Small Groups - by A Paul Hare & M Valerie Kent (Hardcover)

About the Book

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the social-psychological literature on social interaction in small groups. Part I covers the influence of the physical situation, personalities, and social characteristics of the group members on the dynamics of the group. Part II covers the effect of the presence of others on pressures to conform experienced by group members. Part III includes chapters on roles, relationships, and leadership. Part IV reviews verbal and nonverbal communication, group decision making, and choice shift. Part V deals with cooperation, competition, and conflict resolution. Part VI discusses two types of external influence on the small group: the influence exerted by a larger group of which the smaller group is part, and the influence exerted by other groups with which the small group cooperates or competes.

Book Synopsis

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the social-psychological literature on social interaction in small groups. Part I covers the influence of the physical situation, personalities, and social characteristics of the group members on the dynamics of the group. Part II covers the effect of the presence of others on pressures to conform experienced by group members. Part III includes chapters on roles, relationships, and leadership. Part IV reviews verbal and nonverbal communication, group decision making, and choice shift. Part V deals with cooperation, competition, and conflict resolution. Part VI discusses two types of external influence on the small group: the influence exerted by a larger group of which the smaller group is part, and the influence exerted by other groups with which the small group cooperates or competes.

About the Author

A. PAUL HARE is Emeritus Professor of Sociology at Ben-Gurion University.

HERBERT H. BLUMBERG is Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Goldsmiths College, University of London.

MARTIN F. DAVIES is Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Goldsmiths College, University of London.

M. VALERIE KENT is a Visiting Research Fellow in the Psychology Department at Goldsmiths College, University of London.