Theory+Development

=Benfield-Schorch Student Organization Life Cycle= All below information is research oriented and original, in progress concepts being developed by Benfield and Schorsch.


 * Curve Properties | Operational Definitions | Dynamic Development | DynDev Indicators | Plateau | Plateau Indicators | Deteriorating Development | DetDev Indicators |

"Greekonomics"

Curve Properties:
The B-S Curve describes development as a function of engagement (y) over a period of time (x). That period of time may vary, depending on the organization, or system of organizations. The curve has both micro and macro applications. The captured segment of the curve is only a crest, whereas the entire curve cycles through crests and troughs. Ideally, the curve operates similarly to a business cycle.

Operational Definitions:

 * Engagement:** people "use varying degrees of their selves, physically, cognitively, and emotionally in work role performances" (Kahn, 1990, p. 692). For this theory, students are the 'people' Kahn refers to and the 'work roles' are synonymous with their positions, whether members or officers, within their student organizations. On a macro level, a student organization would be equivilant to a person, and an organization's work, would be carrying out its mission within the univeristy. Engaged student organizations invest their time and physical/mental resources to improve their own development in addition to contributing to the university experience.
 * Time:**
 * Development:**
 * Student Organization:**
 * Organization System:**
 * Developmental Stage:**
 * Dynamic Development:**
 * Plateau:**
 * Deteriorating Development:**
 * Stage Indicator:** A characteristic that is unique to a specific stage of development. In order to be a true indicator, characteristics must be experienced consistently over a period of time. Indicators are used to determine where an organization is along the development curve.
 * Diminishing Marginal Utility (DMU):** A law of ecomics by which, holding all other factors constant, there is a decline in the utility received with each additional unit consumed. In the context of this theory, the unit consumed is the organizational experience. During the plateau stage of development, an organization seeks to preserve the status quo, thus creating a homogenous experience for its members. As a result, members experience diminishing marginal utility and become disenfranchised with the organization and less engaged. This is a drving force in the downward slope of the development curve.
 * Burnout:** antipode of the positive state of engagement (Bakker, Emmerik, & Euwema, 2006; Maslach et al., 2001; Maslach & Leiter, 2008)

The Three Stages of Development and Their Indicators:
Dynamic Development Indicators of the Dynamic Stage of Student Organizational Development include: Vision Low Officer turnover Healthy Growth Focus on Leadership Plateau Deteriorating Development