This best-selling text is a broad, integrative overview of group dynamics presented in a well researched, readable, and experiential format. This text introduces readers to the theory and research findings needed to understand how to make groups effective, and it helps build the skills required to apply that knowledge in practical situations. More than a textbook, Joining Together illustrates how this knowledge and mastery of skills creates choices, opportunities, and successes for each individual. No competing text offers the scope of coverage and the range of experiential exercises like Joining Together.

Table of Contents:
Preface.   1. Group Dynamics. Basic Concepts to Be Covered in This Chapter Group Dynamics and Me What Is a Group? The Importance of Groups Group Structure Creating Productive Groups How to Create an Effective Group The Development of Groups Over Time The Field of Group Dynamics The Nature of This Book and How to Use It Summary   2. Experiential Learning. Basic Concepts to Be Covered in This Chapter Procedural Learning Action Theories Gaining Expertise Through Experiential Learning Experiential Learning and Motivation Learning Group Skills Role Playing Learning How to Be a Participant-Observer Conducting Skill-Training Exercises Ethics of Experiential Learning Summary   3. Group Goals, Social Interdependence, and Trust. Basic Concepts to Be Covered in This Chapter Introduction What Is a Goal? START Goals Clarity of Goals Operational Goals Group Goals and Level of Aspiration Dealing with Hidden Agendas Helping Groups Set Effective Goals Group Goals and Social Interdependence Among Members Outcomes of Social Interdependence Effort to Achieve and Produce Reciprocal Relationships Among the Three Outcomes Mediating Variables: The Basic Elements of Cooperation The Stability of Cooperation Goal Structures and the Allocation of Benefits Among Group Members Mixed-Motive Situations Developing and Maintaining Trust Summary   4. Communication Within Groups. Basic Concepts to Be Covered in This Chapter Introduction and Definitions Group Communication Sending and Receiving Messages Communication in a Problem-Solving Group Interaction Analysis Communication Networks Communication Patterns in an Authority Hierarchy Influences on Effectiveness of Group Communication Effects of Cooperation and Competition on Communication Physical Influences on Communication Seating Arrangements Humor Summary   5. Leadership. Basic Concepts to Be Covered in This Chapter What Is Leadership? Trait Theories of Leadership Leadership Styles Influence Theory of Leadership Role Position/Group Structure Approach to Leadership Situational Theories of Leadership Organizational Leadership What If You Do Not Want to Be a Leader? Summary   6. Using Power. Basic Concepts to Be Covered in This Chapter. Introduction. What Is Power? The Dynamic Interdependence View of Power Mobilizing Power to Achieve Goals The Trait-Factor Approach to Power The Bases of Power Conflict Model of Social Influence Power and Problem Solving Unequal Power Group Norms: Indirect Power The Group Mind Individual Versus Relationship Perspectives Summary   7. Decision Making. Basic Concepts to Be Covered in This Chapter Making Effective Decisions Individual Versus Group Decision Making Methods of Decision Making Factors Enhancing Group Decision Making Factors Hindering Group Decision Making Considered and Thoughtful Decision Making Problems with Theorizing on Decision Making Summary   8. Controversy and Creativity Basic Concepts to Be Covered in This Chapter Controversy and Decision Making The Avoidance of Controversy Outcomes of Controversy Creativity Process of Controversy Conditions Determining the Constructiveness of Controversy Minority Influence, Controversy, and Decision Making Structuring Constructive Controversies Being a Citizen in a Democracy Creative Problem Solving Developing and Fostering Creativity Open Versus Closed Belief Systems Brainstorming Summary   9. Managing Conflict of Interests. Basic Concepts to Be Covered in This Chapter Conflict Positive Groups Nature of Conflicts of Interests Conflicts Can Be Destructive or Constructive Conflict and Aggression Conflict Strategies: What Are You Like? Controlling the Occurrence of Conflicts The Nature of Negotiations Two Types of Negotiating The Integrative Negotiating Procedure Defining the Conflict as a Mutual Problem Try, Try Again Negotiating in Good Faith Refusal Skills: This Issue Is Non-Negotiable Intergroup Conflict Third-Party Mediation Summary   10 Valuing Diversity. Basic Concepts to Be Covered in This Chapter Introduction Sources of Diversity Importance of Managing Diversity The Value of Diversity Barriers to Interacting with Diverse Peers Making Member Diversity a Strength Summary   11. Cooperative Learning in the Classroom. Basic Concepts to Be Covered in This Chapter Nature of Cooperative Learning Formal Cooperative Learning: Being A “Guide on the Side” Preinstructional Decisions Explaining the Task and Cooperative Structure Monitoring and Intervening Evaluating Learning and Processing Interaction Informal Cooperative Learning Groups Using Informal Cooperative Learning Base Groups Integrated Use of All Three Goal Structures The Cooperative School Summary   12. Leading Growth and Counseling Groups. Basic Concepts to Be Covered in This Chapter Introduction Types of Therapeutic Groups The Unique Power of Group Experiences Importance of Disclosing Emotions Leading a Growth Group Conceptual Frameworks, Feelings, and Intuition Becoming a Facilitator Growth Groups and Participant Anxiety Costs of Growth and Therapy Groups Comparative Effectiveness Summary   13. Team Development, Team Training. Basic Concepts to Be Covered in This Chapter Introduction What Is a Team? Types of Teams Organizational Context Building Productive Teams Research on Team Effectiveness Forming, Structuring, and Nurturing Teams Use of Teams in Training Programs Team Building Assessing Quality of Work Total Quality Management Dealing with Problem Behaviors in Teams Summary   14. Epilogue. Guidelines for Creating Effective Groups Learning Group Skills Summary   Appendix: Answers.   Glossary.   References.   Index.