In Mixed Company: Communicating in Small Groups and Teams
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Author Description
In Mixed Company, Tenth Edition, combines theory, applications, and current research on small group communication in a conversational and engaging style. The communication competence model and principles of cooperation guide discussions of key small group concepts and processes throughout the text.DISTINCTIVE FEATURES:* Rothwell's trademark style--erudite yet conversational and approachable and filled with practical advice, startling anecdotes, and humorous stories--engages readers like no other group communication textbook does* Integrates a communication competence perspective throughout, providing a clear communication focus that is rigorous, engaging, and practical.* The text's unique emphasis on the role of power in small group communication helps students see that power is a central underlying element in small group conflict, teamwork, decision making, problem solving, normative behavior, roles, and leadership.* Systems theory--a key theoretical component of the text--equips students with an easy-to-understand conceptual framework for analysis and insights.* Lively photos and cartoons bring chapter concepts to life.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This text investigates the core question of how individuals can achieve communication competence within the complex, often power-laden environment of small groups and teams. Author J. Dan Rothwell, a seasoned academic in the field of communication studies, utilizes a blend of systems theory and the communication competence model to provide a structured framework for understanding group interactions. By synthesizing current research with practical applications, the book argues that effective group work requires a conscious navigation of power dynamics, normative behaviors, and cooperative principles.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- A comprehensive communication competence model applied to small group settings
- Systems theory as a framework for analyzing group processes and decision-making
- Analysis of power dynamics, leadership roles, and conflict resolution strategies
- Practical advice for team problem-solving and normative behavior management
Scope Limits
- The text focuses primarily on small group and team communication rather than large-scale organizational or mass communication
- It does not provide an exhaustive history of communication theory, prioritizing functional application over historical survey
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Experts and educators frequently highlight this text as a foundational resource for students due to its balance of academic rigor and accessible, conversational prose. Readers often note that the inclusion of real-world anecdotes and humor makes complex theoretical concepts highly applicable to professional and academic team environments.
Page Count:
408
Publication Date:
2018-09-14
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0190919906
ISBN-13:
9780190919900
Education
Teamwork
Communication
Group Dynamics
Leadership
