Small Group Communication: Theory & Practice: An Anthology / Edition 8

by Randy Y. Hirokawa, Robert S. Cathcart, Larry A. Samovar, Linda D. Henman

Overview

The eighth edition of Small Group Communication: Theory and Practice presents a collection of readings from the most well-known researchers and practitioners in the field. This comprehensive anthology spans a broad range of topics in communication theory, research, and practice. These include contemporary views of small groups, theories of group communication, group development and organization, group communication processes, group and team performance, group leadership, culture and diversity in groups, and methods for analyzing group communication.

New to the Eighth Edition:
New lead coeditor Randy Hirokawa (University of Iowa) brings a strong background in small group communication to the new edition, which features fourteen new and three updated chapters. New topics include:

* The bona fide group perspective
* The functional perspective
* Symbolic convergence theory
* Multiple sequence models of group development
* Virtual group communication
* New communication technologies
* Social influence processes in groups
* Counteractive influence and group leadership
* Characteristics of effective health care teams
* Sex, gender, and communication in groups
* Narrative analysis of group communication
* Methods for evaluating group communication

In addition, two new sections have been added: "Theories of Group Communication" and "Observing Group Communication," with three new chapters in each section. Thought-provoking introductions to each section provide internal cohesiveness and structure to the book.

Importantly, each reading offers its own individual introduction, which alerts readers to key points and integrates the selection into the larger themes of the section. These introductions serve as a "road map" as students travel through the ongoing intellectual developments, diverse views, and continuing debates that make the study of small group communication an exciting adventure.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780195330007
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	04/20/2003
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	9.10(w) x 6.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

University of Iowa

Queens College of the City University of New York (Emeritus)

San Diego State University

Psychological Associates, St. Louis, Missouri

Table of Contents

Part I: Nature of Groups
Introduction
1. Groups as Systems, Linda D. Henman
2. Rethinking the Nature of Groups: A Bona Fide Group Perspective, Linda L. Putnam
3. Distinguishing Characteristics of Virtual Groups, Robyn E. Parker
Part II: Theories of Group Communication
Introduction
4. Effective Decision-making and Problem-solving in Groups: A Functional Perspective, Dennis S. Gouran & Randy Y. Hirokawa
5. Symbolic Convergence Theory, Ernest G. Bormann
6. Group Communication and the Structuring Process, Marshall Scott Poole
Part III: Organization of Groups
Introduction
7. Time and Transition in Work Teams: Toward a New Model of Group Development, Connie J. G. Gersick
8. Multiple Sequence Model of Group Development, Marshall Scott Poole
Part IV: Group Processes
Introduction
9. Spatial Relationships in Small Groups, Judee K. Burgoon
10. Feedback Processes in Task Groups, Beth Bonniwell Haslett & John R. Ogilvie
11. Influencing Others in Group Interaction: Individual, Subgroup, Group, and Intergroup Processes, Renee A. Meyers & Dale E. Brashers
Part V: Groups and Teams
Introduction
12. Communication and Group Decision-making Efficacy, Randy Y. Hirokawa
13. New Communication Technologies and Teams, Craig Scott
14. Characteristics of Effective Health Care Teams, Randy Y. Hirokawa, Daniel DeGooyer, Jr., & Kathleen Valde
15. Teaming with Emotions: The Impact of Emotionality on Work-Team Collaboration, Carolyn C. Clark & Richard W. Sline
Part VI: Leadership in Groups
Introduction
16. Leadership as the Art of Counteractive Influence in Decision-making and Problem-solving Groups, Dennis S. Gouran
17. Leadership and Gender: Challenging Assumptions and Recognizing Resources, Susan B. Shimanoff & Mercilee M. Jenkins
18. Leadership as Organizing, J. Kevin Barge
Part VII: Diversity in Groups
Introduction
19. Sex, Gender, and Communication in Small Groups, Nina M. Reich & Julia T. Wood
20. Communication in the Multicultural Group, Richard E. Porter & Larry A. Samovar
21. Cross-Cultural and Intercultural Work Group Communication, John G. Oetzel, Mary Meares, & Akiko Fukumoto
Part VIII: Analyzing Group Communication
Introduction
22. Observing Group Interaction, Joann Keyton
23. Narrative Analysis of Group Communication, Randy Y. Hirokawa, Kathleen Clauson, & Juliann Dahlberg
24. Evaluating Group Discussion, Steven A. Beebe & J. Kevin Barge

Editorial Reviews

"The editors have done a good job of updating the volume while at the same time retaining the best essays from earlier editions. The eighth edition is a balanced and coherent set of readings that will give students an excellent overall perspective on group communication."—Dennis S. Gouran, Pennsylvania State University

From the Publisher