Boundary Roles Exercise 1. The Boundary Role Objectives: To determine the demands of the boundry role function To explore the impact of the boundary role function on negotiating effectiveness Time: Group Size: Materials: Trainer's Notes: 30­45 minutes 3­4 Boundary Role Worksheet for each person. This exercise is particularly appropriate for a homogenous group of bound- ary role people. If you are unfamiliar with the literature on boundary roles or with the Adams' Paradox, you should read the following articles: Cynthia S. Fobian, Interorganizational Negotiation and Accountability: An Examination of Adams' Paradox. Iowa: National Institute for Dispute Reso- lution, 1987. J.S. Adams, "The Structure and Dynamics of Behavior in Organizational Boundary Roles." In M.E. Dunnette (Ed.), Handbook of Industrial and Orga- nizational Psychology. Chicago: Rand McNally, 1976. These articles can also be used as handout materials for the group. This exercise can be run by itself; however, it is particularly effective when run in conjunction with Boundary Roles Exercises 2 and 3. Procedure: Step I Distribute copies of The Boundary Role Worksheet. Ask participants to read the exercise and to answer the questions. Allow 5 minutes. Step II Small group discussion Divide participants into groups of three or four persons for discussion. Allow 15 minutes. American Management Association / www.amanet.org 255