Communication in Small Groups Theory, Process, and Skills (with InfoTrac),9780534545512

Communication in Small Groups Theory, Process, and Skills (with InfoTrac)

by ; ;
Edition: 6th
ISBN13: 9780534545512
ISBN10: 0534545513
Format: Paperback
Pub. Date: 2003-08-11
Publisher(s): Wadsworth Publishing
Upgraded Edition: Click here!
  • Free Shipping Icon

    This Item Qualifies for Free Shipping!*

    *Excludes marketplace orders.

List Price: $236.99

Rent Textbook

Select for Price
Add to Cart
There was a problem. Please try again later.

New Textbook

We're Sorry
Sold Out

Used Textbook

We're Sorry
Sold Out

eTextbook

We're Sorry
Not Available

Buy from our Marketplace starting at $33.00

How Marketplace Works:

  • This item is offered by an independent seller and not shipped from our warehouse
  • Item details like edition and cover design may differ from our description; see seller's comments before ordering.
  • Sellers much confirm and ship within two business days; otherwise, the order will be cancelled and refunded.
  • Marketplace purchases cannot be returned to eCampus.com. Contact the seller directly for inquiries; if no response within two days, contact customer service.
  • Additional shipping costs apply to Marketplace purchases. Review shipping costs at checkout.

Summary

This well-respected text balances theory and processes with skill development. The authors are active researchers, lecturers, and communication consultants. They draw on their experiences to provide students with a clear introduction to the study of small group communication. Communication in Small Groups puts theory and research into practice. A primary objective is to discuss small group communication theory and research in a way that allows the reader to apply concepts and principles to the process of communication when working as a member of a team.

Table of Contents

Preface xiii
CHAPTER ONE Defining Small Group Communication 1(31)
Why Study Small Group Communication?
2(5)
Living and Working in Groups
2(2)
A Rationale for the Study of Small Group Communication
4(3)
A Small Group Defined
7(7)
Directly Observable Characteristics of a Small Group
7(3)
Indirectly Observable Characteristics of Small Group Communication
10(4)
Group Concept Recipe
14(1)
Types of Work Groups
15(6)
Work Groups
16(2)
Project Teams
18(2)
Virtual Teams
20(1)
Group Communication Support Systems
21(5)
Asynchronous Discussion Forums
21(2)
Electronic Mail
23(1)
Erooms or Digital Workspaces
23(1)
Group Process Facilitation Tools
23(1)
Group Decision Support Systems
24(1)
Instant Messaging
25(1)
Web-Conferencing
25(1)
Video-Conferencing
25(1)
Opportunities for Discussion and Expanded Learning
26(3)
Case Study: A University Virtual Work Group
29(3)
CHAPTER TWO Learning Small Group Communication Theories 32(30)
A Model of Small Group Communication
33(2)
Decision-Making and Role Theories and Processes
35(6)
Stage One: Orientation (Task) and Primary Tension (Role)
39(1)
Stage Two: Conflict (Task) and Secondary Tension (Role)
39(1)
Stage Three: Emergence (Task) and Recurring Primary and Secondary Tension (Role)
40(1)
Stage Four: Reinforcement (Task)
41(1)
Encounter Theory and Process
41(6)
Stage One: Boundary-Seeking
44(1)
Stage Two: Ambivalence
44(1)
Stage Three: Actualization
44(3)
Symbolic Convergence Theory and the Process of Consciousness-Raising
47(9)
Stage One: Self Realization of a New Identity
49(2)
Stage Two: Group Identity Through Polarization
51(2)
Stage Three: Establishment of New Values for the Group
53(1)
Stage Four: Acting Out New Consciousness
54(2)
Signposts for Assessing the Quality of Group Communication
56(3)
Signpost One: Amount of Understanding and Agreement
56(1)
Signpost Two: Formation of Group Roles
57(1)
Signpost Three: Level of Interpersonal Trust and Empathy
57(1)
Signpost Four: Degree of Group Identification and Group Pride
58(1)
Opportunities for Discussion and Expanded Learning
59(2)
Case Study: 9/11-The FDNY's Response to the World Trade Center Attack
61(1)
CHAPTER THREE Enhancing Communication Competence: Core Communication Skills and Ethical Commitments 62(31)
Core Communication Rules and Strategies for Problem-Solving Groups
63(12)
Problem Solving: Rules and Strategies
64(2)
Role Playing: Rules and Strategies
66(1)
Relationship Building: Rules and Strategies
67(3)
Team Building: Rules and Strategies
70(5)
Group Ethical Standards
75(6)
Commitment to Doing Your Best
76(1)
Commitment to the Group Good
77(1)
Commitment to Rationality
78(1)
Commitment to Fair Play
79(1)
Commitment to Good Listening
79(1)
Commitment to Preparation
79(1)
Commitment to Ideational Conflict
80(1)
Commitment to Objectivity
80(1)
Commitment to Tolerance
81(1)
Commitment to Social Maturity
81(1)
Major Group Outcomes
81(5)
Productivity
82(1)
Quality of Work
83(1)
Consensus
84(1)
Member Satisfaction
85(1)
Group Problem-Solving Road Map: A Process View
86(1)
Opportunities for Discussion and Expanded Learning
86(4)
Case Study: A College Classroom Group
90(3)
CHAPTER FOUR Structuring Problem-Solving Groups 93(36)
Discussion Formats
96(8)
Roundtable Discussion
96(2)
Symposium
98(1)
Panel Discussion
99(2)
Forum Types
101(1)
Colloquy
102(1)
Parliamentary Procedure
102(2)
Specific Decision-Making Techniques
104(14)
Nominal Group Discussion
104(3)
Delphi Technique
107(2)
Brainstorming
109(1)
Buzz Groups
110(1)
Single-Question Form
111(1)
Ideal-Solution Form
112(1)
Program Evaluation and Review Technique
113(2)
Focus Group Interview
115(3)
Problem-Solving Agenda Systems
118(7)
Dewey's Reflective Thinking: McBurney and Hance
118(2)
Ross Four-Step Agenda
120(1)
Wright Ten-Step Agenda
121(1)
Brilhart-Jochem Ideation Criteria
122(1)
Functional Approach to Problem Solving
123(1)
Computer-Mediated Problem-Solving Systems
123(2)
Opportunities for Discussion and Expanded Learning
125(2)
Case Study: The Parking Committee
127(2)
CHAPTER FIVE Preparing for Group Presentations and Problem Solving 129(36)
Discovery: Developing Topics for Problem Solving
131(2)
Self and Audience Assessment
131(1)
Efficiency
132(1)
Analyzing Topics for Problem Solving
133(2)
Questions of Fact
133(1)
Questions of Value
134(1)
Questions of Policy
135(1)
Research Strategies for Problem Solving
135(8)
Library Research Strategies
136(1)
Internet Research Strategies
136(3)
Mining the Net: Strategies and Tactics
139(3)
Observational Research Strategies
142(1)
Organizing and Structuring Discussions and Presentations
143(8)
Time Organizing
144(1)
Space Organizing
145(1)
Classification Organizing
146(2)
Analogical Organizing
148(1)
Cause-Effect/Effect-Cause Organizing
148(1)
Hierarchical Organizing
149(1)
Cost-Benefit/Pro-Con Organizing
150(1)
Problem-Solution Organizing
150(1)
Using Different Organizing Schemes to Frame the Same Content
151(1)
Constructng Argument: Reasoning Skills of the Participant
151(7)
Types of Evidence
152(2)
Types of Argument
154(4)
Preparing Discussion Outlines
158(4)
Opportunities for Discussion and Expanded Learning
162(1)
Case Study: A City Council Meeting
163(2)
CHAPTER SIX Interpersonal Communication: Managing Relationships in Small Groups 165(39)
What Happens When People Attempt to Communicate?
167(1)
Social Cognition
167(1)
Defining the Situation
168(1)
Verbal Messages
168(3)
Interpersonal Communication as Expression
169(1)
Interpersonal Communication as Sharing
169(1)
Interpersonal Communication as Goal-Directed Action
170(1)
Relationship Building
170(1)
Nonverbal Messages
171(6)
The Strategic Nature of Nonverbal Messages
171(1)
Environmental Dimensions
172(3)
Personal Dimensions
175(2)
Factors That Constrain Interpersonal Communication
177(9)
Lack of Knowledge, Skill, or Motivation
177(1)
Misunderstanding and Miscommunication
178(1)
Our Personal Biographies: Different Experiences and Past History
179(2)
Different Perceptual Orientations
181(5)
Factors That Enhance Interpersonal Communication
186(7)
Common Language
186(1)
Shared Cultural Knowledge
187(2)
Perspective Taking
189(4)
Major Personality Descriptors in Small Groups
193(2)
Dominant Versus Submissive
194(1)
Friendly Versus Unfriendly
194(1)
Instrumentally Controlled Versus Emotionally Expressive
195(1)
Application of SYMLOG to Group Relationship Building
195(1)
Communication Rules and Strategies for Improving Interpersonal Relationships in Groups
196(4)
Opportunities for Discussion and Expanded Learning
200(2)
Case Study: Diary of George Cramer
202(2)
CHAPTER SEVEN Leading Small Groups 204(32)
Theories for Leading Small Groups
206(16)
Designated Leader Perspectives
206(7)
Emergent Leader Perspectives
213(9)
Communication Rules and Strategies for Leading Problem-Solving Groups
222(9)
Leadership in the Task Domain
224(1)
Leadership in the Procedural Domain
225(3)
Leadership in the Interpersonal Domain
228(3)
Opportunities for Discussion and Expanded Learning
231(2)
Case Study: Leading a Corporate Task Force
233(3)
CHAPTER EIGHT Effective Role Performance in Small Groups 236(30)
Frequently Played Roles in Small Groups
238(7)
Task Leader
238(1)
Social-Emotional Leader
238(1)
Tension Releaser
239(1)
Information Provider
240(1)
Central Negative
240(1)
Questioner
240(1)
Silent Observer
241(1)
Active Listener
241(1)
Recorder
241(4)
Communication Rules and Strategies for Enhancing Effective Role Performance in Small Groups
245(9)
Maintaining Role Stability
245(1)
Adopting an Expanded Role
245(1)
Performing the Leadership Role When Needed
245(1)
Assisting on Procedure
246(1)
Observing and Self Monitoring
246(1)
Maintaining Focus on One's Professional Role
247(1)
Esprit de Corps
247(1)
Energizing and Encouraging
247(2)
Avoiding the Self Centered Follower Role
249(5)
An Integrated View of Roles and Communication Rules and Strategies
254(7)
A Mature Problem-Solving Group
254(3)
An Authoritatively Controlled Problem-Solving Group
257(1)
An Uncontrolled Problem-Solving Group
257(2)
The Social Problem-Solving Group
259(2)
Opportunities for Discussion and Expanded Learning
261(2)
Case Study: A Decision-Making Meeting
263(3)
CHAPTER NINE Managing Conflict in Groups 266(35)
What Factors Influence the Level of Conflict Within a Team?
268(13)
Differences in Propensity to Take Risks
269(1)
Differences in Professional Consciousness States
269(2)
Differences in Culture
271(2)
Groupthink
273(4)
Push and Pull Between Competition and Cooperation in Work Groups
277(3)
Incentive and Reward Policies and Procedures in Work Groups
280(1)
Rules and Strategies for Managing Organizational and Interpersonal Conflict
281(10)
Managing Group and Organizational Conflict
281(4)
Managing Interpersonal Conflict
285(6)
Conflict Management Message Strategies
291(6)
Strategies of Accommodation
291(1)
Strategies of Collaboration
292(3)
Strategies of Competition
295(2)
Opportunities for Discussion and Expanded Learning
297(2)
Case Study: Station House Number Six
299(2)
CHAPTER 10 Facilitating Group Work Within and Between Teams and Organizations 301(33)
Face-to-Face Collaboration Within the Organization
303(8)
Collaboration and Making Meetings More Effective
303(4)
Types of Business Meetings
307(4)
Managing Information Among Collaborating Groups
311(5)
Assimilation of Individuals and Groups into the Organizational Culture
316(3)
Role of Management
316(1)
Role of In-House Communication Channels
317(1)
Informal Social Interaction Within and Between Groups
318(1)
X, Y, and Z Management Cultures
318(1)
Virtual Teams: Collaborating Across Time and Space
319(11)
Relationship Building in Virtual Teams
319(4)
Effective Role Performance in Virtual Teams
323(5)
Team Building in Virtual Teams
328(2)
Opportunities for Discussion and Expanded Learning
330(2)
Case Study: Thor Davis-Unit Manager
332(2)
References 334(9)
Name Index 343(4)
Subject Index 347

An electronic version of this book is available through VitalSource.

This book is viewable on PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and most smartphones.

By purchasing, you will be able to view this book online, as well as download it, for the chosen number of days.

Digital License

You are licensing a digital product for a set duration. Durations are set forth in the product description, with "Lifetime" typically meaning five (5) years of online access and permanent download to a supported device. All licenses are non-transferable.

More details can be found here.

A downloadable version of this book is available through the eCampus Reader or compatible Adobe readers.

Applications are available on iOS, Android, PC, Mac, and Windows Mobile platforms.

Please view the compatibility matrix prior to purchase.