Symbolic Convergence Theory

Symbolic convergence theory, or SCT, is this attention-grabbing communication theory that explains group cohesiveness through dramatized messages.  Dramatized messages depict imaginative “then-and-there” language (past or present) instead of “here-and-now”.  Accordingly, SCT classifies this form of communication as “outside-events” that often serve the group well.  Examples of dramatizing messages include: wordplay, double entendre, figure of speech, analogy, anecdote, allegory, fable, narrative, or other creative expression of ideas; in other words, fantasies (shared interpretations that fulfills a group’s psychological or rhetorical needs).  When a fantasy theme is agreed-upon it sparks a fantasy chain in which an explosion of agreement reaches within a group in response to a member’s dramatizing message.  This chain thus triggers symbolic cues which are defined as agreed-upon triggers that set off group members to respond as they first did when the initial fantasy was first shared.  As such, fantasy types/effectiveness determine the cohesiveness of successful group communication.  However, SCT is not limited to small groups. Instead, it can reach public levels like societal groups that idealize similar values and beliefs.  These bigger groups can share DM’s to strengthen group cohesiveness. 

A premium example to explain SCT furthermore can be seen in business around the globe.  Lets dissect businesses into their different departments.  Say that accounting receives the least amount of funds.  While in a meeting about increasing success and effectiveness, a group member or leader decides to dramatize a message about the lack of funds in the past and jokes about the future, “even if we don’t get too many funds I’m sure our department will help this business climb the highest mountains”.  Certain members may or may not cue into the fantasy chain, but if members grasp the symbolism (consisting of shared emotions, motives, and meanings) than they will cue in to the joke and feed the chain.  Thus the effective and symbolic communication between employees will lead to group cohesion.

Here is a video in Skyfall where "M" promotes a dramatized message about the fantasies of national security and the irrelevancy of MI6 during a court scene at 0:20.  The committee/group then cues in when a shootout unfolds in the court house. Surely, there was enough symbolic convergence to increase group cohesion within the British criminal justice system depicted in the movie.