The Fundamentals of Small Group Communication

by Myers, Scott A.

• ISBN13: 9781412959391
• ISBN10: 141295939X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-01-17
• Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc

Summary

The Fundamentals of Small Group Communication provides readers with the fundamentals they need to become functional and productive members of any small group. Readers are introduced to the fundamental issues faced by all small groups (such as socialization, development, ethics, diversity) and the procedures utilized by effective small groups (for example, task accomplishment, decision making, climate).   With a focus on the individual group member, this textbook encourages readers to reflect on how their communication behaviors (e.g., communication traits, verbal and nonverbal communication, listening style) and practices (e.g., their leadership style, their conflict management style) contribute to their current small group experiences.   "For the introductory group communication course, I believe this book would be an excellent choice. Too many small group communication textbooks focus on the group and not the individual in the group. It covers enough material but not in too much depth for a first-year student to understand the basics of small group communication. Additionally, I like the interpersonal approach this text takes in regards to the individual in the small group. Our students need to know how to 'act' in a small group, and this book provides that direction. Moreover, I think the small case studies at the beginning of each chapter will encourage the student to actually read the chapter because they are interesting and relate to our students' everyday lives."   '”Chad Edwards, Western Michigan University   "I like the approach of this text. Looking at small group communication as a series of interpersonal interactions is a novel approach: Showing students how they are responsible in the interaction'”what they have to gain and what they have to lose in the small group'”is applicable to the 'real world.' The important terms, concepts, and theories are well thought out, well developed, and presented in a clear and concise manner."    '”Ann Marie Jablonowski, Owens Community College    "I really appreciate the book's focus on how the individual contributes to the group communication context. The Fundamentals of Small Group Communication is easy to read, translates research extremely well, and offers students practical information about small group communication that they can use."  '”Shawn T. Wahl, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi   Intended Audience   This textbook is intended for introductory courses in group communication as found in department of communication studies, leadership, marketing, management, and interdisciplinary studies.

Table of Contents

Dedication

List of Tables, Figures, and Assessment Tools

About the Authors

Acknowledgments

Preface

Components of Small Group Communication

Case Study

Definition of Small Group Communication

Primary Features of Small Group Communication

Secondary Features of Small Group Communication

Types of Small Groups

Ethics of Small Group Membership

A Final Note about Small Group Communication

Conclusion

Discussion Questions

References

The Small Group Socialization Process

Case Study

Why Individuals Join Groups

Small Group Socialization

Model of Small Group Socialization

Outcomes of Socialization

Socialization Guidelines

A Final Note about the Small Group Socialization Process

Conclusion

Discussion Questions

References

Small Group Member Communication and Personality Traits

Case Study

Definition and Differentiation of Traits

Communication Traits

Personality Traits

Communication and Personality Traits in the Small Group

A Final Note about Small Group Member Traits

Conclusion

Discussion Questions

References

Diversity Among Small Group Members

Case Study

Definition and Outcomes of Diversity

Cultural Diversity

Demographic Diversity: Sex and Gender

Cognitive Diversity: Learning Styles

Communication Traits as a Reflection of Diversity

A Final Note about Diversity among Small Group Members

Conclusion

Discussion Questions

References

Models of Small Group Development

Case Study

Group Development

Developmental Models

Characteristics of Group Development

A Final Note about Small Group Development

Conclusion

Discussion Questions

References

Characteristics of Small Group Tasks

Case Study

Characteristics of a Task

Engaging in Decision-Making and Problem-Solving Tasks

Functional Perspective of Small Group Communication

Groupthink

A Final Note about the Small Group Task

Conclusion

Discussion Questions

References

Small Group Decision-Making Procedures

Case Study

Definition of Decision-Making Procedures

Types of Decision-Making Procedures

Why Use Decision-Making Procedures?

A Final Note about Small Group Decision-Making Procedures

Conclusion

Discussion Questions

References

Development of Small Group Roles

Case Study

Functional Approach to Roles

General Propositions of Roles

Role Development

Types of Roles

A Final Note about Small Group Roles

Conclusion

Discussion Questions

References

Approaches to Small Group Leadership

Case Study

Being a Leader vs. Sharing Leadership

Classic Leadership Approaches

Popular Communication Leadership Approaches

Guidelines to Enhance Leadership Competence

A Final Note about Small Group Leadership

Conclusion

Discussion Questions

References

Relational Communication among Small Group Members

Case Study

Definition of Relational Communication

Verbal and Nonverbal Communication

Functions of Verbal and Nonverbal Communication

Listening

A Final Note about Relational Communication

Conclusion

Discussion Questions

References

Conflict in the Small Group

Case Study

Definition of Conflict

Types of Small Group Conflict

Conflict-Handling Styles

Guidelines for Handling Conflict

A Final Note about Small Group Conflict

Conclusion

Discussion Questions

References

Cohesion and Climate in the Small Group

Case Study

The Importance of Cohesion

Definition of Communication Climate

How Communication Climate is Established

Turning a Defensive Climate into a Supportive Climate

A Final Note about Cohesion and Climate

Conclusion

Discussion Questions

References

Connecting Small Group Communication Concepts

Case Study

Connecting Textbook Content to Small Group Interactions

A Final Note about Connecting Small Group Concepts

Conclusion

Discussion Questions

Designing and Delivering Small Group Presentations

Case Study

Designing the Small Group Presentation

Delivering the Small Group Presentation

A Final Note about Designing and Delivering the Presentation

Conclusion

Discussion Questions

References

Glossary

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