GROUPS: THEORY AND PRACTICE offers a current, interdisciplinary approach to group dynamics that balances a rigorous scientific approach with practical, relevant advice about developing group skills. Burn's balanced approach is distinguished by its ability to help students bridge the gap between important theories, research studies, and group practice. The book is also distinguished by its attention to diversity in groups, both in terms of individual differences (e.g. gender, race, and ethnicity) and culture among group members. The author's interdisciplinary emphasis makes the text appropriate for students from a wide variety of disciplines, including psychology, communications, business, nursing, and the helping professions. Both the practical and the research findings concerning diversity are presented. Such boxed features as "Apply It" and "Self-and-Group Assessment" allow readers to apply concepts and gain personal insight about their own leadership abilities. These activities span a wide range of course areas, encourage student participation within the classroom, and set the stage for lively discussions. To ensure accuracy and consistency throughout the course, Burn drew on her own experience in the classroom to create the Instructor's Manual and Test Bank.

Table of Contents

1. AN INTRODUCTION TO GROUP DYNAMICS. Activity 1: Make Your Class a Group. Activity 2: Collect Data: How Uncomfortable are People in Groups. Activity 3: Identify Your Class's Group Goals. 2. RESEARCH METHODS IN GROUP DYNAMICS. Activity 1: Make a Sociogram. Activity 2: Design a Measure. Activity 3: Discuss the Ethics. 3. NORMS AND ROLES IN GROUPS. Activity 1: Analyze the Norms of Your Class. Activity 2: Case Analysis: Socializing New Group Members. Activity 3: Learning about Norms and Roles: A Card Game. 4. STATUS AND POWER DYNAMICS IN GROUPS. Activity 1: Observe Status and Power Dynamics in a Group Decision Making Group. Activity 2: Status Case Analyses. Activity 3: Study the Relationship Between Target and Influence Tactics. 5. COMMUNICATION IN GROUPS. Activity 1: Demonstrate Centralized and Decentralized Communication Networks. Activity 2: Share Experiences of Electronic Communication and Miscommunication. 6. GROUP DEVELOPMENT. Activity 1: Icebreaker Activity. Activity 2: Create a Plan to Promote Cohesion. Activity 3: Analyze Group Development Case Studies. 7. UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGING CONFLICT. Activity 1: Analyze News Accounts of Conflict. Activity 2: Mediation Role Play. Activity 3: Develop Recommendations for Different Conflict Styles. 8. MEMBER DIVERSITY AND GROUP DYNAMICS. Activity 1: Diversity and Context: A Marketing Activity. Activity 2: Intercultural Experience Discussion. Activity 3: Similarity-Attraction and Social Categorization in Your Class. 9. GROUP PRODUCTIVITY. Activity 1: Productivity Consulting Team Activity. Activity 2: Analyze Productivity Case Studies. Activity 3: The Paper Chain: A Coordination and Goal Activity. 10. LEADERSHIP. Activity 1: Reflective Leadership Interviews and Analysis. Activity 2: Explore Contingency Theories and Leadership Preferences. Activity 3: Leadership Fishbowl. 11. GROUP DECISION MAKING. Activity 1: Give and Receive Feedback on Decision Styles. Activity 2: Try the Delphi Technique. Activity 3: Decision Fishbowl. 12. TEAMS. Activity 1: Do a Proper Team Launch. Activity 2: Experience Challenge Education. Activity 3: Design a Team Support System.