PART I THE FOUNDATIONS OF COMMUNICATING IN GROUPS 1

1 The Small Groups in Everyone’s Life 3

2 Human Communication Processes in the Small Group Context 21

3 The Small Group as a System 55

PART II DEVELOPING THE GROUP 79

4 Diversity and the Effects of Culture 81

5 The Members and Their Roles 115

PART III SMALL GROUP THROUGHPUT PROCESSES 143

6 Communication and Group Culture: Tensions, Fantasy, Socialization, Norms, and Climate 145

7 Leading Small Groups: Theoretical Perspectives 179

8 Leading Small Groups: Practical Tips 209

PART IV IMPROVING GROUP OUTPUTS 239

9 Problem Solving and Decision Making in Groups: Theoretical Perspectives 241

10 Problem Solving and Decision Making in Groups: Practical Tips and Techniques 277

11 Managing Conflict in the Small Group 313

PART V GROUP OBSERVATION AND EVALUATION TOOLS 349

12 Tools for Assessing and Evaluating Groups 351

Appendix A: Preparing for Problem-Solving Discussions: Informational Resources for the Group 383

Appendix B: Making Public Presentations of the Group’s Output 392

Glossary 413

Credits 423 Name Index

424 Subject

Index 434