Effective Group Discussion: Theory and Practice

✍ Scribed by Gloria J. Galanes, Katherine L. Adams, Carrisa S. Hoelscher, Stephen A. Spates

• Publisher: Mc Graw Hill
• Year: 2024
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 449
• Edition: 16
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

Now in its sixteenth edition, Effective Group Discussion combines the most recent research findings and practical tools students need to become productive group members. A variety of secondary groups are covered in the text: work groups, committees, task forces, self-directed work teams, and other small groups whose objectives include finding solutions to problems, producing goods, and creating policies.

✦ Table of Contents

Cover
Effective Group iscussion: Theory and Pratice
Brief Contents
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
Part I: The Foundations of Communicating in Groups
1: The Small Groups in Everyoneís Life
What Is Small Group Discussion?
Types of Small Groups
Activity Groups
Personal Growth Groups
Educational Groups
Problem-Solving Groups
Quality Control Circles
Self-Managed Work Groups
Top Management Teams (TMTs)
Ethical Behavior of Group Members
Questions for Review
Key Terms
Notes
2: Human Communication Processes in the Small Group Context
The Small Group Context
Small Group Communication
Principles of Communication
Listening and Responding During Discussions
Listening Preferences
Effective Listening in the Small Group
Computer-Mediated Communication and Face-to-Face Communication in Small Groups
Nonverbal Behavior in Small Group Communication
Types of Nonverbal Behaviors
Physical Appearance
Space and Seating
Eye Contact
Facial Expressions
Movements
Vocal Cues
Time Cues
Touch
Questions for Review
Key Terms
Notes
3: The Small Group as a System
The Systems Perspective
Principles of a System
Components of a System
A System and Its Environment
The Bona Fide Group Perspective
Communicating Across Boundaries
Questions for Review
Key Terms
Notes
Part II: Developing the Group
4: Diversity and the Effects of Culture
What Is Culture?
Cultural Characteristics That Affect Communication
IndividualismñCollectivism
Power Distance
Uncertainty Avoidance
MasculinityñFemininity
Low- and High-Context Communication
Communication Challenges Posed by Co-Cultures
Co-Cultural Differences Based on Race
Co-Cultural Differences Based on Gender
Co-Cultural Differences Based on Age
Co-Cultural Differences Based on Socioeconomic Class
Deep Diversity and Learning to Work Together
Challenges for Co-Cultural Group Members
Behaving Ethically in Intercultural Interactions
Questions for Review
Key Terms
Notes
5: The Members and Their Roles
Group Size
Personal Traits
Communication Apprehension
Cognitive Complexity
Self-Monitoring
Personality Characteristics
The MyersñBriggs Type IndicatorÆ
The Five-Factor Model of Personality
Development of Group Roles
Formal Versus Informal Roles
Role Emergence
Classifying Group Roles
Task Functions
Maintenance (Relationship-Oriented) Functions
Self-Centered Functions
Role Management Across Groups
Questions for Review
Key Terms
Notes
Part III: Small Group Throughput Processes
6: Communication and Group Culture: Tensions, Fantasy, Socialization, Norms, and Climate
The Interplay Between Communication and Group Culture
Structuration Theory and Group Culture
Negotiating Task and Social Dimensions of Group Culture
Primary and Secondary Tension
Status Hierarchy
Fantasy Themes
Group Socialization of Members
Phases of Group Socialization
Development of Group Rules and Norms
Changing a Norm
Development of a Groupís Climate
Cohesiveness
Building Cohesiveness in Virtual Teams
Supportiveness
Teambuilding
Questions for Review
Key Terms
Notes
7: Leading Small Groups: Theoretical Perspectives
Leadership and Leaders
Leadership
Sources of Influence (Power)
Leaders
Leadership Emergence
Personal Characteristics of Emergent Leaders
Leadership Emergence in Virtual Groups
Traditional Approaches to Leadership
Traits Approaches
Styles Approaches
Contemporary Approaches to Leadership
Functions Approach
Contingency Approaches
Hersey and Blanchardís Situational Model
The Communicative Competencies Approach
Leadership Competencies in Virtual Groups
The Relationship Between Leaders and Followers
LeaderñMember Exchange (LMX) Model
Transformational Leadership
Distributed Leadership and the Leader as Completer
Questions for Review
Key Terms
Notes
8: Leading Small Groups: Practical Tips
Responsibilities and Techniques of Discussion Leaders and Chairs
Administrative Duties
Assembling the Group
Planning for Meetings
Following Up on Meetings
Liaison
Managing Written Communication for a Group
Administrative Duties for Virtual Groups
Leading Discussions
Opening Remarks
Regulating and Structuring Discussions
Equalizing Opportunity to Participate
Stimulating Creative Thinking
Stimulating Critical Thinking
Fostering Meeting-to-Meeting Improvement
Leading Discussions in Virtual Groups
Developing the Group
Helping Individuals Grow
Establishing and Maintaining Trust
Promoting Teamwork and Cooperation
Developing Virtual Groups
Ethical Principles for Group Leaders
Questions for Review
Key Terms
Notes
Part IV: Improving Group Outputs
9: Problem Solving and Decision Making in Groups: Theoretical Perspectives
Problem Solving and Decision Making
Group Versus Individual Problem Solving and Decision Making
Factors Affecting Quality of Group Outputs
The Need for Structure in Group Problem Solving
The Functional Perspective of Group Problem Solving and Decision Making
Starting Out Right: Addressing the Charge, Type of Question, and Criteria
Understanding the Group Charge and Area of Freedom
Understanding the Type of Questions to Be Addressed
Discussing Criteria for Evaluating Solutions
Understanding How the Groupís Decision Will Be Made
Decision Making by the Leader
Decision Making by the Leader in Consultation with Members
Decision Making by Majority Vote
Decision Making by Consensus
Understanding Phasic Progression During Decision Making
Tuckmanís Model of Group Development
Fisherís Model of Group Phases
Orientation
Conflict
Decision Emergence
Reinforcement
Promoting Critical Thinking
Evaluating Information
Distinguishing Between Facts and Inferences
Evaluating Survey and Statistical Data
Evaluating the Sources and Implications of Opinions
Evaluating Reasoning
Overgeneralizing
Ad Hominem Attacks
Suggesting Inappropriate Causal Relationships
False Dilemmas
Faulty Analogies
Evaluating Information and Reasoning from Internet Sources
Accuracy
Authority
Audience
Purpose
Recency
Coverage
Understanding What Can Go Wrong During Decision Making
Hidden Profiles
Group Polarization
Groupthink
Questions for Review
Key Terms
Notes
10: Problem Solving and Decision Making in Groups: Practical Tips and Techniques
Using Problem-Solving Guidelines
The Procedural Model of Problem Solving (P-MOPS)
The Single Question Format
The Ideal Solution Format
Using P-MOPS to Address Complex Problems
Step 1 of P-MOPS: Problem Description and Analysis
Identify Problems to Work On
Focus on the Problem
State the Problem Appropriately
Map the Problem
Step 2 of P-MOPS: Generating and Elaborating on Possible Solutions
Using Brainstorming to Discover Alternatives
Step 3 of P-MOPS: Evaluating Possible Solutions
Establish a Collaborative Climate for Evaluation
Establish Norms That Promote Critical Thinking
Step 4 of P-MOPS: Consensus Decision Making
Suggestions for Achieving Consensus
Second-Guess the Tentative Choice Before Fully Committing to It
Step 5 of P-MOPS: Implementing the Solution Chosen
Use PERT to Keep Track of Implementation Details
Tailoring P-MOPS to Fit a Specific Problem
Problem Characteristics
Using Technology to Help a Groupís Problem Solving and Decision Making
General Tools
Technology Designed for Group Problem Solving
Questions for Review
Key Terms
Notes
11: Managing Conflict in the Small Group
A Definition of Conflict
Positive and Negative Outcomes of Conflict
Benefits of Conflict
Negative Effects of Conflict
Expressing Disagreement in a Group
Types of Conflict
Conflict Types and Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC)
Managing Group Conflict
Conflict Management Styles and Tactics
Avoidance
Accommodation
Competition
Collaboration
Compromise
Working with Conflict Management Styles in Groups
Expressing Disagreement Ethically
Cultural Factors in Conflict
Negotiating Principled Agreement
When Negotiation Fails: Alternative Procedures
Mediation by the Leader
Voting
Forcing
Third-Party Arbitration
Questions for Review
Key Terms
Notes
Part V: Group Observation and Evaluation Tools
12: Tools for Assessing and Evaluating Groups
Internal Assessment: Members Evaluate the Group
Self-Assessment
Member and Group Assessment
Calling for Outside Help: The Consultant
Practice First
Reminding
Teaching
Critiquing
Giving Feedback
Planning the Consultation
Ethical Principles for Consultants
More Instruments for Observing and Consulting
Verbal Interaction Analysis
Content Analysis
SYMLOG: Drawing a Snapshot of a Group
Questions for Review
Key Terms
Notes
Appendix A: Preparing for Problem-Solving Discussions: Informational Resources for the Group
Review and Organize Your Present Stock of Information and Ideas
Gather Information You Need
Note Taking
Reading: Print and Electronic Sources
Direct Observation
Surveys
Individual and Group Interviews
Focus Group Interviews
Other Information Sources
Evaluate the Information and Ideas You Have Collected
Organize Your Information and Ideas
Key Terms
Notes
Appendix B: Making Public Presentations of the Groupís Output
The Planning Stage
Your Audience
Your Occasion
Your Purpose
Your Subject or Topic
Member Strengths and Fears
Logistics
Types of Group Oral Presentations
Panel Discussion
Preparing for Panel Discussions
Symposium
Forum Discussions
The Organizing Stage
Delegate Duties
Gather Verbal and Visual Materials
Verbal Materials
Visual Materials
Organize Materials and Your Presentation
Introduction
Body
Conclusion
The Presenting Stage
Check Your Language
Practice Aloud
Be a Good Listener
Inviting Public Input Using a Buzz Group Session
Public Meetings
Key Terms
Notes
Glossary
Name Index
Subject Index

✦ Subjects

Effective Group Discussion, Theory and Practice