Small Group Work in the Real World: A Practical Approach

Small Group Work in the Real World: A Practical Approach introduces students to essential communication concepts and specialized communication terms. This full-color textbook aids students in working together to become a cohesive, effective small group team.Small Group Work in the Real World: A Practical Approach offers practical, ""real world"" advice about small group work. This text is divided into three main units and offers practical advice about: Getting a productive start Using power and managing conflict Practical applications in small group theories Forming and developing an effective group Communicating clearly and creating a supportive communication climate Leading groups and assuming small group roles Making decisions and solving problems Making small group presentations Using technology in small groups

Table of Contents:
Unit One: Foundations of Small Group Work. 0 Chapter 1: Introduction to Small Groups. 1 Chapter Objectives Small Groups: A Definition The Complexity of Small Group Communication Types of Small Groups The Prevalence of Small Groups in the Popular Imagination The Prevalence of Small Groups in the Real World Small Groups in Business Small Groups in Law Small Groups in Education Small Groups in Musical Entertainment Small Groups in Government ""Reality"" Television and Misconceptions about Small Groups The Phenomenon of ""Grouphate"" Tips for Reducing or Eliminating Grouphate Drawbacks of Small Group Work The Social Exchange Theory Benefits of Small Group Work Summary Glossary Works Cited or Consulted Film Recommendations Questions for Thought and Discussion Chapter 2: Getting a Productive Start Chapter Objectives Forming a Small Group Setting Your Small Group Members at Ease (""What Have We Gotten Ourselves Into?"") Establishing Clear Lines of Communication Establishing Group Guidelines Developing a Small Group Identity A Team Name A Team Symbol or Mascot A Team Motto A Team Mission Statement Scheduling, Conducting, and Debriefing from Meetings Choosing a Meeting Time and Place Developing a Meeting Agenda Conducting an Effective Meeting Concluding a Small Group Meeting Advice from Your Small Group Coaches Advice from Your Peers Summary Glossary Works Cited or Consulted Film Recommendations Questions for Thought and Discussion Chapter 3: Using Power and Managing Conflict. Chapter Objectives Five Power Resources Addressing Power Imbalances Types of Conflict Five Conflict Management Strategies The Strength and Weakness of the Conflict Strategies Approach. Managing Strong Emotions. Dealing with Difficult People Summary Glossary Works Cited or Consulted Film Recommendations Questions for Thought and Discussion Unit Two: Working Together Chapter 4: Small Group Theories Chapter Objectives Small Group Communication Theory The Role and Usefulness of Theory Limits of Small Group Theory Systems Theory Theories Previewing Chapter Five: Group Development Structuration Theory Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Tuckman's Group Development Model Asch's Conformity Theory Tuddenham's Conformity Theory Theories Previewing Chapter Six: Communication and Climate Communication Theories and Models. Theories Previewing Chapter Seven: Leadership and Roles Functional Theory Approaches to Leadership Leadership Styles The Naturalistic Paradigm Summary Glossary Works Cited or Consulted Film Recommendations Questions for Thought and Discussion Chapter 5: Small Group Formation and Development Chapter Objectives Small Group Formation and Development Forming Storming Norming Performing Why We Join Groups. Attraction Needs Goals Summary Glossary Works Cited or Consulted Film Recommendations Questions for Thought and Discussion Chapter 6: Small Group Communication and Climate Chapter Objectives Some Basic Communication Elements and Definitions General Principles of Effective Communication Gaining Communication Competence Communication Networks Answers to the ""Interaction Diagram"" Quiz The Difference Between Verbal and Nonverbal Communication Nonverbal Communication versus Verbal Communication Nonverbal Communication and Culture Interpreting Nonverbals Listening Three Listening Barriers Eight Ineffective Listening Behaviors The Five Steps of the Listening Process Ten Steps to Take to Become a Better Listener Communicating Clear Verbal Messages Creating a Supportive Communication Climate Disconfirming Responses versus Confirming Responses Defensive and Supportive Climates Summary Glossary Works Cited or Consulted Film Recommendations Questions for Thought and Discussion Chapter 7: Small Group Leadership and Roles Chapter Objectives Introduction Leaders and Leadership Designated Leaders Emergent Leaders Leadership Leadership Theories: Making Sense of Leadership How to Become a Leader Roles within Groups Types of Roles Labels for Group Task Roles Labels for Group Maintenance Roles Labels for Individual Roles Tips to Being Effective with Group Roles Roles and Communication: Closing Thoughts Summary Glossary Works Cited or Consulted Film Recommendations Questions for Thought and Discussion Unit Three: Producing Quality Small Group Work Chapter 8: Making Decisions and Solving Problems Chapter Objectives Decision-Making Groups versus Problem-Solving Groups Decision-Making Small Groups Problem-Solving Small Groups Decision-Making and Problem-Solving Groups The Elements of Low-Quality Small Group Decisions Too Much Evidence or Information (Information Overload) Insufficient Evidence or Information (Information Underload) Insufficient Deliberation Time Influence from Outside Parties Hidden Agendas Poor Communication Poor or Faulty Reasoning Too Much Conflict Too Little Conflict (Groupthink) Poor Decision-Making Processes The Elements of High-Quality Small Group Decisions The Right People Are in the Room, And They Know Why They Are There Adequate Time Has Been Set Aside for the Decision-Making Process Members Set Aside Preconceptions and Biases Open, Frank Discussion is Encouraged (Even the Discussion of Dissenting Opinions) All the Necessary Information and Evidence Is Made Available Members Share Their Analysis and Evaluation of the Information Members Support Their Assertions with Adequate Evidence and Sound Reasoning. All Options and Alternatives Are Explored Conflict is Managed Appropriately Members Aim for a Consensus Decision. The Standard Agenda (A Six Step Problem-Solving Method) Step 1: Identify and Define the Problem Step 2: Analyze the Problem Step 3: Brainstorming Possible Solutions Step 4: Decide on Criteria for Judging the Solutions. Step 5: Evaluating and Selecting the Solution(s) Step 6: Implement the Solution(s) Practical Advice for Using the Standard Agenda Summary Glossary Works Cited or Consulted Film Recommendations Questions for Thought and Discussion Chapter 9: Small Group Presentations Chapter Objectives The Basics of a Speech Five Crucial Public Speaking Skills How to Gather and Use Research Outlining a Speech Making and Using ""Key Word"" Note Cards How to Make and Use Visual Aids How to Manage Your Public Speaking Anxiety Types of Small Group Presentations Acting as a Small Group Spokesperson A ""Tag Team"" Small Group Presentation A Small Group Panel Discussion A Small Group Symposium A Small Group Forum Discussion Summary Glossary Works Cited or Consulted Film Recommendations Questions for Thought and Discussion Chapter 10: Using Technology Effectively Chapter Objectives Technology and Small Groups Virtual Meetings Video Conferencing Video Calls. Teleconference Text-Only Virtual Communication Online Collaboration Tools Technology Based Facilitation and Presentation Tools Using Software-Based Presentation Tools Visual Guidelines for Software-Based Presentation Aids PowerPoint Rules Organize Your Group with Technology Tips for Delivering with Technology Summary Glossary Works Cited or Consulted Film Recommendations Questions for Thought and Discussion