Joining Together

Preface.

 

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

 

2. 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

 

3. 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

The Stability of Cooperation

Goal Structures and the Allocation of Benefits

Among Group Members

Mixed-Motive Situations

Developing and Maintaining Trust

Summary

 

4. 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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

8. Controversy and Creativity

Basic Concepts to Be Covered in This Chapter

Controversy and Decision Making

The Avoidance of Controversy

Outcomes of Controversy

Creativity

Process of Controversy

Conditions Determining the Constructiveness of Controversy

Minority Influence, Controversy, and Decision Making

Structuring Constructive Controversies

Being a Citizen in a Democracy

Creative Problem Solving

Developing and Fostering Creativity

Open Versus Closed Belief Systems

Brainstorming

Summary

 

9. Managing Conflict of Interests.

Basic Concepts to Be Covered in This Chapter

Conflict Positive Groups

Nature of Conflicts of Interests

Conflicts Can Be Destructive or Constructive

Conflict and Aggression

Conflict Strategies: What Are You Like?

Controlling the Occurrence of Conflicts

The Nature of Negotiations

Two Types of Negotiating

The Integrative Negotiating Procedure

Defining the Conflict as a Mutual Problem

Try, Try Again

Negotiating in Good Faith

Refusal Skills: This Issue Is Non-Negotiable

Intergroup Conflict

Third-Party Mediation

Summary

 

10 Valuing Diversity.

Basic Concepts to Be Covered in This Chapter

Introduction

Sources of Diversity

Importance of Managing Diversity

The Value of Diversity

Barriers to Interacting with Diverse Peers

Making Member Diversity a Strength

Summary

 

11. Cooperative Learning in the Classroom.

Basic Concepts to Be Covered in This Chapter

Nature of Cooperative Learning

Formal Cooperative Learning: Being A “Guide on the Side”

Preinstructional Decisions

Explaining the Task and Cooperative Structure

Monitoring and Intervening

Evaluating Learning and Processing Interaction

Informal Cooperative Learning Groups

Using Informal Cooperative Learning

Base Groups

Integrated Use of All Three Goal Structures

The Cooperative School

Summary

 

12. Leading Growth and Counseling Groups.

Basic Concepts to Be Covered in This Chapter

Introduction

Types of Therapeutic Groups

The Unique Power of Group Experiences

Importance of Disclosing Emotions

Leading a Growth Group

Conceptual Frameworks, Feelings, and Intuition

Becoming a Facilitator

Growth Groups and Participant Anxiety

Costs of Growth and Therapy Groups

Comparative Effectiveness

Summary

 

13. Team Development, Team Training.

Basic Concepts to Be Covered in This Chapter

Introduction

What Is a Team?

Types of Teams

Organizational Context

Building Productive Teams

Research on Team Effectiveness

Forming, Structuring, and Nurturing Teams

Use of Teams in Training Programs

Team Building

Assessing Quality of Work

Total Quality Management

Dealing with Problem Behaviors in Teams

Summary

 

14. Epilogue.

Guidelines for Creating Effective Groups

Learning Group Skills

Summary

 

Appendix: Answers.

 

Glossary.

 

References.

 

Index.