This interview with Samuel T. Gladding highlights his contributions and focuses specifically on his interests in group work and creative approaches to counseling including use of humor, poetry, and metaphors. The interview explores Gladding's entry into the profession, personal and professional experiences that influenced his work, and his vision…

Through the use of a culinary metaphor, the authors depict common problems that can occur when process is overlooked in group settings. The metaphor offers "food for thought" for helping leaders achieve a balance between process and content in effective group work. (Author)

Graduate and undergraduate business students (n=116) were divided into 14 self-selected groups and 15 socially engineered groups with members chosen to ensure diversity of backgrounds and abilities. The socially engineered groups produced better, more accurate decisions on group tasks, and their satisfaction was not diminished by the lack of…

Examines factors that influence the development of synergistic knowledge in student groups. Data on senior-level undergraduate business students who analyzed complex company cases and presented their analyses to the class suggest positive influences of team psychological safety and social interaction and a negative influence of task conflict on…

A study of 288 hospital employees engaged in problem-solving groups found that previous group problem-solving experience, educational level, work expertise, and problem-solving confidence were the best predictors of self-efficacy. (SK)

Proposes interaction hypotheses involving the social, interpersonal, and intellectual responses of group members collaborating via computer-mediated communication. Finds that some conditions of computer-mediated communication used by geographically dispersed partners rendered effects systematically superior to those obtained in other mediated…

Reviews three types of collective learning networks, teams, and communities. Advocates learning communities as a powerful way to stimulate shared learning. Warns that, although technology enables networked learning, group dynamics are crucial and must be considered. Describes progressive inquiry and team roles as ways to support collective…

Little has been written about the nature of group supervision for school psychologists in training. In organizing the supervisor's approach to running such a group, the following theoretical models may prove effective: attachment theory, object relations theory, group theory and self psychology. Case examples are discussed in order to illustrate…

This study examined the hypothesis that group size can influence whether 9- to 10-year-olds display self-assertive versus self-deprecating responses to interpersonal competition, especially under stress. Findings indicated that individuals displayed more assertive behaviors during competitive game-playing in groups than in dyads, and more…

Presents an exercise and tools to help student groups deal with challenges of project work outside class. Self- and group reflection, discussion, coordination tips, and mid- and end-of-project follow-up are techniques designed to help students anticipate and resolve problems with group process. (SK)

Examines use of traditional group psychotherapy format for specific purpose of helping religious and faith development in spiritually troubled clients. Reviews the historical, philosophical, and theoretical foundations of the interreligious encounter group concept. Explores the dynamics of the group process and suggests experiences that help the…

Focuses on the "here-and-now" interactional experience in group counseling, and elaborates on the importance of counselors preparing members for this dynamic to optimize active participation. Reviews norms of group behaviors and possible leader responses, process illumination methods, and preparation of a written guide for members. (PVV)

Information requirements specification (IRS) constitutes an Achilles heel in the system life cycle of management information systems. This article establishes a systematic overall IRS technique applicable to organizations of all types and sizes. The technique's integration of brainstorming and theory Z principles creates an effective, stimulating,…

Discussion of the role of small group performance focuses on solving problems to improve performance. Types of tasks and their effects on groups are described; group resources are discussed; factors affecting group process are explained; and a flowchart for solving group performance problems is presented. (LRW)

Presents a model based on work by Schultz von Thun that helps to explain how to avoid misunderstandings in interpersonal communication. The model is then applied to interpersonal interactions in educational games, simulations, and workshops, and the insights it provides into how unnecessary and unintentional conflict may be avoided are discussed.…