Communicating in Small Groups: Principles and Practices

Preface

 

Acknowledgments  

 

PART I: FOUNDATIONS OF GROUP AND TEAM COMMUNICATION  

 

CHAPTER ONE: Introducing Group and Team Principles and Practices 

 

What Is Small Group Communication?

What is Team Communication?

Theory into Practice: How to Become a Competent Team Member

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Working in Groups and Teams?

Communicating in Different Types of Groups

Communicating in Virtual Groups and Teams

How Can You Become a Competent Small Group Communicator?

The Nine Core Small Group Communication Competencies

Study Guide: Putting Group Principles into Practice

 

CHAPTER TWO: Small Group Communication Theory 

 

The Nature of Theory and the Theory-Building Process

Theory: A Practical Approach to Group Communication

The Purpose of Communication in Small Groups: Making Sense

Theoretical Perspectives for the Study of Group and Team Communication

Describing Elements of Group and Team Communication

Study Guide: Putting Group Principles into Practice

 

CHAPTER THREE: Group Formation

Why Do People Join Groups?

Interpersonal Needs

Individual Goals

Group and Team Goals

Establishing Mutuality of Concern

Interpersonal Attraction

Group Attraction

Homogeneity and Diversity in Groups

Group Formation over Time

Socializing New Group Members

Study Guide: Putting Group Principles into Practice

 

PART II: MANAGING GROUP AND TEAM RELATIONSHIPS

 

CHAPTER FOUR: Preparing to Collaborate

 

Developing a Discussion Plan

Formulating Discussion Questions

Using Logic and Reasoning

Evaluating Evidence in Group Discussion

Using Critical-Analysis Skills: Avoiding Reasoning Fallacies

Study Guide: Putting Group Principles into Practice

 

CHAPTER FIVE: Relating to Others in Groups and Teams

 

Roles

Norms

Status

Power

Trust

The Development of Group Relationships over Time

Culture

Study Guide: Putting Group Principles into Practice

 

CHAPTER SIX: Improving Group Climate

 

Defensive and Supportive Climates

Interpersonal Confirmation and Disconfirmation

Group Cohesiveness

Communication Networks

Group Size

Group Climate and Productivity

Study Guide: Putting Group Principles into Practice

 

CHAPTER SEVEN: Enhancing Group and Team Communication Skills

  

Verbal Dynamics in the Small Group

Listening

The Importance of Nonverbal Communication in Groups

Applications of Nonverbal Communication Research to Groups and Teams

Functions of Nonverbal Cues in Groups and Teams

Interpreting Nonverbal Communication

Study Guide: Putting Group Principles into Practice

 

CHAPTER EIGHT: Managing Conflict

 

What Is Conflict?

Types of Conflict

Conflict and Diversity in Small Groups

Conflict-Management Styles

Collaborative Conflict Management: Principles and Skills

When People Are Not Cooperative: Dealing with Difficult Group Members

Groupthink: Conflict Avoidance

Consensus: Reaching Agreement through Communication

Study Guide: Putting Group Principles into Practice

 

PART III: MANAGING GROUP AND TEAM TASKS

 

CHAPTER NINE: Leadership

 

What Is Leadership?

Trait Perspective: Characteristics of Effective Leaders

Functional Perspective: Group Needs and Roles

Situational