The Fundamentals of Small Group Communication

FOR FTN USE ONLY, NOT FOR WEB

The Fundamentals of Small Group Communication provides the beginning student with basic concepts, skills, and practices to become an effective group member. Unlike other small group communication textbooks that revolve around group work and group presentations, this textbook centers on the individual group mem­ber. That is, students who read this textbook will learn how their contribution to any small group endeavor can be enhanced by learning about (1) the small group communication process (e.g., components of small group communication, group socialization, group development), (2) the unique qualities each group member brings to the process (e.g., communication and personality traits, diversity, ethics), and (3) how the qualities of each group member can enhance or detract from various aspects of the small group process in terms of both the group task (e.g., the func­tional perspective of small group communication, engaging in problem-solving and decision-making techniques, roles, shared leadership) and group member relationships (e.g., engaging in relational communication, handling conflict, establishing a supportive climate).

The treatment is succinct and practical. The chapters are arranged in a way that suggests three overarching themes: characteristics of small group communication and the individual group member (chapters 1-5), the group task (chapters 6-9), and group member relationships (chapters 10-14).

By presenting a clear, uncluttered introduction to small group communication--without the distracting jargon, "bells & whistles," and cost-inflating color photographs found in most texts--The Fundamentals of Small Group Communication offers an attractive option for those who are genuinely concerned about using a great textbook that is affordable, easy to read, translates research extremely well, and offers students prac­tical information about small group communication that they can use.