Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills

Joining Together introduces readers to the theory and research needed to understand how to make groups effective and, through exercises and thorough explanations, equips them with the skills required to apply that knowledge to practical situations.Chapters discuss the history of groups and group dynamics, the nature of experiential learning, group goals, communication within groups, leadership, power, decision making, controversy and creativity, and conflict management. More applied chapters focus on valuing diversity, cooperative learning, leading counseling groups, and team development and training.The new edition of this best-selling text features:New sections on controversy and creativityNew individual and group exercisesA focus on new technologiesGreater focus on minority influence, group goals, and diversity and many other updates and changes.Joining Together introduces readers to the theory and research needed to understand how to make groups effective and, through exercises and thorough explanations, equips them with the skills required to apply that knowledge to practical situations.

David W. Johnson is a Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Minnesota. He is Co-Director of the Cooperative Learning Center. He received his doctoral degree in social psychology from Columbia University. His research areas include social interdependence (cooperation and competition) and conflict resolution. He is a past-editor of the American Educational Research Journal. He has authored over 500 research articles and book chapters. He is the author of over 50 books, including Reaching Out: Interpersonal Effectiveness and Self-Actualization, Active Learning: Cooperation in the College Classroom, Cooperation in the Classroom, Creative Controversy, Teaching Students To Be Peacemakers, and Cooperation and Competition: Theory and Research. He has received numerous awards from such organizations as the American Psychological Association, the American Educational Research Association, and the Interactional Association for Conflict Management.Frank P. Johnson graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education and received a Masters of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School in Boston and his Doctor in Ministry degree from Louisville Presbyterian Theological School. He has 35 years experience in the field of Applied Behavioral Science, with professional recognition from NTL Institute of Applied Behavioral Science, Association for Creative Change, Consultant/Trainers Southwest, and the Mid-Atlantic Association for Training and Consulting. He was employed for 13 years at the University of Maryland Counseling Center, teaching group counseling, and, during that time was a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Maryland School of Psychiatry and Human Behavior. He has written many journal articles, contributed chapters to books, and is the co-author of Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills. He has been a consultant with a variety of organizations, including educational, governmental, religious, and industrial. From 1984 - 1996 he was employed at Ethyl Corporation as a Human Resources Development Associate. Since his retirement from Ethyl, he has served as an Interim Minister in several churches and is now employed as a Chaplain for Canon Hospice in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Preface Chapter 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 Chapter 2: 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 1 The Stability of Cooperation Goal Structures and the Allocation of Benefits Among Group Members Mixed-Motive Situations Developing and Maintaining Trust Summary Chapter 3: 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 Chapter 4: 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 Chapter 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 Chapter 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 Chapter 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 Chapter 8 Controversy and Creativity Basic Concepts to Be Covered in This Chapter Controversy and Decision Making Outcomes of Controversy Creativity Process of Controversy Conditions Determining the Constructiveness