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

by Cragan, John F.; Wright, David W.; Kasch, Chris R.

• ISBN13: 9780534545512
• ISBN10: 0534545513
• Edition: 6th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-08-11
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing

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