game) task and were allowed to talk while performing it;
13 other groups worked nonverbally. A questionnaire measured
leadership emergence at the end of the game along with other
social contributions to the groups' efforts. The swallowtail
catastrophe model that was evident in previous leadership
emergence phenomena in creative problem solving and production
groups was found here also. All three control parameters were
identified: a general participation variable that was akin
to K in the rugged landscape model of self-organization,
task control, and whether the groups worked verbally or nonverbally.
Several new avenues for future research were delineated. Keywords: Coordination game, leadership emergence, swallowtail catastrophe, chaos, self-organization |