Quite clearly orientated towards education within workplace and corporate use in order to complete tasks most efficiently using efficient communication strategies on several situations in which small workplace groups would find themselves in such as conflict resolution, planning, and group adaptability to and change within several different environments based on theoretical groundings such as the system theory, structural theory, social exchange theory, symbolic exchange theory. Very informational textbook. The terms used are very precise to illustrate and conceptualize communication scenarios.
Communication acts are described very explicitly. Gives some exercises on on how to violating normal behaviors feels odd and out of pace, for example imagining if a person within a small group were to not respond to a random compliment that awkward pause of silence would show there is a communication error.
Explained the initial tensions of a newly formed group and how it will initially struggle for power.
Discussed group climates very well.
Being evaluative or descriptive in you analysis of new proposed ideas, evaluative using "you" as have not or didn't but "I" language as what i think of that applying it to the problem.
Problem orientation is better than controlling individual behavior as if it benefits the entire group solving the problem it is much more beneficial.
Being empathetic shows more commitment and concern to a side and is better than being neutral.
Amount of confirming and disconfirming responses discussed.
Strategic planned communication is seen as more controlling and attempt to manipulate behavior as apposed to sponteous, as these people respond immediately and honestly to the present situation.
Defines communication as making sense, sharing sense, creating meaning, and verbal and nonverbal messages. It is also transactional and essential for group outcomes.
Defines small group communication as a small group of people, meeting with a common purpose, have a sense of belonging, and exert influence.
People are attractive to groups based on needs it could fulfill or attractiveness.
Eye contact is essential for cognitive function, monitoring function, regulatory function, and expressive function.
Established a group charter as an effective way of mediating the way people act.
Showed how there is a intimate space, personal space, social space, and pubic space.
One of my least favorite in communication classes.