Dysfunctional communities

Definitions:

Communities:
Groups of individuals that come together for various reasons. Can be an organisation, service provider, community group, education, sport, social or recreation group or any activity that people participate in.

Members:
Individuals within the community that have something in common.

Mechanisms:
Any formal / informal policies, constitutions, unwritten laws or codes of behaviour, hierarchies, institutions etc.

Characteristics of Dysfunctional communities .....

… do not have shared goals, beliefs, values, cultures, institutions etc

Are the goals, beliefs, values, cultures, institutions clearly defined?
Are the goals, beliefs, values, cultures, institutions appropriate to the community?
Are there conflicting goals, beliefs, values, cultures, institutions between the members?
Are the goals, beliefs, values, cultures, institutions of the community shared between all members?
What mechanisms are in place to affirm those goals, beliefs, values, cultures, institutions?

How do others outside the community value the shared goals, beliefs, values, cultures, institutions etc of the community?

… do not have ownership of their members

Do all members of the community feel a part of the community?
Do all members have the opportunity to participate?
How do the members interact with each other?
What, if any, sub groups are in the community, and how do these sub groups interact with each other?
What key characteristics bond the members within the community?

How do others outside the community, perceive the community?

… do not provide valued roles for their members

What are the roles of the members?
Are these roles clearly defined?
What mechanisms are in place to affirm those roles?
Are these roles adequate, appropriate and realistic?
How do the members perceive and fulfil these roles?
Are these roles valued by all members?
How does the community, as a community, value these roles?
What are the expectations of the community, in the members in fulfilling these roles?

How do others outside the community perceive these roles?
How do others outside the community value these roles?
What are the expectations of others outside the community, in the community fulfilling these roles?

… do not communicate effectively with their members

How does the community communicate with its members?
How is this communication responded to by its members?
What mechanisms are in place, so that all members are communicated to?
Is there an effective formal / informal structure of accountability?
Are these mechanisms effectively communicating to all members?

How does the community communicate with others outside the community?

… do not have resources that they can depend on

What resources does the community have?
Are these resources adequate for the community?
How does the community use the resources?
Is the community using its own resources effectively?

How do others outside the community see the resources being used within the community?

… do not balance their own needs

How does the community identify the needs of its members?
Are the needs adequate, appropriate and realistic?
What mechanisms are in place to fulfil those needs?
Are these mechanisms adequate, appropriate and realistic in fulfilling those needs?
Are these needs being met within the expectations of its members?
How does the community identify and respond to events that are outside the scope of the community, and impact on the ability of the community to balance its own deeds?

Are the needs of the community being met within the expectations of others outside of the community?

… do not share and draw on skills / resources where needed

How does the community identify skills / resources that are unique to the community?

How does the community identify skills / resources that are not within the scope of the community?

What mechanisms are in place to share skills / resources with other communities?