Rent 9781412959391 | The Fundamentals of Small Group Communication

Summary Table of Contents

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., communi... MOREcation 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 theyare 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.

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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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