The Fundamentals of Small Group Communication

Scott A. Myers (PhD, Kent State University) is a professor and Peggy Rardin McConnell Chair in the Department of Communication Studies at West Virginia University (WVU) where he teaches courses in instructional communication, organizational communication, and communication pedagogy. His research interests center primarily on the student-instructor relationship in the college classroom and the adult sibling relationship, with his research appearing in outlets such as Communication Education, Journal of Family Communication, Communication Research Reports, and Communication Quarterly, among others. At WVU, he was recognized by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences as a Woodburn Professor (2005-2007) and as an Outstanding Teacher in 2010. He is a former editor of Communication Teacher, a former executive director of the Central States Communication Association (CSCA), and a past president of CSCA.

The Fundamentals of Small Group Communication provides readers with the fundamentals they need to become functional and productive members of any small group. Readers are introduced to the fundamental issues faced by all small groups (such as socialization, development, ethics, diversity) and the procedures utilized by effective small groups (for example, task accomplishment, decision making, climate).With a focus on the individual group member, this textbook encourages readers to reflect on how their communication behaviors (e.g., communication traits, verbal and nonverbal communication, listening style) and practices (e.g., their leadership style, their conflict management style) contribute to their current small group experiences.

DedicationList of Tables, Figures, and Assessment ToolsAbout the AuthorsAcknowledgmentsPreface1. Components of Small Group Communication Case Study Definition of Small Group Communication Primary Features of Small Group Communication Secondary Features of Small Group Communication Types of Small Groups Ethics of Small Group Membership A Final Note about Small Group Communication Conclusion Discussion Questions References2. The Small Group Socialization Process Case Study Why Individuals Join Groups Small Group Socialization Model of Small Group Socialization Outcomes of Socialization Socialization Guidelines A Final Note about the Small Group Socialization Process Conclusion Discussion Questions References3. Small Group Member Communication and Personality Traits Case Study Definition and Differentiation of Traits Communication Traits Personality Traits Communication and Personality Traits in the Small Group A Final Note about Small Group Member Traits Conclusion Discussion Questions References4. Diversity Among Small Group Members Case Study Definition and Outcomes of Diversity Cultural Diversity Demographic Diversity: Sex and Gender Cognitive Diversity: Learning Styles Communication Traits as a Reflection of Diversity A Final Note about Diversity among Small Group Members Conclusion Discussion Questions References5. Models of Small Group Development Case Study Group Development Developmental Models Characteristics of Group Development A Final Note about Small Group Development Conclusion Discussion Questions References6. Characteristics of Small Group Tasks Case Study Characteristics of a Task Engaging in Decision-Making and Problem-Solving Tasks Functional Perspective of Small Group Communication Groupthink A Final Note about the Small Group Task Conclusion Discussion Questions References7. Small Group Decision-Making Procedures Case Study Definition of Decision-Making Procedures Types of Decision-Making Procedures Why Use Decision-Making Procedures? A Final Note about Small Group Decision-Making Procedures Conclusion Discussion Questions References8. Development of Small Group Roles Case Study Functional Approach to Roles General Propositions of Roles Role Development Types of Roles A Final Note about Small Group Roles Conclusion Discussion Questions References9. Approaches to Small Group Leadership Case Study Being a Leader vs. Sharing Leadership Classic Leadership Approaches Popular Communication Leadership Approaches Guidelines to Enhance Leadership Competence A Final Note about Small Group Leadership Conclusion Discussion Questions References10. Relational Communication among Small Group Members Case Study Definition of Relational Communication Verbal and Nonverbal Communication Functions of Verbal and Nonverbal Communication Listening A Final Note about Relational Communication Conclusion Discussion Questions References11. Conflict in the Small Group Case Study Definition of Conflict Types of Small Group Conflict Conflict-Handling Styles Guidelines for Handling Conflict A Final Note about Small Group Conflict Conclusion Discussion Questions References12. Cohesion and Climate in the Small Group Case Study The Importance of Cohesion Definition of Communication Climate How Communication Climate is Established Turning a Defensive Climate into a Supportive Climate A Final Note about Cohesion and Climate Conclusion Discussion Questions ReferencesAppendix A: Connecting Small Group Communication Concepts Case Study Connecting Textbook Content to Small Group Interactions A Final Note about Connecting Small Group Concepts Conclusion Discussion QuestionsAppendix B: Designing and Delivering Small Group Presentations Case Study Designing the Small Group Presentation Delivering the Small Group Presentation A Final Note about Designing and Delivering the Presentation Conclusion Discussion Questions ReferencesGlossary