Small Group and Team Communication integrates theory, research, and practical examples into a clear and logical presentation of how communication works in a variety of professional, social, civic, and personal groups and teams.   Through the incorporation of new research and the systems theory framework, extensive examples and updated exercises, the Fifth Edition promotes outstanding discussions in critical issues of diversity, ethics, and technology.

Table of Contents:
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