Group+Introspection

=Group Introspection= The final social barrier to change discussed by Zaltman and Duncan, Group Introspection, is by far the most difficult to explain. Essentially, this barrier to change is created when the members of a social organization are so engrossed in the "insider perspective" they can not effectively judge their own need for improvement or change. Members of a group, as stated by Ellsworth, can "subconsciously provide rationalizations for why change cannot or should not occur." Ellsworth also provides a metaphor in an attempt to clarify group introspection stating group introspection is the "inability to see the forest from the trees." Essentially members of a social organization are so caught up in the details and everyday activities of the organization that they are unable to see the big picture and realize a need for change.

To deal with group introspection the change agent must have both "outsiders" and "insiders" involved in the change process. This will allow the outsiders to provide a fresh perspective not tainted by the "insider perspective." On the other hand, insiders can provide "insider information" and respect of other insiders which can help combat cultural ethnocentrism and rejection of outsiders.