SYMLOG

The acronym SYMLOG stands for a SYstem for the Multiple Level Observation of Groups. The SYMLOG system was developed by Robert F. Bales and his colleagues and was first published in book form in 1979. At its most basic level, [Page 886]SYMLOG is a method for quantitatively and graphically describing the behavior or personality of groups or group members across a three-dimensional conceptual space defined by the factors of dominance, friendliness, and acceptance of authority. The resulting descriptions can be used for a variety of purposes, including to provide feedback on group functioning, to assess the effects of an intervention, or to describe organizational values. This entry describes both the scoring and presentation of results in the SYMLOG system.

The SYMLOG system grew out of earlier ...