Creating Effective Groups: The Art of Small Group Communication - Hardcover

Fujishin, Randy

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1442222492 ISBN 13: 9781442222496

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2013

Synopsis

This practical book gives students the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to communicate more effectively and interact more productively in the small group setting. With the help of this book, any group member can learn the skills necessary to participate in and lead a task group in an effective, productive, and healthy manner. This third edition features all new sections on:
· "The Power of Diversity"
· "Critically Thinking About Yourself As A Communicator"
· "Defensive vs. Supportive Climates"
· "Ethical Communication"
· "Time Management"
· "Impromptu Speaking"
· "The Spirit of Collaboration"
As well as new end chapter exercises in several chapters focusing on Online Resources and Social Media.

About this title

About the Author:

Randy Fujishin is professor of speech communications at West Valley College, a community college in Saratoga, California. He is the author of several successful communications books, including Creating Communication, Gifts from the Heart, Discovering the Leader Within, andThe Natural Speaker.

Review:

I've used the previous edition in my introductory small group course for several years. Students find the material practical and easily accessible. He weaves together decades of group-related literature into this concise, readable volume. The book focuses on key aspects of group relationships, something that is too often overlooked or ignored in other small group textbooks. Professor Fujishin has again put together a wonderful resource for students and practitioners alike. (Justin Walton, Cameron University)

Randy Fujishin provides a thoughtful framework for successful group work. He diagnoses the most likely ways that teams can fail and provides usable fixes. Fujishin's book introduces students to the complexities of group work and good habits that can help groups succeed; it added concreteness to discussions of successful group dynamics in my seniors’ projects course. Also, you will recognize your own experience in committees in Fujishin's examples, and will be grateful for his ideas about how to avoid problems. (Ben Marsh, Bucknell University)

I am grateful to Randy for understanding the “art” of communication and compiling a truly valuable resource for teaching group communication. I will use this text in my consulting practice and recommend it to others facilitating communication courses. The new edition adds a number of valuable sections including, “Critically Thinking about Yourself as a Communicator,” and “Defensive verses Supportive Group Climates.” I look forward to incorporating this new material into my existing course curriculum. (Barbara Thorngren, Collaborative Education Consultant, PeaceWorks New Hampshire)

About this edition

• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 1442222492
• ISBN 13: 9781442222496
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 214