Table of Contents
All chapters end with “Putting Principles into Practice” and “Practice” features.
1. Introducing Group and Team Principles and Practices.
What Is Small Group Communication?
The Importance of Teams.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Working in Groups and Teams.
Types of Small Groups.
Me Versus We: An Obstacle to Collaboration in Groups and Teams.
Becoming a Competent Small Group Communicator.
An Introduction to Group-Solving Competencies.
2. Small Group Communication Theory.
The Nature of Theory and the Theory-Building Process.
Theory: A Practical Approach to Group Communication.
A Case Study.
The Purpose of Communication in Small Groups: Reducing Uncertainty.
Theoretical Perspectives for the Study of Small Group Communication.
New Technologies and Small Group Communication Theory.
Describing Elements of Group and Team Communication.
3. Group Formation.
Why Do People Join Groups?
Individual Goals.
Group Goals.
A Case Study.
Establishing Mutuality of Concern.
Interpersonal Attraction.
Group Attraction.
Homogeneity and Diversity in Groups.
Group Formation Over Time.
4. Relating to Others in Small Groups.
Roles.
Norms.
Culture.
A New and Growing Culture: Persons with Disabilities.
Status.
Power.
Trust.
The Development of Group Relationships over Time.
5. Improving Group Climate.
A Case Study.
Defensive Communication.
Defensive and Supportive Climates.
Interpersonal Confirmation and Disconfirmation.
Listening.
Verbal Dynamics in the Small Group.
Group Cohesiveness.
Communication Networks.
Group Size.
Group Climate and Productivity.
6. Nonverbal Group Dynamics.
The Importance of Nonverbal Communication in Groups.
Applications of Nonverbal Communication Research to Groups and Teams.
Functions of Nonverbal Cues in Groups and Teams.
Culture and Nonverbal Communication.
Gender and Nonverbal Communication.
Interpreting Nonverbal Communication.
7. Preparing for Discussion.
Developing a Discussion Plan.
Formulating Discussion Questions.
Using Electronic Resources and the Library.
Using Logic and Reasoning.
Using Evidence in Group Discussion.
Using Critical Analysis Skills: Avoiding Reasoning Fallacies.
8. Making Decisions and Solving Problems.
Group Decision Making: Choosing Among Alternatives.
Group Problem Solving: Overcoming Obstacles to Achieving a Goal.
Three Approaches to Group Problem Solving.
Cultural Assumptions About Group Problem Solving and Decision Making.
9. Using Problem-Solving Techniques.
An Overview of Prescriptive Problem-Solving Strategies.
Reflective Thinking: The Traditional Approach to Group Problem Solving.
Brainstorming: A Creative Approach to Generating Ideas for Problem Solving.
Question-Oriented Approaches to Problem Solving.
10. Managing Conflict.
What Is Conflict?
Conflict and Diversity in Small Groups.
Conflict Management Styles.
Cooperative Conflict Management: Principles and Skills.
When People Are Not Cooperative: Dealing with Difficult Group Members.
Groupthink: Conflict Avoidance.
Consensus: Reaching Agreement Through Communication.
11. Leadership.
What Is Leadership?
Trait Perspective: Characteristics of Effective Leaders.
Functional Perspective: Group Needs and Roles.
Situational Perspective: Adapting Style to Context.
Transformational Leadership.
Emergent Leadership in Small Groups.
Leadership Training.
12. Improving Productivity in Groups and Teams.
Principles and Practices of Improving Work Quality.
Principles and Practices of Effective Meetings.
Principles and Practices of Using Technology in Groups and Teams.
Appendix: Communicating to an Audience.
Panel Discussions.
Symposium Presentations.
Forum Presentations.
Planning What to Say to an Audience.
Presenting Information to an Audience.
Glossary.
Index.