Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills

David W. Johnson is a Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Minnesota. He is Co-Director of the Cooperative Learning Center. He received his doctoral degree in social psychology from Columbia University. His research areas include social interdependence (cooperation and competition) and conflict resolution. He is a past-editor of the American Educational Research Journal. He has authored over 500 research articles and book chapters. He is the author of over 50 books, including Reaching Out: Interpersonal Effectiveness and Self-Actualization, Active Learning: Cooperation in the College Classroom, Cooperation in the Classroom, Creative Controversy, Teaching Students To Be Peacemakers, and Cooperation and Competition: Theory and Research. He has received numerous awards from such organizations as the American Psychological Association, the American Educational Research Association, and the Interactional Association for Conflict Management. Frank P. Johnson graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education and received a Masters of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School in Boston and his Doctor in Ministry degree from Louisville Presbyterian Theological School. He has 35 years experience in the field of Applied Behavioral Science, with professional recognition from NTL Institute of Applied Behavioral Science, Association for Creative Change, Consultant/Trainers Southwest, and the Mid-Atlantic Association for Training and Consulting. He was employed for 13 years at the University of Maryland Counseling Center, teaching group counseling, and, during that time was a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Maryland School of Psychiatry and Human Behavior. He has written many journal articles, contributed chapters to books, and is the co-author of Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills. He has been a consultant with a variety of organizations, including educational, governmental, religious, and industrial. From 1984 - 1996 he was employed at Ethyl Corporation as a Human Resources Development Associate. Since his retirement from Ethyl, he has served as an Interim Minister in several churches and is now employed as a Chaplain for Canon Hospice in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Preface

 

Chapter 1: Group Dynamics

Basic Concepts to Be Covered in This Chapter

Group Dynamics and Me

What Is a Group?

The Importance of Groups

Group Structure

Creating Productive Groups

How to Create an Effective Group

The Development of Groups Over Time

The Field of Group Dynamics

The Nature of This Book and How to Use It

Summary

 

Chapter 2: Group Goals, Social Interdependence, and Trust

Basic Concepts to Be Covered in This Chapter

Introduction

What Is a Goal?

START Goals

Clarity of Goals

Operational Goals

Group Goals and Level of Aspiration

Dealing with Hidden Agendas

Helping Groups Set Effective Goals

Group Goals and Social Interdependence Among Members

Outcomes of Social Interdependence

Effort to Achieve and Produce

Reciprocal Relationships Among the Three Outcomes

Mediating Variables: The Basic Elements of Cooperation 1

The Stability of Cooperation

Goal Structures and the Allocation of Benefits

Among Group Members

Mixed-Motive Situations

Developing and Maintaining Trust

Summary

 

Chapter 3: Communication Within Groups

Basic Concepts to Be Covered in This Chapter

Introduction and Definitions

Group Communication

Sending and Receiving Messages

Communication in a Problem-Solving Group

Interaction Analysis

Communication Networks

Communication Patterns in an Authority Hierarchy

Influences on Effectiveness of Group Communication

Effects of Cooperation and Competition on Communication

Physical Influences on Communication

Seating Arrangements

Humor

Summary

 

Chapter 4: Experiential Learning

Basic Concepts to Be Covered in This Chapter

Procedural Learning

Action Theories

Gaining Expertise Through Experiential Learning

Experiential Learning and Motivation

Learning Group Skills

Role Playing

Learning How to Be a Participant—Observer

Conducting Skill-Training Exercises

Ethics of Experiential Learning

Summary

 

Chapter 5: Leadership

Basic Concepts to Be Covered in This Chapter

What Is Leadership?

Trait Theories of Leadership

Leadership Styles

Influence Theory of Leadership

Role Position/Group Structure Approach to Leadership

Situational Theories of Leadership

Organizational Leadership

What If You Do Not Want to Be a Leader?

Summary

 

Chapter 6: Using Power

Basic Concepts to Be Covered in This Chapter

Introduction

What Is Power?

The Dynamic Interdependence View of Power

Mobilizing Power to Achieve Goals

The Trait Factor Approach to Power

The Bases of Power

Conflict Model of Social Influence

Power and Problem Solving

Unequal Power

Group Norms: Indirect Power

The Group Mind

Individual Versus Relationship Perspectives

Summary

 

Chapter 7: Decision Making

Basic Concepts to Be Covered in This Chapter

Making Effective Decisions

Individual Versus Group Decision Making

Methods of Decision Making

Factors Enhancing Group Decision Making

Factors Hindering Group Decision Making

Considered and Thoughtful Decision Making

Problems with Theorizing on Decision Making

Summary

 

Chapter 8 Controversy and Creativity

Basic Concepts to Be Covered in This Chapter

Controversy and Decision Making

Outcomes of Controversy

Creativity

Process of Controversy

Conditions Determining the Constructiveness