Creating Effective Groups

The Art of Small Group Communication

By (author) Randy Fujishin

Publication date:

05 September 2013

Length of book:

214 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

ISBN-13: 9781442222496

This practical book gives students the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to communicate more effectively and interact more productively in the small group setting. With the help of this book, any group member can learn the skills necessary to participate in and lead a task group in an effective, productive, and healthy manner. This third edition features all new sections on:
· "The Power of Diversity"
· "Critically Thinking About Yourself As A Communicator"
· "Defensive vs. Supportive Climates"
· "Ethical Communication"
· "Time Management"
· "Impromptu Speaking"
· "The Spirit of Collaboration"
As well as new end chapter exercises in several chapters focusing on Online Resources and Social Media.

Preface

CHAPTER 1 Working in a Group
Working in Groups
Four Elements of a Problem-Solving Group
The Small Group as a System
The Power of One
Characteristics of Groups
The Power of Diversity
Individual and Group Exercises

CHAPTER 2 Discovering Yourself
Being Open to Self-Discovery
Spending Time by Yourself
Self-Discovery Inventories
Speaking Kindly to Yourself
Accepting Yourself
Accepting Others
Critically Thinking About Yourself As A Communicator
Individual and Group Exercises

CHAPTER 3 Expressing Yourself Clearly
Communication Is a Learned Behavior
Five Roles That Prevent Clear Expression
The Communication Process
I-Statements
Four Levels of Communication
Gender Differences in Conversational Strategies
Guidelines for Speaking Clearly
Reducing Anxiety When Speaking
Defensive vs. Supportive Group Climates
Individual and Group Exercises

CHAPTER 4 Listening for Understanding
The Importance of Listening
The Process of Listening
Poor Listening Styles
Barriers to Listening
Acceptance: A Requirement for Listening
Listening for Understanding: Active Listening
Advantages of Active Listening
Guidelines for Active Listening
Intercultural Awareness
S.O.A.R. Technique
Individual and Group Exercises

CHAPTER 5 Problem Solving in Groups
Myths of Small Group Problem Solving
Decision-Making Techniques
Discussion Questions
The Standard Problem-Solving Agenda
The Circular Nature of Problem Solving
Being More Creative
Individual and Group Exercises

CHAPTER 6 Preparing for Discussion
You Don’t Know Everything
We Can Always Know More
Where to Research
What to Research
Constructing an Information Sheet
Using Visual Aids
Testing Evidence and Reasoning
Recognizing Logical Fallacies
Ethical Communication
Your Time Management
Individual and Group Exercises

CHAPTER 7 Guiding Discussion
Guiding Discussion to a Shared Path
Task-Guiding Behaviors
Social-Guiding Behaviors
Being an Effective Follower
Individual and Group Exercises

CHAPTER 8 Leading a Group
What Is Leadership?
Approaches to Leadership
The Attitude of the Servant Leader
Leading an Effective Meeting
Taking Care of Yourself as the Leader
Individual and Group Exercises

CHAPTER 9 Building a Cohesive Group
The Social Dimension
Feeling Successful
Feeling Connected
Feeling Valued
Feeling Supported
Trusting Others
Groupthink: When Groups Are Too Cohesive
Individual and Group Exercises

CHAPTER 10 Managing Conflict
A Different Approach to Conflict
Myths of Conflict
Advantages of Conflict
Three Types of Group Conflict
Dealing with Procedural Conflict
Dealing with Substantive Conflict
Dealing with Interpersonal Conflict
Specific Interventions for Dysfunctional Behavior
Forgiveness
Individual and Group Exercises

Afterword
Bibliography
Index
About the Author

I've used the previous edition in my introductory small group course for several years. Students find the material practical and easily accessible. He weaves together decades of group-related literature into this concise, readable volume. The book focuses on key aspects of group relationships, something that is too often overlooked or ignored in other small group textbooks. Professor Fujishin has again put together a wonderful resource for students and practitioners alike.