Symbolic Convergence Theory (SCT) is about sharing emotions and values through shared "fantasies" in a group. It was originally studied in small group communication but is now used to understand how the public views issues. SCT helps create bonds and cohesion within groups by sharing fantasies. Researchers also use it to gauge public reaction to news and issues like political races. An example given is how coworkers sharing daydreams about after-work plans can distract the group but also bond them through a shared fantasy. Critics want SCT to combine with other theories to view fantasies as stories between organizations and the public.

1. But I gotta, kn-kn-knowwhat’s your fan-ta-ta-sySymbolicConvergenceTheoryEmily Kathryn Taylor

2. Is your fantasy laying on a Greek Isle?Is your fantasy being on a Greek Isle?

3. Or how about meeting someone famous?

4. Ok so maybe I can’t grant you your ultimate fantasy, but I can tell you about a different kind of fantasy!So what is this Symbolic Convergence Theory?

5. Symbolic Convergence Theory (SCT) is the sharing of emotions and values in a group known asfantasies .

6. This applies to the work place?!So how does this apply to the workplace?!

7. SCT was first started in small groupcommunications,but has now been picked up by large group communication areas to see how the public views certain acts.

8. SCT can be used in small group communication so that the members in the group can work in a more cohesive manner. Sharing the same fantasies helps create bonds.

9. SCT can also be used so that businesses can gauge how the public reacts to certain news. Researchers of the theory can get important feedback on issues such as political races.

10. Symbolic ConvergenceTheoryA little confused?Let’s look at an example.

11. Say you are a member in this group working on a project at work.

12. One of the members starts to day dream and announces that after work she’s going to watch her son play soccer.

13. So then everybody else gets off task. One coworker even mentions that after work he’s going to watch his daughter’s softball game.

14. Everybody has shared a fantasy about what they are doing after work!

15. Now you knew there had to be some criticism in there somewhere.

16. Some critics of SCT want it to join forces with the Situation Theory in order to view the fantasiesbetween organizations and the public as stories.

17. These stories can help businesses, corporations, or politicians guide the positive/negative feedback directly back to those in power.

18. SCT is extremely useful when applied to education. Researchers are currently looking at what shared fantasies and motivations are linked to improve graduate school enrollment.

19. With that being said, if researchers can learn the fantasies of those enrolling in graduate schools, hopefully they can help promote those fantasies to encourage more to enroll.

20. Good luck on the final!!