Communicating in Small Groups: Principles and Practices

As the best-selling text in the field of small-group communication, Communicating in Small Groups: Principles and Practices, by Steven A. Beebe and John T. Masterson, has provided readers with a wealth of relevant, practical, and up-to-date information for over a decade and a half. Balancing theoretical perspectives with numerous application and skill activities, the new edition features the following: an emphasis on group communication competency, expanded coverage of fantasy themes and symbolic convergence theory, how to avoid reasoning fallacies when solving problems and making decisions, integrated group problem solving and tools for structuring problem solving and decision making in groups and teams, how to deal with difficult people when managing conflict, the latest research conclusions about leadership and teams, new principles and frameworks for organizing any meeting, and references to total quality management and the role of collaboration in the work force.

Praise for Beebe & Masterson's Communicating in Small Groups

“While covering communication in small groups, the text does a nice job of balancing group processes and group theory. By incorporating emphases on diversity, ethics, logic, and critical thinking also, this text broadly serves its users.”
—Dr. Rock Doddridge, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

“The combination of a straightforward writing style, attention to theory, and concern for practice make this a very accessible and useful book for undergraduate students.”
—Daniel Modaff, Ohio University

“The hands on exercises are important for helping students apply the theory to reality.”
—Valerie Manno Giroux, University of Miami

“The book is well written, filled with valuable conclusions from research, and addressed central concerns in an interesting way.”
—Robert D. Harrison, Gallaudet University

“ The book covers concepts and theories well without overwhelming students with concepts they won't need in a first-level course.”
—Mary-Jo Popovici, Monroe Community College

“The ethical questions raised throughout the book really add a lot. The critical thinking material is the best I have seen in any group text.”
—Marshall Scott Poole, Texas A&M University

“ There is an appropriate balance between recognizing that decision making and problem solving are distinct processes, while also realizing that they have essential elements in common.”
—Thomas G. Endres University of St. Thomas

“I'm especially pleased to see an entire chapter devoted to diversity rather than writing a paragraph at the end of the book that no one would read.”
—Karen M. Coffey, Monroe Community College