Communication in Small Groups Theory, Process, and Skills

, by Cragan, John F.; Wright, David W.; Kasch, Chris R.

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ISBN: 9780495095965 | 0495095966
Cover: Paperback
Copyright: 9/4/2008

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COMMUNICATION IN SMALL GROUPS: THEORY, PROCESS, SKILLS expertly balances theory and processes with practical skill development. Drawing on their extensive and varied experience as active researchers, lecturers, and communication consultants, the authors provide students with a clear and comprehensive introduction to the study of small group communication. This well-respected text effectively integrates theory, research, and practice, guiding readers to apply concepts and principles to the process of communication when working as members of a team.

Preface	p. ix
Defining Small Group Communication	p. 1
Why Study Small Group Communication?	p. 3
Living and Working in Groups	p. 3
The College Scenario	p. 3
The Organizational Scenario	p. 4
The Fire Department Scenario	p. 5
Rationale for Studying Group Communication	p. 5
Cultural Rationale	p. 6
Corporate Rationale	p. 7
Academic Rationale	p. 8
What Is a Small Group?	p. 9
Directly Observable Characteristics of a Small Group	p. 10
Communication	p. 10
Space	p. 11
Time	p. 12
Group Size	p. 12
Indirectly Observable Characteristics of a Small Group	p. 13
Interdependence	p. 13
Norms	p. 14
Structured Patterns of Talk	p. 16
Goals	p. 17
A Perceived Shared Identity	p. 18
Types of Small Groups	p. 18
Long-Standing Work Groups	p. 19
Project Teams	p. 21
Virtual Teams	p. 23
Group Concept Recipe	p. 26
Chapter Summary	p. 27
Learning Core Group Communication Theories, Processes, and Skills	p. 29
A Model of Small Group Communication	p. 31
The Model's Decision-Making Theory, Process, Signposts, Skills	p. 33
Decision-Making Theory	p. 33
Decision-Making Process	p. 34
Problem-Solving Signposts: Understanding and Agreement	p. 36
Problem-Solving Skills	p. 37
The Model's Role Theory, Process, Signposts, Skills	p. 38
Role Emergence Theory	p. 38
Role Emergence Process	p. 39
Role Signposts: Formation	p. 41
Role-Playing Skills	p. 42
The Model's Interpersonal Theory, Process, Signposts, Skills	p. 43
Interpersonal Theory	p. 43
Relational Process	p. 46
Relational Signposts: Level of Interpersonal Trust and Empathy	p. 49
Relationship-Building Skills	p. 50
The Model's Symbolic Theory, Process, Signposts, Skills	p. 51
Symbolic Convergence Theory	p. 51
Consciousness-Raising Process	p. 52
Consciousness-Raising Signposts: Identification and Pride	p. 55
Team-Building Skills	p. 57
Establish Group Traditions	p. 58
Major Group Outcomes	p. 60
Productivity	p. 60
Quality of Work	p. 61
Consensus	p. 61
Membership Satisfaction	p. 62
Chapter Summary	p. 63
Case Study: The FDNY's Response to the World Trade Center Attack	p. 65
Structuring Problem-Solving Groups	p. 67
Group Problem-Solving Road Map: A Process View	p. 69
Discussion Formats	p. 72
Roundtable Discussion	p. 73
Symposium	p. 75
Panel Discussion	p. 76
Forum Types	p. 77
Colloquy	p. 78
Parliamentary Procedure	p. 79
Specific Decision-Making Techniques	p. 81
Nominal Group Discussion	p. 81
Delphi Technique	p. 83
Brainstorming	p. 85
Electronic Brainstorming Systems	p. 87
Buzz Groups	p. 88
Single-Question Form	p. 89
Ideal-Solution Form	p. 90
Focus Group Interview	p. 90
Problem-Solving Agenda Systems	p. 93
Dewey's Reflective Thinking: McBurney and Hance	p. 93
Ross Four-Step Agenda	p. 95
Wright Ten-Step Agenda	p. 96
Brilhart-Jochem Ideation Criteria	p. 99
Functional Approach to Problem Solving	p. 99
Chapter Summary	p. 100
Case Study: The Parking Committee	p. 102
Preparing for Group Problem Solving	p. 105
Group Ethical Standards	p. 107
Commitment to Doing Your Best	p. 108
Commitment to the Group Good	p. 109
Commitment to Rationality	p. 109
Commitment to Fair Play	p. 110
Commitment to Good Listening	p. 111
Commitment to Preparation	p. 111
Commitment to Ideational Conflict	p. 112
Commitment to Objectivity	p. 112
Commitment to Tolerance	p. 112
Commitment to Social Maturity	p. 113
Confront Ethical Dilemmas with a Sense of Moral Courage	p. 113
Developing Topics for Problem Solving	p. 114
Self and Audience Assessment	p. 115
Efficiency	p. 117
Analyzing Topics for Problem Solving	p. 117
Questions of Fact	p. 117
Questions of Value	p. 118
Questions of Policy	p. 119
Research Strategies for Problem Solving	p. 120
Inefficiency/Information Overload	p. 121
Lack of Context	p. 121
Lack of Credibility	p. 121
Improving Group Reasoning Skills	p. 122
Types of Evidence	p. 122
Tests of Facts	p. 122
Tests of Opinion	p. 123
Tests of Statistics	p. 124
Types of Argument	p. 125
Argument by Authority Assertion	p. 125
Argument by Sign	p. 127
Argument by Example	p. 127
Argument by Cause	p. 128
Structuring Discussions	p. 129
Problem-Solution Organizing	p. 131
Preparing Discussion Outlines	p. 131
Chapter Summary	p. 133
Case Study: A City Council Meeting	p. 135
Managing Diversity and Relational Trust	p. 139
Sociocultural Diversity	p. 142
Cultural Diversity	p. 143
Gender Differences	p. 147
Generational Diversity	p. 151
Professional Diversity	p. 154
Individual Diversity	p. 155
Diverse Interpersonal Needs within a Group	p. 155
Diverse Personalities within a Group	p. 157
Communication Skills for Managing Diversity and Relational Trust	p. 159
Take Cross-Cultural Communication Training	p. 159
Practice Cultural Perspective Taking	p. 159
Use SYMLOG to Facilitate Effective Role Taking	p. 160
Ensure Interpersonal Needs Are Met	p. 162
Team Building to Enhance Cohesion in Diverse Groups	p. 164
Practice the Communication Skills of an Ideal Group Member	p. 165
Managing Nonverbal Messages	p. 167
Environmental Dimensions	p. 168
Personal Dimensions	p. 171
Chapter Summary	p. 172
Case Study: Diary of George Cramer	p. 174
Leading Small Groups	p. 177
Theories for Leading Small Groups	p. 180
Designated Leader Approaches	p. 181
Emergent Leader Theories	p. 190
Problem-Solving Leadership Skills	p. 196
Task Leadership Skills	p. 196
Procedural Leadership Skills	p. 199
Interpersonal Leadership Skills	p. 201
Chapter Summary	p. 205
Case Study: Leading a Corporate Task Force	p. 207
Effective Role Performance in Small Groups	p. 211
Frequently Played Roles in Small Groups	p. 214
Task Leader	p. 214
Social-Emotional Leader	p. 215
Tension Releaser	p. 215
Information Provider	p. 216
Central Negative	p. 216
Questioner	p. 217
Silent Observer	p. 218
Active Listener	p. 218
Recorder	p. 218
Self-Centered Follower	p. 219
Communication Skills for Enhancing Effective Role Performance in Small Groups	p. 222
Maintaining Role Stability	p. 222
Adopting an Expanded Role	p. 223
Performing the Leadership Role When Needed	p. 223
Assisting in Procedure	p. 224
Observing and Self-Monitoring	p. 224
Maintaining Focus on One's Professional Role	p. 224
Esprit de Corps	p. 225
Encouraging	p. 225
Avoiding the Self-Centered Follower Role	p. 226
An Integrated View of Roles and Communication Skills	p. 229
A Mature Problem-Solving Group	p. 229
An Authoritatively Controlled Problem-Solving Group	p. 233
An Uncontrolled Problem-Solving Group	p. 233
The Social Problem-Solving Group	p. 236
Chapter Summary	p. 237
Case Study: A Decision-Making Meeting	p. 239
Managing Group Conflict	p. 243
Factors Influencing Group Conflict	p. 246
Differences in Propensity to Take Risks	p. 246
Differences in Professional Consciousness States	p. 247
Negative Predispositions toward Group Work	p. 249
Groupthink	p. 250
Tension between Competition and Cooperation in Groups	p. 254
Communication Skills for Managing Group Conflict	p. 257
Task-Managing Skills	p. 257
Relationship-Managing Skills	p. 258
Team-Managing Skills	p. 260
Conflict Resolution Negotiating Styles	p. 261
Avoiding	p. 263
Accommodating	p. 264
Compromising	p. 265
Collaborating	p. 267
Competing	p. 268
Chapter Summary	p. 269
Case Study: Station House Number Six	p. 271
Facilitating Work Groups in Organizations	p. 275
Make Meetings More Effective	p. 278
Master Time	p. 278
Understand Meeting Rituals	p. 280
Call Group Satisfaction Meetings	p. 281
Hold Group Consensus Meetings	p. 282
Run Routine Business Meetings	p. 283
Monday Morning Meetings	p. 283
Monthly Meetings	p. 284
Decision-Making Meetings	p. 284
Planning Meetings	p. 285
Manage Information between Groups	p. 288
Groups Protect Some Information	p. 288
Managers Gate Keep Group Information	p. 289
Group Information Is Power	p. 289
Social Groups Spread Information	p. 290
Groups Compete for Secret Information	p. 291
Use Specialized Group Problem-Solving Methods	p. 291
Six Sigma	p. 292
Hedgehog Method	p. 293
Crisis Decision-Making Method	p. 294
Assimilate Groups into the Organizational Culture	p. 295
X, Y, and Z Management Styles	p. 295
Righteous, Social, and Pragmatic Organizational Visions	p. 295
Maintain Groups in a Common Organizational Culture	p. 298
Role of Sacred Organizational Stories	p. 298
Role of Organizational Sagas	p. 299
Role of the Organizational Rally	p. 300
Role of In-House Publications	p. 303
Role of Informal, Social Groups	p. 303
Chapter Summary	p. 304
Collaborating in Virtual Teams	p. 307
Catalysts Fueling the Use of Virtual Teams	p. 309
Teams with Geographically Dispersed Remote and Mobile Workers	p. 309
Unified Communication: Convergent Technologies	p. 311
Unified Communication and Medium Choice	p. 313
Communication Skills for Collaborating across Time and Space	p. 317
Relationship Building in Virtual Teams	p. 317
Effective Role Performance in Virtual Teams	p. 321
Team Building in Virtual Teams	p. 328
Chapter Summary	p. 329
Bibliography	p. 333
Author Index	p. 343
Subject Index	p. 347
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Communication in Small Groups Theory, Process, and Skills

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