Small Group and Team Communication

by Harris, Thomas E.; Sherblom, John C.

• ISBN13: 9780205414918
• ISBN10: 0205414915
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-07-15
• Publisher: Pearson

Summary

Praised for its writing style, research base, and range of topics covered, this text develops issues of diversity, ethics, technology, and the organizational use of groups and teams within a systems theory framework. Clearly organized and logically presented, this text provides the opportunity for outstanding discussions of critical issues. Harris and Sherblom effectively integrate real-world examples, hypothetical situations, social-science theories, and scholarly research into a unified discussion of small group and team communication. Extensive examples, case studies, and exercises engage students and help them to move from theoretical discussions into the application and experience of the concepts presented. New to This Edition A new chapter organization and inclusion of additional visual materials, including pictures, graphs and summaries, make the content clearer and more engaging to students. Includes more coverage of ethics throughout the text. An expanded Instructor's Manual now includes additional exercises and activities.

Table of Contents

Preface	xv
1 Small Groups: Power, Definition, and Attraction	1	(24)
The Power of Groups	3	(1)
Defining Small Group Communication	4	(2)
Transactional Process	4	(1)
Symbolic Behavior	5	(1)
Shared Meaning	6	(1)
Why Join a Group?	6	(3)
Interpersonal Attraction	6	(2)
Need for Affiliation	8	(1)
Commitment to Group Goals and Activities	8	(1)
Assignment by Someone Else	9	(1)
Characteristics of Small Groups	9	(2)
Interdependence and Interactivity	9	(1)
Exponential Number of Interactions	10	(1)
Synergy	11	(1)
Characteristics of Small Group Communication	11	(2)
Complex Transactions	12	(1)
Interactive Complexities	12	(1)
Types of Small Groups	13	(2)
Groups in Organizations	15	(1)
Examples from the Automotive Industry	15	(1)
Meetings	16	(1)
Summary	16	(3)
Discussion Questions	19	(1)
Exercises	20	(3)
References	23	(2)
2 Groups as Systems of Interaction	25	(21)
Understanding Small Group Success	26	(2)
Communication in Small Groups	28	(1)
A Systems Approach to Small Group Communication	29	(11)
Systems Theory	29	(1)
Open Systems	30	(5)
Complex Systems	35	(5)
Summary	40	(1)
Discussion Questions	40	(1)
Exercises	41	(4)
References	45	(1)
3 Norms, Roles, Cohesiveness, and Groupthink	46	(20)
Norms	47	(4)
The Reason for Norms	47	(1)
Types of Norms	48	(1)
Norms and Diversity	49	(1)
Violating Norms	50	(1)
Roles	51	(4)
Types of Roles	51	(3)
The Function of Roles	54	(1)
Cohesiveness	55	(2)
Influences on Cohesiveness	55	(1)
Consequences of Cohesiveness	56	(1)
Groupthink	57	(2)
Summary	59	(1)
Discussion Questions	59	(1)
Exercises	60	(4)
References	64	(2)
4 Four Phases of Group Development: Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing	66	(23)
Forming: Hello, Orientation, and Inclusion	69	(2)
Storming: Conflict in Groups	71	(3)
Norming: Emergence as a Group	74	(1)
Performing: Making Decisions and Solving Problems	74	(2)
Terminating	76	(1)
Usefulness of the Phase Model	77	(2)
Modifications	77	(1)
Organizational Teams	78	(1)
Overriding Influences	79	(2)
Formal or Informal Group	79	(1)
Task and Social Dynamics	79	(1)
Primary and Secondary Tensions	80	(1)
Summary	81	(1)
Discussion Questions	82	(1)
Exercises	82	(6)
References	88	(1)
5 Diversity in Groups: The Strength of Different Perspectives	89	(20)
Defining Diversity and Its Place in Small Groups	90	(1)
Assumptions and Stereotyping	91	(2)
Communication Contexts	93	(2)
Language Use	94	(1)
Nonverbal Communication	95	(1)
Diversity in Small Groups and Teams	95	(3)
Group Commitment and Consensus	95	(2)
Strength in Diversity	97	(1)
Making Diverse Groups Work	98	(3)
Conflict Management	98	(1)
Hierarchies of Power	99	(1)
Pressures for Conformity	100	(1)
Summary	101	(1)
Discussion Questions	102	(1)
Exercises	103	(3)
References	106	(3)
6 Verbal and Nonverbal Communication	109	(24)
Functions of Verbal Communication	111	(3)
Task Ordering	111	(1)
Process Orientation	111	(1)
Narratives and Group Fantasies	112	(2)
Structures of Meaning in Verbal Communication	114	(3)
Denotative and Connotative Meaning	114	(1)
Semantics	115	(1)
Group Talk	116	(1)
Humor	116	(1)
Nonverbal Communication	117	(9)
Principles of Nonverbal Communication	118	(2)
Types of Nonverbal Communication	120	(4)
Powerless Stereotypes	124	(2)
Summary	126	(1)
Discussion Questions	126	(1)
Exercises	127	(4)
References	131	(2)
7 Listening and Feedback: The Other Half of Communication	133	(20)
Motivation	136	(1)
The Four Components of Listening	137	(4)
Sensing (Hearing the Message)	137	(2)
Interpreting the Message	139	(1)
Evaluating the Message Content	140	(1)
Memory: Retaining and Responding to the Message	140	(1)
Active Listening	141	(4)
Barriers to Active Listening	142	(2)
Active Listening Response Methods	144	(1)
Feedback: Responding to the Message	145	(3)
Providing Constructive Feedback	146	(2)
Receiving Feedback	148	(1)
Summary	148	(1)
Discussion Questions	148	(1)
Exercises	149	(3)
References	152	(1)
8 Group Evolution: Teams	153	(18)
The Scope of Employee Involvement Programs	155	(1)
Teams	156	(8)
Quality Circles	158	(3)
Self-Managing Work Teams	161	(3)
Summary	164	(1)
Discussion Questions	165	(1)
Exercises	165	(4)
References	169	(2)
9 Decision Making and Problem Solving	171	(25)
Decision Making and Problem Solving	172	(2)
The Stages of Decision Making and Problem Solving	174	(8)
Defining the Problem	174	(2)
Constraints in the Context of Goals	176	(1)
Searching Out Alternatives	177	(2)
Making the Decision	179	(1)
Implementing the Decision	180	(1)
Evaluating the Decision	181	(1)
Patterns of Decision-Making and Problem-Solving Groups	182	(2)
Group Composition	182	(1)
Group Process	183	(1)
The Decision-Making and Problem-Solving Process	184	(6)
Problem Identification and Information Gathering	184	(2)
Refining Goals	186	(1)
Refining Alternatives	187	(1)
Making the Choice	187	(1)
Implementing the Decision	188	(2)
Summary	190	(1)
Discussion Questions	191	(1)
Exercises	191	(3)
References	194	(2)
10 Creativity in the Small Group Process	196	(22)
What Is Creativity?	197	(2)
Creativity Means a New Way of Looking	199	(1)
Barriers to Creativity	200	(4)
Perceptual Barriers	200	(3)
Cultural Barriers	203	(1)
Emotional Barriers	203	(1)
Techniques for Encouraging Creativity	204	(4)
Idea Needlers	205	(1)
Manipulative Verbs	206	(1)
Association and Metaphors	206	(1)
Analogy	207	(1)
Solving Problems Creatively	208	(1)
A Creative Group Climate	209	(3)
Openness	209	(1)
Sharing	209	(1)
Gibb's Communication Climate Comparisons	209	(3)
Summary	212	(1)
Discussion Questions	212	(1)
Exercises	213	(3)
References	216	(2)
11 Group Process and Presentation Techniques	218	(25)
Brainstorming	220	(1)
Creative Decision-Making Techniques	221	(6)
Focus Groups	221	(1)
Nominal Group Technique	222	(2)
Delphi Technique	224	(1)
Synectics	225	(1)
Buzz Sessions	226	(1)
Idea Writing	226	(1)
Role Playing	227	(1)
Listening Teams	227	(1)
Problem-Solving Tools	227	(5)
Flowcharts	227	(1)
Fishbone Diagrams	228	(1)
Pareto's Principle	228	(4)
The RISK Procedure	232	(1)
PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique)	233	(1)
How These Techniques Are Used	233	(2)
Small Group Presentational Formats	235	(2)
The Forum	235	(1)
The Panel	236	(1)
The Colloquium	236	(1)
The Symposium	237	(1)
Summary	237	(1)
Discussion Questions	237	(2)
Exercises	239	(2)
References	241	(2)
12 Productive Conflict Management	243	(26)
Defining Conflict within a Communication Context	245	(3)
Conflict within Systems	245	(1)
Conflict within Small Groups	246	(1)
The Substance of Conflict	247	(1)
Patterns of Conflict Management	248	(7)
Collaboration (and Consensus)	249	(2)
Negotiation	251	(1)
Accommodation	252	(1)
Compromise	253	(1)
Competition	253	(2)
Avoidance	255	(1)
Power in Group Conflict	255	(4)
Expert Power	256	(1)
Interpersonal Linkage Power	256	(1)
Reward and Punishment Power	257	(1)
Positional (Legitimate) Power	257	(1)
Referent Power	258	(1)
Charismatic (or Personal) Power	258	(1)
Avoidance Power	258	(1)
Power in Context	259	(1)
Summary	260	(2)
Discussion Questions	262	(1)
Exercises	262	(5)
References	267	(2)
13 Leadership in Small Groups	269	(26)
Recognizing Leaders	271	(1)
Leadership as a Function in a System	272	(1)
Theories of Leadership	272	(7)
Managerial Leadership Grid Theory	273	(3)
Transactional and Transformational Theories	276	(1)
Leadership by Adaptation	277	(1)
Leaderless Groups	278	(1)
Three Characteristics of Leaders	279	(2)
Vision	279	(1)
Credibility	279	(1)
Communication Competence	280	(1)
Choosing a Leader	281	(3)
Appointed Leaders	281	(1)
Elected Leaders	282	(1)
Emergent Leaders	282	(1)
Shared (Facilitative) Leadership	283	(1)
Tasks of Group Leaders	284	(1)
Facilitating Meetings	284	(1)
Empowering Group Members	284	(1)
Managing Conflict	284	(1)
Influences on Group Leadership	285	(1)
External Context	285	(1)
Nature of Task	285	(1)
Interdependence of Group Members	286	(1)
Leadership Styles	286	(2)
Leader-as-Technician	287	(1)
Leader-as-Conductor	287	(1)
Leader-as-Coach	288	(1)
Summary	288	(1)
Discussion Questions	289	(1)
Exercises	290	(3)
References	293	(2)
14 Observing and Evaluating a Small Group	295	(20)
Systematic Feedback	296	(1)
Success and Failure	297	(1)
Observer-Members Scales	297	(11)
Rating Scales	298	(5)
Postmeeting Reaction Forms	303	(5)
Observer Feedback Guidelines	308	(1)
Individual Role Behavior	308	(1)
Verbal Interaction and Content Analyses	309	(1)
Summary	310	(1)
Discussion Questions	311	(1)
Exercises	311	(3)
References	314	(1)
15 Computer Mediated
Group Communication	315	(1)
Understanding the Technology and Its Influences on Small Group Communication	316	(10)
The Importance of Understanding Influential Undercurrents	317	(1)
Computer Mediated Communication (CMC)	318	(2)
Performance Outcomes of CMC Groups	320	(1)
Electronic Meeting Systems	320	(6)
Undercurrents of the Communication Medium	326	(5)
Social Presence	326	(4)
Some Effects of CMC Undercurrents on Group Processes	330	(1)
Choosing a Medium for the Effective Use of CMC	331	(3)
Choosing a Medium for the Communication Task	331	(1)
Finding a Language Demand-Technology Fit	332	(1)
Matching Media Richness to the Communication Function	333	(1)
Adopting Effective Group Communication Strategies for CMC	334	(2)
Facilitating Effective CMC Group Communication	334	(2)
Leading a CMC Group Meeting	336	(1)
Summary	336	(1)
Discussion Questions	337	(1)
Exercises	338	(1)
References	339	(3)
Appendix: Gathering, Organizing, Processing, and Presenting Information as a Team	342	(7)
I. Choose a Topic	342	(1)
II. Gather Information	342	(1)
III. Process the Information	343	(2)
IV. Organize the Information for Presentation	345	(2)
V. Practice	347	(2)
Index	349