Group Dynamics in Recreation and Leisure : Creating Conscious Groups Through and Experiential Approach

by O'Connell, Timothy

• ISBN13: 9780736062879
• ISBN10: 0736062874
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-08-29
• Publisher: Human Kinetics

Summary

This book introduces group dynamics theory and current research as it applies to recreation and leisure settings. It presents the key concepts and terms, a brief history of the field and the various theories and models cI group development. The text then explains the concept of the conscious group, its nature and components and applies experientialleaming theory to working with these groups. It moves beyond theory to show students that their understanding of goup dynamics can be a meaningfUl and realistic tool. Students will Ieam to apply the theory to the practical factors and issues involved in leading and working with conscious groups. They'll explore group goal setting; clarification of objectives and expectations; processes for decision making and problem solving; positive communication; ethics, morals, and values; effective leadership of recreation groups and the effects of conflict, power, gender and environment on goup functioning. Throughout the book, case studies, scenarios and examples from leisure services, parks, tourism and education help students understand and apply the information. This will be an ideal textbook for undergraduate students in group dynamics courses; supplemental text for students enrolled in core courses in recreation, leisure services, parks and tourism programming, leadership and management.

Author Biography

Brent Cuthbertson is an associate professor and director in the School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks, and Tourism at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay Ontario, Canada, where he teaches courses in outdoor leadership and experiential education. Timothy S. O'Connell is an associate professor in the department of recreation and leisure studies at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, where he teaches outdoor recreation and group dynamics courses.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Conscious Group

Introduction to Group Dynamics

Groups in Human History

Groups Defined

Classifications of Groups

Group Dynamics

Why Study Groups?

Summary

References

Group Formation and Development Theory

Why People Join Groups

What Makes Groups Attractive?

What Happens Next?

Group Development Theories

The Group-Individual Relationship

Summary

Questions for Discussion

Recommended Websites

References

The Conscious Group

Group Purpose

Personal Growth in Recreation Groups

Experiential Education

Experiential Education and Group Dynamics

Summary

Developing the Conscious Group

Group Goals, Objectives, and Expectations

Defining Terms

Clarifying Goals, Objectives, and Expectations

Summary

Values, Ethics, and Morals

Definitions

Moral Development

Applying Moral Theory

Moral Reasoning Exercises

Summary

Decision Making and Problem Solving

Advantages of Group Decision Making

Disadvantages of Group Decision Making

A Six-Step Process for Making Decisions

Common Methods of Group Decision Making

The Leader and Decision Making

Summary

References

Power and Conflict

Power

The Operation of Power in Groups

Managing Conflict

Summary

Gender in Group Dynamics

Gender and Sex

Gender and Recreation Behavior

Generalizations About Gender-Specific Behaviors

Gender and Leadership

Conformity

Decision Making

Communication

Conflict Management

Power

Status

Task Solutions

Summary

References

Group Leadership

What Is Leadership?

Followership

Leadership Theory

Applying Leadership Theory

Summary

References

Environmental Impacts on Groups

Environmental Factors

Social Environment

Case Study

Summary

References

Addressing Issues in the Conscious Group

Strengths, Weaknesses and Myths in Group Dynamics

Strengths of Groups

Weaknesses of Groups

When to Work Alone

Myths in Group Dynamics

Practical Techniques for Addressing Group Needs

Summary

References

Crowds and the Mob Mentality

Collectives

Behavior in Crowds

Strategies for Working With Collectives

Summary

Alternative Groups

Consensus-Based Groups

Participant-Centered Groups

Working With Alternative Recreation Groups

Summary

Diversity and Difference

Diversity and Difference

Types of Diversity

Benefits of Diverse Groups

Shortcomings of Diverse Groups

Working With Diverse Groups

Summary

References

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