In addition to the basic concepts of workgroup effectiveness, such as leadership styles appropriate for the situation, group structure, individual values and behaviour, and influencing groups for results, the fourth edition of Making Workgroups Effective has doubled its content to fully cover the new groups and different dynamics of the digital generation. The changes erupting from the digital revolution have led to major paradigm shifts in our society, especially in the role and functions of groups within it. New content in this edition identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the social and cultural changes resulting from digital communication that helps manage group tasks. The digital world permits meetings without travel but risks losing the "human touch". Suggested action steps preserve the "human touch" while utilizing what technology has opened up for us: virtual groups using twitter for task planning and the Internet for data collection. The impact of globalization - multicultural groups, short life-span groups with shifting membership, etc. - and how emotional intelligence [E.Q.] has become as important as I.Q. in leading groups effectively are also thoroughly examined. Making Workgroups Effective is for the digital generation preparing for group leadership, as well as for the managers/leaders ready to shift their present skills and experience to deal with new group compositions, diversity, shelf life, member expectations, and ways of communicating. This handbook helps readers foster a healthy, productive workgroup environment, even with a large distance between group members. Instructors from different fields and expertise (management, health, human and social services, recreation, and education) will find the content relevant and can be easily integrated into their courses. Leaders working with groups will also find this to be an invaluable resource. Table of Contents: Preface
1 The New Realities of Workgroups in the Digital Age and Globalization The New Group Factors for the Digital Age Where Do These New Realities Leave Us?
2 Understanding Group Behaviour Group Leadership Functions of Group Leaders Managerial Roles and Behaviours Transformational Leadership and Management Women’s Style of Leading Other Characteristics of Leaders Leadership and the Group Leadership Style Situation Leadership Theories Style The Effectiveness Dimension Summary Some Implications Sex Differences in Leadership and Effectiveness Sex Differences in Group Performance Attitudes versus Behaviour Leadership Summary Reader Applications of These Understandings
3 Group Structure Group Membership Factors Contributing to Strong Groups Group Standards and Social Control The Power of Group Pressure The Impact of Group Pressure Conformity Group Structure and Goals Status and Position (Hierarchical Structures) Influence and Status Decision Making Structures Frequently Asked Questions Social Control and Individual Development
4 Understanding Individuals in Groups Emotional Needs and Behaviour Patterns Growth and Development Interpersonal Behaviour in Adults What Individuals Bring to New Group Experiences Similarities to Other Groups Attitudes, Beliefs and Values Usual Adjustment Techniques Hidden Influences and Agendas Testing the Authority Figure
5 Influencing Groups and Participants Influencing Groups Influencing Individuals Form Groups Modelling Peer Training Providing Information and Utilization Frameworks Experiential Learning Understanding Cultural Differences Power and Influence An Integrative Approach to Educating and Influencing Individuals In a Nutshell
6 New Factors in Working with Groups Team Involvement and Task Accomplishment in Our Digital Age: The good, The Bad and The Ugly Context: Semi-Virtual Teams in a Graduate Program Power, Influence and Trust Issues Emerge The Digital Village Semi-Virtual Teams, Virtually Break Down Lessons Learned Replenishing Our Human Moments: A Challenge Worth Exploring Emotional Intelligence: The Other Side of Being Smart The New Yardstick of Today Plugged in But Tuned Out Balancing and Managing Team Emotional Intelligence: The Heart of the Matter The Inner Rudder: Our Most Precious Resource Essentials in An Orbiting Space Station: Choosing the Right Stuff A Summary of the Significance of E.Q. Diversity Is a Fact — And a Value “Walk the Line”: A Glimpse into How Diversity Is Experienced Today The Diversity Configuration That Emerged Personal Thoughts Personal Narrative about Diversity Making Differences Matter Space Agency/Space Station. Diversity in Action: A Rare View Behind the Scenes
Bibliography
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