This paper examines the influence of Iranian teacher unions on educational policy reforms, focusing on the evolution of teacher unions over the past two decades. Our key finding reveals a shift in the discourse and mental model of Iranian teacher unions, with an increased emphasis on education policy changes for quality and equity education.…

Suggests that open interaction is exquisitely controlled social behavior, and groups employing it possess an impressive potential for social influence. These misrepresentations of the power of the activity and the group leader constitute a kind of mystification by the practitioner of himself or herself and his or her clientele. (Author/BL)

In this article, the author presents the dangers in group work. He states that one common dilemma is when groups tend to come to agreement too quickly. Another dilemma is when the team is getting bogged down and becoming defensive or adversarial when members express new ideas or introduce new data. Finally, a very common danger is group members'…

The most effective group leaders are those perceived as highly energetic, supportive, and flexible in their style, who provide stimulation for the group and opportunity for emotional expression and closeness. This positive confronting style is contrasted with an intrusive-aggressive or challenging style. (Author/JMF)

This pamphlet on parliamentary procedure is the fifteenth of 16 in a series to provide leaders in adult activities with sound introductory material to give practical help in using a method of adult education or working in a particular area. Its objective is to help organizational leaders use parliamentary procedure to further the educative process…

Eight "myths" about small group processes and outcomes are presented and matched against research and practice. Conclusions are drawn concerning benefits of group experience, group composition, leader impact, role of structural exercises, function of the "here-and-now," self-disclosure and feedback, understanding group processes, and the long-term…

This paper attempts to go beyond traditional sociological explanations of the way men and women behave in small groups by examining the dynamics of patriarchal relations, sex roles, and sex role behavior among the staff of an American university in a stressed situation. (Author/EB)

This pamphlet on understanding how groups work is the fourth of 16 in a series to provide leaders in adult activities with sound introductory material to give practical help in using a method of adult education or working in a particular area. Its objective is to help leaders learn about group behavior. Eight articles and how-tos are included.…

The purposes of this study were to identify group characteristics of County Extension Advisory Committees which were related to the effective performance of the committees and to identify the leadership behavior dimensions of County Extension Agent Chairmen which were related to the effective performance of County Extension Advisory Committees.…

At their worst, meetings can waste time, lack focus, foster a combative spirit, or be just plain boring. At their best, meetings can be a positive, dynamic experience that nurtures individual strengths while inspiring teamwork to successfully accomplish an established task. The fate of a meeting lies in the skill of the facilitator, and this…

Assessed impact of professional involvement in mutual help groups for mentally ill. Compared social climate and behavioral data on members in groups led by either mental health professional or indigenous group member. Found more formal, psychologically direct approach in professionally led group. Professional involvement appeared to affect both…

Examines the effect of leader and follower gender on leader communication behavior and follower satisfaction. Research suggests that group members can be equally satisfied with male and female leaders as long as they exhibit similar frequencies of task-oriented communication. (JMF)

Describes a study that examined how relationships within diverse leadership teams engaged the strengths of all members to make decisions and transform schools. Results indicated that diversity issues affecting team effectiveness were apparent in team composition, agenda topics, and group representation. This paper presents recommendations for…

Two studies involving 135 female and 21 male undergraduates compare effects of masculinity and femininity on rater and ratee evaluations of emergent leader behavior in mixed-sex and same-sex groups. Masculinity is not associated with peer-rated leadership, but femininity is correlated with two measures (self-task and self-relationship) of…

Troop ideology as defined by the scoutmaster and other involved adults radically altered the learning experiences of boys in two Boy Scout troops, even though both adhered to the official program. Using observation and interviews, researchers studied all aspects of the troops over 7 months. One troop, whose scoutmaster was benevolent and…