Praised for its writing style, research base, and range of topics covered, this text develops issues of diversity, ethics, technology and the organizational use of groups and teams within a systems theory framework. Clearly organized and logically presented, this text provides the opportunity for outstanding discussions of critical issues. Harris and Sherblom effectively integrate real-world examples, hypothetical situations, social science theories, and scholarly research into a unified discussion of small group and team communication. Extensive examples, case studies, and exercises engage students and help them to move from theoretical discussions into application and experience of the concepts presented.
Each chapter concludes with “Conclusion,” “Discussion Questions, ” “Exercises,” and “References.”
1. Small Groups: Power, Definition, and Attraction.
The Power of Groups.
Defining Small Group Communication.
Why Join a Group?
Ethical Behavior
Characteristics of Small Groups.
Characteristics of Small Group Communication.
Types of Small Groups.
Groups in Organizations.
Meeting Effectiveness
2. Groups as Systems of Interaction.
Understanding Small Group Success.
Communication in Small Groups.
A Systems Approach to Small Group Communication.
3. Norms, Roles, Cohesiveness, and Groupthink.
Norms.
Roles.
Cohesiveness.
Groupthink.
4. Four Phases of Group Development: Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing.
Forming: Hello, Orientation, and Inclusion.
Storming: Conflict in Groups.
Norming: Emergence as a Group.
Performing: Making Decisions and Solving Problems.
Terminating.
Usefulness of the Phase Model.
Overriding Influences.
5. Diversity in Groups: The Strength of Different Perspectives.
Defining Diversity and Its Place in Small Groups.
Assumptions and Stereotyping.
Communication Contexts.
Diversity in Small Groups and Teams.
Making Diverse Groups Work.
6. Verbal and Nonverbal Communication.
Functions of Verbal Communication.
Structure of Meaning in Verbal Communication.
Nonverbal Communication.
7. Listening and Feedback: The Other Half of Communication.
Motivation.
The Four Components of Listening.
Active Listening.
Feedback: Responding to the Message.
8. Group Evolution: Teams.
The Scope of Employee Involvement Programs.
Teams.
9. Decision Making and Problem Solving.
Decision Making and Problem Solving.
The Stages of Decision Making and Problem Solving.
Patterns of Decision-Making and Problem-Solving Groups.
The Decision-Making and Problem-Solving Process.
10. Creativity in the Small Group Process.
What Is Creativity?
Creativity Means a New Way of Looking.
Barriers to Creativity.
Techniques for Encouraging Creativity.
Solving Problems Creatively.
A Creative Group Climate.
11. Group Process and Presentation Techniques.
Brainstorming.
Creative Decision-Making Techniques.
Problem-Solving Tools.
The RISK Procedure.
PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique).
Small Group Presentational Formats.
12. Productive Conflict Management.
Defining Conflict within a Communication Context.
Patterns of Conflict Resolution.
Power in Group Conflict.
Power in Context.
13. Leadership in Small Groups.
Recognizing Leaders.
Leadership as a Function in a System.
Theories of Leadership.
Three Characteristics of Leaders.
Choosing a Leader.
Tasks of Group Leaders.
Influences on Group Leadership.
Leadership Styles.
14. Observing and Evaluating a Small Group.
Systematic Feedback.
Success and Failure.
Observer-Members Scales.
Observer Feedback Guidelines.
Individual Role Behavior.
Verbal Interaction and Content Analyses.
15. Computer Mediated Group Communication.
Understanding the Technology and Its Influence on Small Group Communication.
Undercurrents of the Communication Medium.
Choosing a Medium for the Effective Use of CMC.
Adopting Effective Group Communication Strategies for CMC.
Appendix: Gathering, Organizing, Processing, and Presenting Information as a Team.
Index.