In Mixed Company: Communicating in Small Groups and Teams (with InfoTrac)

by J. Dan Rothwell

IN MIXED COMPANY has shown a substantial increase in popularity and acclaim with each successive edition. Consequently, in the Fifth Edition, the author preserved the essence of previous versions, and expanded somewhat the central unifying theme that cooperation in small groups is usually superior to competition. In Mixed Company thoroughly addresses the theme of cooperation in small groups. The communication competence model continues to guide discussions of key small group concepts and processes. Systems theory also remains as a key theoretical component of the text and finally, an extensive discussion and analysis of power in small groups continues to separate IN MIXED COMPANY from other textbooks.

Genres: Textbooks, Reference, Communication, Business, Nonfiction

408 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1991

Reviews

[Reagan]

A very informative text. I found the content interesting so I enjoyed reading it. The author presents the information in a quasi-conversational way which helped me with retention. It reminded me of an engaging professor’s lecture as opposed to a compact informational text.

[Zachary]

I think there are a lot of good resources in this text, and for the most part a very clear explanation of many of the intricacies of small group communication, particularly in the area of problem solving. That being said, it does feel like the recommendations that the book sometimes leans into are kind of generalizations that don't seem to be substantiated, and even though this edition of the book was totally redesigned, there still lacks some kind of comprehensive framework for tying the sometimes disparate areas of each chapter in to the whole mindset of small groups and communication. Overall a great resource, though, one that I'm happy to use and refer to.

[Dana Raber]

Not bad. I liked the content a lot. I learned quite a bit. My favorite part was the author’s writing style, it was subtle and kinda funny.

3 stars because I struggled with the massive blocks of text and repetitive nature of the layout. Generally, the chapters were a bit long-winded. Not too bad though.

[Asher Burns]

Tons of skimming here. Don't really deserve to count it as logged. It's probably better than 3 stars.

Far too proud of myself for recognizing the models from one the stock images as the same people from the Distracted Boyfriend meme.

[Bobbi Jo]

This book was full of good information and advice and I'm actually going to keep it. It was super frustrating to read, sometimes, as it seemed to draw out a point way beyond the necessary.

[Haley Lipford]

Read for class. N/R

[Kristy Marquez]

Textbook

[Courtney Tabor]

Was stuck teaching a Small Group Communication class this term that I never would’ve chosen and would never like to do ever again.

[Cristina]

Hilarious!