The Fundamentals of Small Group Communication provides readers with the fundamentals they need to become functional and productive members of any small group. Readers are introduced to the fundamental issues faced by all small groups (such as socialization, development, ethics, diversity) and the procedures utilized by effective small groups (for example, task accomplishment, decision making, climate).   With a focus on the individual group member, this textbook encourages readers to reflect on how their communication behaviors (e.g., communication traits, verbal and nonverbal communication, listening style) and practices (e.g., their leadership style, their conflict management style) contribute to their current small group experiences.   Intended Audience   This textbook is intended for introductory courses in group communication as found in department of communication studies, leadership, marketing, management, and interdisciplinary studies. Accompanied by High Quality Ancillaries! An Instructors Resource CD is available to qualified adopters. This Instructor's Resource CD is designed to aid you in using easily The Fundamentals of Small Group Communication. The CD has been created by Scott A. Myers (West Virginia University), Katie N. Dunleavy (LaSalle University), Brianna N. Loy (West Virginia University) and Paul E. Madlock (West Virginia University). Each chapter contains the following ancillary materials: Chapter Outline Test Questions In-Class Activities PowerPoint Slides A list of paper topics is also provided in the section titled Teaching Resources.

Table of Contents:
Dedication List of Tables, Figures, and Assessment Tools About the Authors Acknowledgments Preface 1. Components of Small Group Communication Case Study Definition of Small Group Communication Primary Features of Small Group Communication Secondary Features of Small Group Communication Types of Small Groups Ethics of Small Group Membership A Final Note about Small Group Communication Conclusion Discussion Questions References 2. The Small Group Socialization Process Case Study Why Individuals Join Groups Small Group Socialization Model of Small Group Socialization Outcomes of Socialization Socialization Guidelines A Final Note about the Small Group Socialization Process Conclusion Discussion Questions References 3. Small Group Member Communication and Personality Traits Case Study Definition and Differentiation of Traits Communication Traits Personality Traits Communication and Personality Traits in the Small Group A Final Note about Small Group Member Traits Conclusion Discussion Questions References 4. Diversity Among Small Group Members Case Study Definition and Outcomes of Diversity Cultural Diversity Demographic Diversity: Sex and Gender Cognitive Diversity: Learning Styles Communication Traits as a Reflection of Diversity A Final Note about Diversity among Small Group Members Conclusion Discussion Questions References 5. Models of Small Group Development Case Study Group Development Developmental Models Characteristics of Group Development A Final Note about Small Group Development Conclusion Discussion Questions References 6. Characteristics of Small Group Tasks Case Study Characteristics of a Task Engaging in Decision-Making and Problem-Solving Tasks Functional Perspective of Small Group Communication Groupthink A Final Note about the Small Group Task Conclusion Discussion Questions References 7. Small Group Decision-Making Procedures Case Study Definition of Decision-Making Procedures Types of Decision-Making Procedures Why Use Decision-Making Procedures? A Final Note about Small Group Decision-Making Procedures Conclusion Discussion Questions References 8. Development of Small Group Roles Case Study Functional Approach to Roles General Propositions of Roles Role Development Types of Roles A Final Note about Small Group Roles Conclusion Discussion Questions References 9. Approaches to Small Group Leadership Case Study Being a Leader vs. Sharing Leadership Classic Leadership Approaches Popular Communication Leadership Approaches Guidelines to Enhance Leadership Competence A Final Note about Small Group Leadership Conclusion Discussion Questions References 10. Relational Communication among Small Group Members Case Study Definition of Relational Communication Verbal and Nonverbal Communication Functions of Verbal and Nonverbal Communication Listening A Final Note about Relational Communication Conclusion Discussion Questions References 11. Conflict in the Small Group Case Study Definition of Conflict Types of Small Group Conflict Conflict-Handling Styles Guidelines for Handling Conflict A Final Note about Small Group Conflict Conclusion Discussion Questions References 12. Cohesion and Climate in the Small Group Case Study The Importance of Cohesion Definition of Communication Climate How Communication Climate is Established Turning a Defensive Climate into a Supportive Climate A Final Note about Cohesion and Climate Conclusion Discussion Questions References Appendix A: Connecting Small Group Communication Concepts Case Study Connecting Textbook Content to Small Group Interactions A Final Note about Connecting Small Group Concepts Conclusion Discussion Questions Appendix B: Designing and Delivering Small Group Presentations Case Study Designing the Small Group Presentation Delivering the Small Group Presentation A Final Note about Designing and Delivering the Presentation Conclusion Discussion Questions References Glossary