Theories of Small Groups
Interdisciplinary Perspectives
- Marshall Scott Poole - University of Illinois, USA
- Andrea B. Hollingshead - University of Southern California, USA, Annenberg School of Communications, University of Southern California
Business & Management (General) | Communication and Media Studies (General) | Psychology (General)
Theories of Small Groups summarize the current state of group theory and research in a brief volume that can be used by researchers and in graduate courses that will train the next generation of group scholars. In this text, editors Marshall Scott Poole and Andrea B Hollingshead capitalize on the theoretical advances made over the last 50 years by integrating models and theories of small groups into a set of nine general theoretical perspectives. Theories of Small Groups is the first book to assess, synthesize, integrate, and evaluate the body of theory and research on small groups across disciplinary boundaries.
"Theories of Small Groups: Interdisciplinary Perspectives is a book that will make a significant difference in how those interested in the study of small groups think and pursue inquiry about them. In this impressive collection of original essays, the reader is introduced to nine different perspectives that have guided the development of theories and research concerning the nature of group processes. Drawing on the efforts of numerous scholars with backgrounds in biological and social sciences, editors Scott Poole and Andrea Hollingshead provide a useful vehicle for the emergence of enriched understandings of the behavior of groups, enhancing the integration of such knowledge, and the prospects for substantial increases in genuinely interdisciplinary scholarship."
An interesting, but advanced textbook. If the students don't have a good background in Group Dynamics/Group Processes (e.g. all that is covered in Don Forsyth's text), they will probably not enjoy this text.
This is an excellent book covering all aspects of small group work theory. The section on power and status are very useful for the programme learners to undertake extended reading.
It is a very good book that is generally recommended for students to use as it covers a number of relevant issues.
The main attraction was the multi-disciplinary prospectives on groups. The students loved the book, and so do I! This is for a doctoral class, and it is rarely that I find textbooks targeted for the doctoral population. This one is perfect!
This is a good book for extra reading. Thus, I have suggested to the librarian to purchase it.
