Small Group Communication: Theory & Practice An Anthology

by Hirokawa, Randy Y.; Cathcart, Robert S.; Samovar, Larry A.; Henman, Linda D.

• ISBN13: 9780195330007
• ISBN10: 0195330005
• Edition: 8th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-04-20
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

The eighth edition of Small Group Communication: Theory and Practice presents a collection of readings from the most well-known researchers and practitioners in the field. This comprehensive anthology spans a broad range of topics in communication theory, research, and practice. These include contemporary views of small groups, theories of group communication, group development and organization, group communication processes, group and team performance, group leadership, culture and diversity in groups, and methods for analyzing group communication. New to the Eighth Edition: New lead coeditor Randy Hirokawa (University of Iowa) brings a strong background in small group communication to the new edition, which features fourteen new and three updated chapters. New topics include: * The bona fide group perspective * The functional perspective * Symbolic convergence theory * Multiple sequence models of group development * Virtual group communication * New communication technologies * Social influence processes in groups * Counteractive influence and group leadership * Characteristics of effective health care teams * Sex, gender, and communication in groups * Narrative analysis of group communication * Methods for evaluating group communication In addition, two new sections have been added: "Theories of Group Communication" and "Observing Group Communication," with three new chapters in each section. Thought-provoking introductions to each section provide internal cohesiveness and structure to the book. Importantly, each reading offers its own individual introduction, which alerts readers to key points and integrates the selection into the larger themes of the section. These introductions serve as a "road map" as students travel through the ongoing intellectual developments, diverse views, and continuing debates that make the study of small group communication an exciting adventure.

Table of Contents

Nature of Groups

Introduction

Groups as Systems

Rethinking the Nature of Groups: A Bona Fide Group Perspective

Distinguishing Characteristics of Virtual Groups

Theories of Group Communication

Introduction

Effective Decision-making and Problem-solving in Groups: A Functional Perspective

Symbolic Convergence Theory

Group Communication and the Structuring Process

Organization of Groups

Introduction

Time and Transition in Work Teams: Toward a New Model of Group Development

Multiple Sequence Model of Group Development

Group Processes

Introduction

Spatial Relationships in Small Groups

Feedback Processes in Task Groups

Influencing Others in Group Interaction: Individual, Subgroup, Group, and Intergroup Processes

Groups and Teams

Introduction

Communication and Group Decision-making Efficacy

New Communication Technologies and Teams

Characteristics of Effective Health Care Teams

Teaming with Emotions: The Impact of Emotionality on Work-Team Collaboration

Leadership in Groups

Introduction

Leadership as the Art of Counteractive Influence in Decision-making and Problem-solving Groups

Leadership and Gender: Challenging Assumptions and Recognizing Resources

Leadership as Organizing

Diversity in Groups

Introduction

Sex, Gender, and Communication in Small Groups

Communication in the Multicultural Group

Cross-Cultural and Intercultural Work Group Communication

Analyzing Group Communication

Introduction

Observing Group Interaction

Narrative Analysis of Group Communication

Evaluating Group Discussion

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