Synopsis
Conceived as a core text for more theoretically based courses, "A Systems Approach to Small Group Interaction" uses Tubbs' "systems model" as a framework for explaining and integrating the major small group theories. The book thus offers an opportunity to enable undergraduates to clearly view theories that are usually only found in more advanced books. The new edition has been thoroughly updated to include over 100 new citations, more practical applications of small group interactions, plus new case studies and reading selections. Features include Tubb's own "System Model", a useful framwork borrowed from the social sciences that ties together the major small groups theories, making this typically difficult material more understandable for students. The book opens each chapter with a real-life case study, drawing students into the concepts about to be presented. It provides experiential exercises, validating the theories in students' minds and giving students greater insight into how theories relate to behaviour. Also provided are end-of-chapter readings, amplifying core chapter concepts and covering leadership in greater depth than any other book now available, highlighting this important topic. (Chapter 4). New to this edition is coverage of the family group, the social group, and the educational group. (Chapter 3). It also integrates new pedagogical aids - chapter previews, glossaries, and summaries, and provides a thorough explanation of the theory, rationalw, and advantages of the Systems Model, laying a firm foundation for the entire text. (chapter 1).
From the Publisher
'Making the Grade' CD-ROM. Every new copy of this text is packaged with a free 'Making the Grade' CD-ROM, which includes:
-Study questions to help reinforce key concepts in the text. With 35 questions per chapter and instant feedback, these study questions are a true study aid for students.
- An Internet Primer.
- A Guide to Electronic Research.
- A Student Skills Primer.
- Learning Assessment Tools.
New Chapter. Chapter 9, "Small Group Presentations to an Audience," is a new chapter. The chapter covers how to prepare an oral presentation and discusses three typical formats for group presentations, namely 1) the Panel discussion, 2) the Symposium, and 3) the Forum discussion.
"Communication Processes," formerly Chapter 5, is now Chapter 2. The chapter deals with the unique aspects of communication in the small group setting. It covers language behavior, self-disclosure, and interaction roles.
Chapter 3, "Relevant Background Factors," has a new section on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, which is the most widely used non clinical personality inventory, in the section on group members' personality. The chapter examines how different personality types interact together in a group.
Chapter 3 also includes new information about the Internet, such as online group interaction and online sites to visit.
Chapter 7, "Conflict Management," has a new section on Game Theory with a discussion about its application to businesses as well as to not-for-profit organizations. Also, the section on Conflict Management has been updated and expanded.
New material has been added from over 130 sources, the vast majority of which have been published since 1998.
Looks at groups as interactive systems in which each participant affects and is, in turn, effected by the other participants.
Clear coverage of the basics of teamwork links the concepts to communication through an emphasis on leadership, and problem-solving and decision making.
A practical focus ties such concepts as TQM, leadership, negotiating and conflict management, left and right brain creativity, brainstorming, and teamwork to their real world applications.
Strong coverage of leadership, verbal and non-verbal communication, problem solving and decision making, team building, managing change, and personality.
Systematic pedagogy includes: practical tips boxes, case studies, exercises, summaries, chapter beginning glossaries, tables, illustrations, bibliographies, selected readings.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
