Chapter 1- Small Groups: Power, Definition, Attraction
Introduction
Types of Small Groups
The Power of Groups
Defining a Small Group and Small Group Communication
Small Groups Best Conceived of as Network
Why Join a Group?
Characteristics of Small Groups
Coordinating Mechanisms
Characteristics of Small Group Communication
Organizational Examples
Meetings
Quality Decision Making through Group Diversity and Ethics
Chapter 2-Small Group Communication: A System of Interaction
Understanding Small Group Success-Four Ways
Communication in Small Groups-Six Basic Elements
A Systems Approach to Small Group Communication
Systems Theory
Open Systems
Complex Systems
Chapter 3-Norms, Roles, Cohesion, and Groupthink
Norms
The Reason for Norms
Types of Norms
Norms and Diversity
Violating Norms
Roles
Types of Roles
The Function of Roles
Cohesion
Influences on Cohesion
Consequences of Group Cohesion
Groupthink
Chapter 4-Phases of Group Development: Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing
Forming: Hello, Orientation, and Inclusion
Storming: Conflict In Groups
Norming: Emergence as a Group
Performing: Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Defining the Problem
Considering Possible Solutions
Evaluating Solutions
Deciding on an Action Plan
Terminating: (often called fifth phase)
Usefulness of the Phase Model
Modifications
Organizational Teams
Overriding influences on the process
Chapter 5-Diversity In Groups: The Strength of Different Perspectives
Defining Diversity in Small Groups
Assumptions and Stereotyping
Communication Contexts
Language Use
Nonverbal Communication
Diversity in Small Groups
Group Commitment and Consensus
Strength in Diversity
Making Diverse Groups Work-Listening is Key
Conflict Management
Hierarchies of Power
Pressures for Conformity
Chapter 6-Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
Functions of Verbal Communication
Narratives and Group Fantasies
Structures of Meaning In Verbal Communication
Denotative and Connotative Meaning
Semantic and Symbolic Meaning
Group Talk
Nonverbal Communication
Principles of Nonverbal Communication
Types of Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal Communication used along with Verbal
Powerless Stereotypes
Verbal and Nonverbal Cues in Computer-Mediated Communication
Chapter 7-Listening and Feedback: The Other Half of Communication
The Influence of Culture on Listening
Listening as a Critical Leadership Skill
Motivation
Four Components Of Listening
Evaluating the Message Content
Retaining and Responding to the Message
Active Listening
Eight Barriers
Four Active Listening Response Methods
Feedback: Responding to The Message
Providing Constructive Feedback
Receiving Feedback
Chapter 8-Group Evolution: Teams
Organizations and Teams
Teams
Teams provide Four Advantages to Organizations
Organizations and Teams
Four Issues regarding Parallel Teams
Quality Circles
Parallel Teams-Three Problems
Individual Rewards
Inappropriate Management Styles
Segmentalism
Self-Managing Work Teams (SMWTs)
Self-Managing Work Team Achievements in 6 Performance Areas
Overcoming Barriers to Self-Managing Work Team Building
Chapter 9-Decision Making And Problem Solving
Decision Making And Problem Solving
Six-Step DECIDE Model
Define the Goal and Problem
Examine the Constraints
Consider the Alternatives
Initiate a Decision
Develop a Decision Implementation Plan
Evaluate the Decision or Solution
Context Influences on Decision-Making, Problem-Solving Groups
Decision Making-Seeking Consensus
Ethical Behaviors for Decision-Making, Problem-Solving Groups
Chapter 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
Create a Creative Group Climate
Gibb's Six Group Climate Comparisons
Chapter 11-Group Process and Presentation Techniques
Brainstorming
Creative Decision Making Techniques
Focus Groups
Nominal Group Technique
Delphi Technique
Synectics
Buzz Sessions
Idea Writing
Role Playing
Listening Teams
Problem-Solving Tools
Flowcharts
Fishbone Diagrams
Pareto's Principle
The Risk Procedure
Pert (Program Evaluation And Review Technique)
How These Techniques Are Used: Six Sigma
When Does Achieving Six Sigma Really Matter?
Small Group Presentational Formats
The Forum
The Panel
The Colloquium
The Symposium
Chapter 12-Productive Conflict Management
Defining Conflict
Conflict within Systems
Conflict Within Small Groups
The Substance of Conflict
Patterns of Conflict Management
Six Styles of Conflict Management
Collaboration
Negotiation
Accommodation
Compromise
Competition
Avoidance
Constructive Conflict Management
Ethics for Productive Conflict Management
Compassion
Fairness
Honesty
Respect
Responsibility
Power in Group Conflict
Expert
Interpersonal
Reward/Punishment
Positional
Referent
Charismatic
Avoidance
Power In Context
Chapter 13-Leadership in Small Groups
Recognizing Leaders
Three Characteristics of Leaders
Leadership as a Function in a System
Theories Of Leadership
Managerial Grid
Transactional, Transformational Theories
Choosing A Leader
Tasks Of Group Leaders
Influences on Group Leadership
Leadership Styles
Five Coaching Roles
Chapter 14-Observing and Evaluating a Small Group
Introduction
Systematic Feedback
Four ways to obtain feedback
Success and Failure
Observer-Members Scales
Rating Scales
Likert Scales
Observer Feedback Guidelines
Individual Role Behavior
Bales's Interaction Categories
Verbal Interaction And Content Analyses
Other Methods of Reflection
Chapter 15- Computer-Mediated Small Group Communication
Using Technology to Communicate
Computer Mediated Communication (CMC)
Group Performance in CMC
Second Life Group Discussions
Comparisons of CMC and Face-to-Face Group Discussions
Social Networking through Facebook
Audio and Video Conferencing Systems
Influences of the CMC Medium on Communication
Social Presence
Media Richness
Synchronous-Asynchronous Communication
Other Influences of the Medium on Social Presence
Some Effects of CMC on Group Process
Gender Swapping?
Computer Ethics
Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics
Choosing a Medium for the Effective Use of CMC
Choosing a Medium for the Communication Task
Find a Language Demand-Technology Fit
Matching Media Richness to Communication Function
Adopting Effective Group Communication Strategies for CMC
Facilitating Effective CMC Group Communication
Leading a CMC Group Meeting