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Published: 19th April 2012

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This book bridges the gap between academic research about groups and real-life application with teams. The author provides effective theory and research-based interventions that students can immediately apply to their work.It is organized around the theoretical concepts that are typically found in group or team dynamics books. Unlike the books that emphasize only theory, this volume will also focus on application. Specifically, in each core chapter the author includes explanations of specific ways to improve groups rather than only providing a summary of the theories. And, unlike other applied books in improving team functioning, the author utilizes theory and empirical research to frame the content. This combination should help readers to better understand teams and then guide successful application and intervention.After an introductory chapter, the author will provide a chapter on basic group processes. For each main chapter the author will first summarize relevant theory and then summarize the steps in several different theory-based interventions. These steps will be provided in a table format so that readers can immediately see the applications. As a result, students and/or practitioners can better understand the "why" of how groups work when intervening in their teams. They will also have readily available a list of several interventions that they can use to help them improve the effectiveness of the teams in their workplace. Applied exercises at the end of each chapter and case examples of teams help readers transfer the material to real-world terms. A unique chapter on meetings examines common barriers to meetings in the workplace and offers specific exercises for improving meetings. The final chapter will be a summary of information about improving team performance and member satisfaction. Further, the author provides unique coverage of assessment and using research to understand and evaluate team functioning.

"He covers this territory remarkably well in this book, which stands as a combined textbook and operational manual.  Summing Up: Highly recommended.  Lower-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals.”   (Choice, 1 March 2013)

Acknowledgements xx

Part I Introduction 1

1 Introduction to Teams 3

2 Methods of Assessing and Evaluating Team Functioning 18

Part II Inputs 43

3 Team Theories and Concepts 45

4 Understanding Culture and Diversity 70

5 Preparing the Environment for Teamwork 93

Part III Processes 109

6 Improving Small Group Communication and Trust 111

7 Improving Creativity and Innovation 137

8 Improving Problem Solving and Decision Making 157

9 Understanding Cohesion and Collaboration 176

10 Reducing Dysfunctional Conflict and Improving Cooperation 199

11 Influence, Power, and Leadership 229

12 Working in Virtual Teams 259

Part IV Outputs 281

13 Searching for Synergy: Creating a High-Performing Team 283

Appendix: Improving Team Meetings 300

References 307

Index 340

ISBN: 9781405186704
ISBN-10: 1405186704
Audience: Professional
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Number Of Pages: 376
Published: 19th April 2012
Dimensions (cm): 24.3 x 17.2  x 1.867
Weight (kg): 0.578