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Small Group and Team Communication, 3/E
Thomas E. Harris, University of Alabama
John C. Sherblom, University of Maine

ISBN-10: 0205414915
ISBN-13: 9780205414918

Publisher: Allyn & Bacon
Copyright: 2005
Format: Paper; 384 pp
Published: 07/15/2004

Suggested retail price: $85.20
Not available for purchase at this time.

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.

  • Integrated coverage of diversity (in Chapter 5, “Diversity in Groups,” and throughout the book) helps students understand how diversity can strengthen a group and its ability to perform tasks.
  • Chapters on teams (Ch. 8), creativity and problem solving (Ch. 10), group process and presentation techniques (Ch. 11), and productive conflict management (Ch. 12) introduce students to situations, issues, and processes they likely will encounter in the workforce.
  • Real-world and practical business examples—taken from current situations in groups, teams, and organizations—fill each chapter and bring the text to life for students and instructors alike.
  • A chapter on computer-mediated group communication helps students understand the impact of the digital age on small group and team processes (Ch. 15).
  • Chapter-opening vignettes and quotations introduce the chapters in thought-provoking ways to stimulate lively classroom discussion, while application exercises and case studies at the end of each chapter offer opportunities for students to apply the concepts presented.

  • A new chapter organization and inclusion of additional visual materials, including pictures, graphs and summaries, make the content clearer and more engaging to students.
  • Includes more coverage of ethics throughout the text.
  • An expanded Instructor's Manual now includes additional exercises and activities.

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.

    Praised for its writing style, research base, and range of topics covered, Small Group and Team Communication 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. Through extensive examples, new case studies, and updated exercises, the 4th edition of Small Group and Team Communication engages students and guides them from theoretical discussions into applications of the concepts presented.

  • 0205483674Small Group and Team Communication, 4/E
    Harris & Sherblom
    © 2008 | Allyn & Bacon | Paper; 337 pages | Instock
    ISBN-10: 0205483674 | ISBN-13: 9780205483679
    Brief Description | Buy from myPearsonStore

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 the application and experience of the concepts presented.

New to This Edition

  • A new chapter organization and inclusion of additional visual materials, including pictures, graphs and summaries, make the content clearer and more engaging to students.
  • Includes more coverage of ethics throughout the text.
  • An expanded Instructor's Manual now includes additional exercises and activities.

View a Sample Chapter PDF:

For Small Group Communication


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