Reflecting its author's extensive experience in the classroom, this beautifully crafted text expertly balances current theory and research with practical skills and applications. Its presentation reflects the author's belief that small group communication is best understood in context--whether in the workplace, in neighborhoods, in churches, social groups, or civic organizations. The thoroughly updated seventh edition cites more than one hundred recent studies.

New to This Edition

• New boxed summaries interspersed throughout the chapters help students focus on key points.
• The popular "Troubleshooting Guide," which answers frequently asked questions, is now printed on card stock and bound into the middle of the text for easy access.
• Comprehensive coverage addresses new developments in group communication studies, especially regarding topics such as culture, conflict management, gender, group development, and technology.
• Updated research includes citations of more than 100 recent studies.
• New coverage concerning cultural diversity appears throughout the text.

Features

• Each chapter encourages students to analyze their own communication behavior and to place that behavior in a group context.
• This book includes exceptionally thorough coverage of leadership and conflict, not merely from the view of a designated leader but from the view of all potential group participants.
• The text continues to focus on task-oriented and decision-making groups.
• Two popular types of boxes, "Focus on Research" and "Question of Ethics and Responsibility," address these key areas in group communication.
• Each chapter includes a list of recommended websites for further study.
• Appendix A presents formats for public small group presentations as well as instruction on how to create and deliver effective oral presentations.
• Appendix B provides a step-by-step guide for creating computer-generated graphics.

Part I. Approaching Communication In Group Contexts

Chapter 1. Introduction to Groups and Group Processes

Part II. Preparing For Group Meetings

Chapter 2. Preparing for Group Discussions
Chapter 3. Preparing for Group Meetings
Chapter 4. Communication Processes

Part III. Participating In Group Meetings

Chapter 5. Encouraging Group Development and Evolution
Chapter 6. Roles and Role Emergence
Chapter 7. Leading Group Meetings
Chapter 8. Improving Group Climates
Chapter 9. Promoting Group Cohesiveness and Satisfaction
Chapter 10. Managing Conflict in the Group

Part IV. Analyzing Small Group Decision Making

Chapter 11. Observing and Evaluating Groups

Appendix A: Public Small Group Presentations
Appendix B: Designing Presentation Graphics