"A Systems Approach to Small Group Interaction" pioneered the systems approach and is the only book that integrates all important small group topics into a single comprehensive conceptual model. The text also features a unique systematic organization. Each chapter begins with a brief preview, followed by a glossary of terms, a real life case study, and then the chapter text material; next comes several experiential exercises for skill development, and finally the chapter concludes with two original readings.

The only book for Small Group Communication that integrates all important small group topics into a single comprehensive conceptual model, this text pioneered the systems approach for the group communication course. Each chapter begins with a brief preview, followed by a glossary of terms and a real life case study; the chapter text material is followed by several experiential exercises for skill development and two original readings.

The only book for Small Group Communication that integrates all important small group topics into a single comprehensive conceptual model, this text pioneered the systems approach for the group communication course. Each chapter begins with a brief preview, followed by a glossary of terms and a real life case study; the chapter text material is followed by several experiential exercises for skill development and two original readings.

The only book that integrates all important small group communication topics into a single comprehensive conceptual model, this text pioneered the systems approach for the group communication course. Each chapter begins with a brief preview, followed by a glossary of terms and a real life case study. The text material in each chapter is followed by several experiential exercises for skill development and two original readings.

Much of contemporary communication occurs between and among small groups, whether in person in a work setting or on the Internet via email, Facebook, or instant messages. How we engage in our small-group communication in each medium matters. To be effective we have to consider our group roles, norms, cohesion, process, and phases of development, as well as our personal verbal and nonverbal communication and listening styles. To succeed as a member of a team, we need to consider the limits of our personal experience and perspective, recognize the creative strength of diverse perspectives in decision making and problem solving, develop our conflict-management skills, and strengthen our leadership skills. To be successful necessitates an understanding of group process, participation style, ethical group behavior, and the influences of the medium. Small Group and Team Communication explores all these different interconnections and the communication strategies we use in our work and social groups. The authors use the systems perspective as their core approach throughout the text, treating small groups as complex open systems reliant upon communication to achieve success. Many chapters highlight the importance of considering ethics and diversity in relation to a variety of topics. Harris and Sherblom address the growing influence of computer-mediated communication to this discipline. Real-world, applied examples show students that what they’re learning aren’t simply abstract concepts, but knowledge that will serve them outside the classroom.