Communicating in Small Groups: Principles and Practices / Edition 8

by Steven A. Beebe

Overview

Now in its seventh edition, this book provides readers with a careful balance of theory, applications, and skills. This new edition includes expanded coverage of teams and teamwork, ethical collaboration, using technology in groups and teams, as well practical tools, techniques and principles to enhance problem-solving and decision-making. Expanded coverage of critical thinking methods that include the latest research findings. The authors have provided enhanced coverage and examples of business applications, ethics, as well as more significant coverage of leadership and meetings. Research and technology, including group and team deliberation and Internet research, give the reader the most current information available for these evolving topics. A text-specific website, http://awlonline.com/beebe supports the text with activities, links, and other aids related to small group communication, as well as an online Study Guide. Anyone interested in small group communication issues

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780205449569
Publisher:	Allyn & Bacon, Inc.
Publication date:	01/07/2005
Edition description:	Older Edition
Pages:	400
Product dimensions:	7.44(w) x 9.14(h) x 0.79(d)

About the Author

Dr. Steven Beebe is Regents’ and University Distinguished Professor of Communication Studies at Texas State University. Dr. Beebe is serving in his 28^th year as Chair of the Department of Communication Studies. He has served as Associate Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication for 25 years. He is the author and co-author of twelve books, with most books in multiple editions. He has authored or co-authored more than 60 articles and book chapters and made more than 150 presentations at regional, national, and international conferences.

Steve has been a visiting scholar at both Oxford University and Cambridge University and is a member of the Common Room of Wolfson College, Oxford University. He has given lectures and presentations in Europe, Australia, Asia, South America and has made 14 trips to Russia where he has been instrumental in establishing the first communication courses there.

Dr. Beebe teaches courses in small group communication, communication training and development, pubic speaking, interpersonal communication and C. S. Lewis. He made international headlines in 2009 when he discovered a manuscript in the Oxford University library that was the opening chapter of a book that was to be co-authored by C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien. He teaches a course about C. S. Lewis and Communication at Oxford University.

He was named Outstanding Communication Professor in America by the National Speaker’s Association, and has received the President’s Award for Excellence in Research, and the President’s Award for Excellence in Service—the highest research and service awards at Texas Stat. Steve was also named Honors Professor of the Year at Texas State. Steve and his wife Sue were named Outstanding Alumni by their Alma Mater, the University of Central Missouri. He is currently President of the National Communication Association, the largest professional communication association in the world.

Dr. John Masterson is Executive Vice President and Provost emeritus of Texas Lutheran University. He has taught Communication courses for over 30 years and has presented or published dozens of papers and articles as well as four books co-authored with Steven Beebe. He has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors for his teaching, his scholarship, and his service.

Prior to his move to Texas, Dr. Masterson served the University of Miami (FL) for 22 years as professor of communication, associate dean of the School of Communication, dean of the Graduate School of International Studies, and vice provost for Undergraduate Affairs.

Table of Contents

All chapters end with “Putting Principles into Practice” and “Practice” features.

1. Introducing Group and Team Principles and Practices.
What Is Small Group Communication?
The Importance of Teams.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Working in Groups and Teams.
Types of Small Groups.
Me Versus We: An Obstacle to Collaboration in Groups and Teams.
Becoming a Competent Small Group Communicator.
An Introduction to Group-Solving Competencies.

2. Small Group Communication Theory.
The Nature of Theory and the Theory-Building Process.
Theory: A Practical Approach to Group Communication.
A Case Study.
The Purpose of Communication in Small Groups: Reducing Uncertainty.
Theoretical Perspectives for the Study of Small Group Communication.
New Technologies and Small Group Communication Theory.
Describing Elements of Group and Team Communication.

3. Group Formation.
Why Do People Join Groups?
Individual Goals.
Group Goals.
A Case Study.
Establishing Mutuality of Concern.
Interpersonal Attraction.
Group Attraction.
Homogeneity and Diversity in Groups.
Group Formation Over Time.

4. Relating to Others in Small Groups.
Roles.
Norms.
Culture.
A New and Growing Culture: Persons with Disabilities.
Status.
Power.
Trust.
The Development of Group Relationships over Time.

5. Improving Group Climate.
A Case Study.
Defensive Communication.
Defensive and Supportive Climates.
Interpersonal Confirmation and Disconfirmation.
Listening.
Verbal Dynamics in the Small Group.
Group Cohesiveness.
Communication Networks.
Group Size.
Group Climate and Productivity.

6. Nonverbal Group Dynamics.
The Importance of Nonverbal Communication in Groups.
Applications of Nonverbal Communication Research to Groups and Teams.
Functions of Nonverbal Cues in Groups and Teams.
Culture and Nonverbal Communication.
Gender and Nonverbal Communication.
Interpreting Nonverbal Communication.

7. Preparing for Discussion.
Developing a Discussion Plan.
Formulating Discussion Questions.
Using Electronic Resources and the Library.
Using Logic and Reasoning.
Using Evidence in Group Discussion.
Using Critical Analysis Skills: Avoiding Reasoning Fallacies.

8. Making Decisions and Solving Problems.
Group Decision Making: Choosing Among Alternatives.
Group Problem Solving: Overcoming Obstacles to Achieving a Goal.
Three Approaches to Group Problem Solving.
Cultural Assumptions About Group Problem Solving and Decision Making.

9. Using Problem-Solving Techniques.
An Overview of Prescriptive Problem-Solving Strategies.
Reflective Thinking: The Traditional Approach to Group Problem Solving.
Brainstorming: A Creative Approach to Generating Ideas for Problem Solving.
Question-Oriented Approaches to Problem Solving.

10. Managing Conflict.
What Is Conflict?
Conflict and Diversity in Small Groups.
Conflict Management Styles.
Cooperative Conflict Management: Principles and Skills.
When People Are Not Cooperative: Dealing with Difficult Group Members.
Groupthink: Conflict Avoidance.
Consensus: Reaching Agreement Through Communication.

11. Leadership.
What Is Leadership?
Trait Perspective: Characteristics of Effective Leaders.
Functional Perspective: Group Needs and Roles.
Situational Perspective: Adapting Style to Context.
Transformational Leadership.
Emergent Leadership in Small Groups.
Leadership Training.

12. Improving Productivity in Groups and Teams.
Principles and Practices of Improving Work Quality.
Principles and Practices of Effective Meetings.
Principles and Practices of Using Technology in Groups and Teams.

Appendix: Communicating to an Audience.
Panel Discussions.
Symposium Presentations.
Forum Presentations.
Planning What to Say to an Audience.
Presenting Information to an Audience.

Glossary.

Index.