The Fundamentals of Small Group Communication

List of Tables, Figures, and Assessment Tools xiii About the Authors xv Preface xvi Components of Small Group Communication 1(22) Case Study Definition of Small Group Communication Primary Features of Small Group Communication Group Size Interdependence Task Secondary Features of Small Group Communication Norms Identity Types of Talk Types of Small Groups Ethics of Small Group Membership A Final Note About Small Group Communication Discussion Questions and References The Small Group Socialization Process 23(22) Case Study Why Individuals Join Groups Attraction Theory Interpersonal Communication Motives Lack of Volition Small Group Socialization Definitions of Socialization Model of Small Group Socialization Antecedent Phase Anticipatory Phase Encounter Phase Assimilation Phase Exit Phase Outcomes of Socialization Cohesion Consensus Communication Satisfaction Loneliness Socialization Guidelines New Member Socialization Group Socialization A Final Note About the Small Group Socialization Process Discussion Questions and References Small Group Member Communication and Personality Traits 45(26) Case Study Definition and Differentiation of Traits Communication Traits Communication Apprehension Communicator Style Argumentativeness Verbal Aggressiveness Personality Traits Machiavellianism Self-Monitoring Self-Esteem Communication and Personality Traits in the Small Group A Final Note About Small Group Member Traits Discussion Questions and References Diversity Among Small Group Members 71(18) Case Study Definition and Outcomes of Diversity Cultural Diversity Power Distance Uncertainty Avoidance Individualism-Collectivism Time Orientation 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 Discussion Questions and References Models of Small Group Development 89(18) Case Study Group Development History Maturity Developmental Models Tuckman's Five-Phase Model Gersick's Punctuated Equilibrium Model Poole's Multiple-Sequence Model Characteristics of Group Development A Final Note About Small Group Development Discussion Questions and References Characteristics of Small Group Tasks 107(20) Case Study Characteristics of a Task Engaging in Decision-Making and Problem-Solving Tasks Functional Perspective of Small Group Communication Assumptions of the Functional Perspective Five Steps of the Functional Perspective Contexts Obstacles Groupthink Antecedent Conditions of Groupthink Symptoms of Groupthink Prevention of Groupthink A Final Note About Small Group Tasks Discussion Questions and References Small Group Decision-Making Procedures 127(16) Case Study Definition of Decision-Making Procedures Types of Decision-Making Procedures Brainstorming Nominal Group Technique Ideawriting Six Thinking Hats Why Use Decision-Making Procedures? A Final Note About Small Group Decision-Making Procedures Discussion Questions and References Development of Small Group Roles 143(16) Case Study Functional Approach to Roles General Propositions of Roles Role Development Types of Roles Formal Roles Informal Roles Deviant Roles A Final Note About Small Group Roles Discussion Questions and References Approaches to Small Group Leadership 159(22) Case Study Being a Leader Versus Sharing Leadership Classic Leadership Approaches Trait Approach to Leadership Style Approach to Leadership Situational Approach to Leadership Popular Communication Leadership Approaches Emergent Leader Approach to Leadership Charismatic Approach to Leadership Counteractive Influence Approach to Leadership Guidelines to Enhance Leadership Competence A Final Note About Small Group Leadership Discussion Questions and References Relational Communication Among Small Group Members 181(18) Case Study Definition of Relational Communication Verbal and Nonverbal Communication Characteristics of Verbal Communication Codes of Nonverbal Communication Listening A Final Note About Relational Communication Discussion Questions and References Conflict in the Small Group 199(18) Case Study Definition of Conflict Types of Small Group Conflict Conflict-Handling Styles Avoiding Conflict-Handling Style Dominating Conflict-Handling Style Compromising Conflict-Handling Style Obliging Conflict-Handling Style Integrating Conflict-Handling Style Guidelines for Handling Conflict A Final Note About Small Group Conflict Discussion Questions and References Cohesion and Climate in the Small Group 217(16) Case Study The Importance of Cohesion Definition of Communication Climate How Communication Climate Is Established Description Versus Evaluation Problem Orientation Versus Control Spontaneity Versus Strategy Empathy Versus Neutrality Equality Versus Superiority Provisionalism Versus Certainty Turning a Defensive Climate Into a Supportive Climate A Final Note About Cohesion and Climate Discussion Questions and References Appendix A Connecting Small Group Communication Concepts 233(10) Case Study Connecting Textbook Content to Small Group Interactions Connection One: How to Make Social Groups Work Connection Two: How to Make Work Groups Work Connection Three: How to Become a Better Group Member Connection Four: Understanding How and Why Groups Function A Final Note About Connecting Small Group Communication Concepts Discussion Questions and References Appendix B Designing and Delivering Small Group Presentations 243(12) Case Study Designing the Small Group Presentation Analyzing the Audience Selecting a Topic Identifying the Primary Points Organizing the Presentation Choosing Supporting Materials Delivering the Small Group Presentation Oral Presentations Written Reports A Final Note About Designing and Delivering the Small Group Presentation Discussion Questions and References Glossary 255(18) Index 273