The Fundamentals of Small Group Communication

FOR FTN USE ONLY, NOT FOR WEB The Fundamentals of Small Group Communication provides the beginning student with basic concepts, skills, and practices to become an effective group member. Unlike other small group communication textbooks that revolve around group work and group presentations, this textbook centers on the individual group mem ber. That is, students who read this textbook will learn how their contribution to any small group endeavor can be enhanced by learning about (1) the small group communication process (e.g., components of small group communication, group socialization, group development), (2) the unique qualities each group member brings to the process (e.g., communication and personality traits, diversity, ethics), and (3) how the qualities of each group member can enhance or detract from various aspects of the small group process in terms of both the group task (e.g., the func tional perspective of small group communication, engaging in problem-solving and decision-making techniques, roles, shared leadership) and group member relationships (e.g., engaging in relational communication, handling conflict, establishing a supportive climate). The treatment is succinct and practical. The chapters are arranged in a way that suggests three overarching themes: characteristics of small group communication and the individual group member (chapters 1-5), the group task (chapters 6-9), and group member relationships (chapters 10-14). By presenting a clear, uncluttered introduction to small group communication--without the distracting jargon, "bells & whistles," and cost-inflating color photographs found in most texts--The Fundamentals of Small Group Communication offers an attractive option for those who are genuinely concerned about using a great textbook that is affordable, easy to read, translates research extremely well, and offers students prac tical information about small group communication that they can use.

Table of Contents:
Dedication List of Tables, Figures, and Assessment Tools About the Authors Acknowledgments Preface 1. 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 2. 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 3. 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 4. 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 5. 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 6. 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 7. 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 8. 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 9. 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 10. 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 11. 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 12. 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 Appendix A: 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 Appendix B: 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

About the Author :
Scott A. Myers (PhD, Kent State University) is a professor and Peggy Rardin McConnell Chair in the Department of Communication Studies at West Virginia University (WVU) where he teaches courses in instructional communication, organizational communication, and communication pedagogy. His research interests center primarily on the student-instructor relationship in the college classroom and the adult sibling relationship, with his research appearing in outlets such as Communication Education, Journal of Family Communication, Communication Research Reports, and Communication Quarterly, among others. At WVU, he was recognized by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences as a Woodburn Professor (2005–2007) and as an Outstanding Teacher in 2010. He is a former editor of Communication Teacher, a former executive director of the Central States Communication Association (CSCA), and a past president of CSCA.    

Review :
"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." "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 they are 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." "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."