Capturing the cultural boundary among the members’ interactions in a multinational workgroup: An evidence from System for the Multiple Level Observation of Groups analysis

Figures & data

Figure 1. SYMLOG Cube Diagram (Adapted from Bales et al., 1979, p. 23).

Table 1. Group members’ information

Code	Position	Years (years of dispatch)	Nationality
TS1	Deputy Manager (Supervisor)	15(7)	Taiwanese
T2	Assistant Manager	11(2)	Taiwanese
T3	Assistant Manager	10(2)	Taiwanese
T4	Assistant Manager	13(3)	Taiwanese
T5	Assistant Manager	11(2)	Taiwanese
T6	Assistant Manager	14(4)	Taiwanese
BS1	Deputy Manager (Supervisor)	7	British
B2	Assistant Manager	5	British
B3	Assistant Manager	5	British
P	Assistant Manager	6	Polish
G	Assistant Manager	3	Greek

Table 2. The 26 SYMLOG behavioral traits

No.	Code	Simple Interpretations of Behaviors
1	U	Active, dominant, talks a lot
2	UP	Extroverted, outgoing, positive
3	UPF	A purposeful, democratic task leader
4	UF	An assertive business-like manager
5	UNF	Authoritarian, controlling, disapproving
6	UN	Domineering, tough-minded, powerful
7	UNB	Provocative, egocentric, shows off
8	UB	Jokes around, expressive, dramatic
9	UPB	Entertaining, sociable, smiling, warm
10	P	Friendly, equalitarian
11	PF	Works cooperatively with others
12	F	Analytical, task-oriented, problem-solving
13	NF	Legalistic, has to be right
14	N	Unfriendly, negativistic
15	NB	Irritable, cynical, won’t cooperate
16	B	Shows feelings and emotions
17	PB	Affectionate, likeable, fun to be with
18	DP	Looks up to others, appreciative, trustful
19	DPF	Gentle, willing to accept responsibility
20	DF	Obedient, works submissively
21	DNF	Self-punishing, works too hard
22	DN	Depressed, sad, resentful, rejecting
23	DNB	Alienated, quits, withdraws
24	DB	Afraid to try, doubts own ability
25	DPB	Quietly happy just to be with others
26	D	Passive, introverted, says little

Note: Adapted from Bales, Stephen, and Stephen (1979), p. 21.

Figure 2. Field diagram of the rating questionnaire.

Figure 3. Field diagram of overall interaction records.

Figure 4. Field diagram of all members’ interaction with Taiwanese members.

Figure 5. Field diagram of all members’ interaction with European members.

Table 3. Interaction form of T6 (Taiwanese member)

Time	Who Acts	Toward Whom	Act/ Non	Time	Who Acts	Toward Whom	Act/ Non
1028	T6	TS1	D,DF	1131	T6	T2	UPB,F,P
1029	T6	T3	B,PB	1131	T6	T4	F,P
1029	T6	TS1	D,DP	1133	T6	TS1	DF,DP
1030	T6	T5	UB,UPB,D	1134	T6	G	PF, UP
1032	T6	B2	PF,F	1135	T6	P	F, DPF

Table 4. Interaction form of B3 (European member)

Time	Who Acts	Toward Whom	Act/ Non	Time	Who Acts	Toward Whom	Act/ Non
1045	B3	TS1	F,UPF,NF	1145	B3	T2	UPF, PB
1047	B3	BS1	F,UB,UPF	1146	B3	BS1	F,UB,UPF
1049	B3	T3	F,NF	1149	B3	G	F,NF
1049	B3	P	UNF,F	1150	B3	P	UB,F,DPF
1152	B3	B1	PF,F	1150	B3	TS1	UPB,PF

Table 5. Interaction form of TS1 (Taiwanese supervisor)

Time	Who Acts	Towards Whom	Action	Time	Who Acts	Towards Whom	Action
1001	TS1	T2	U,UPB	1059	TS1	B3	P,PF,U
1001	TS1	T4	UF,U	1101	TS1	BS1	DP,F
1002	TS1	T4	N,F,UF	1101	TS1	T4	U,NF
1003	TS1	T6	UN,NF	1103	TS1	T5	PB,UPB
1005	TS1	BS1	DPF,F	1104	TS1	P	F,UPF

Table 6. Interaction form of BS1 (British supervisor)

Time	Who Acts	Toward Whom	Act/ Non	Time	Who Acts	Toward Whom	Act/ Non
1034	BS1	G	F,UPF	1136	BS1	TS1	P,PF
1034	BS1	T5	F, PF	1137	BS1	G	F, UPB
1035	BS1	T3	PF,UF	1137	BS1	T2	UPF
1037	BS1	P	UPF,F	1138	BS1	B3	PB
1039	BS1	B2	PF,F	1138	BS1	T6	PB

Figure 6. Field diagram of the two supervisors’ interaction with all subordinates.

Figure 7. Field diagram of all subordinates’ interaction with the two supervisors.

Bales, R. F., Stephen, P. C., & Stephen, A. W. (1979). SYMLOG: A system for the multiple level observation of groups. New York, NY: Free Press.

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