Group Dynamics

by Donelson R. Forsyth

Offering the most comprehensive treatment of groups available, GROUP DYNAMICS, Sixth Edition, combines an emphasis on research, empirical studies supporting theoretical understanding of groups, and extended case studies to illustrate the application of concepts to actual groups. This best-selling book builds each chapter around a real-life case, drawing on examples from a range of disciplines including psychology, law, education, sociology, and political science. Tightly weaving concepts and familiar ideas together, the text takes readers beyond simple exposure to basic principles and research findings to a deeper understanding of each topic. Available with InfoTrac Student Collections

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Leadership, Textbooks, Sociology, Business

752 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1990

Reviews

[Марија Николовска]

Finally done with this chonker. 😌 I only read half of the chapters and I didn't like it.

[jade · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Group Dynamics, author Donelson R. Forsyth attempts to give his reader an introduction on the subject, using a case study in each chapter as an example of the theory or topic he wishes to breach. His writing style is rather simplistic, which makes the book a smooth and easy read, but perhaps a bit below the level of the audience he’s aiming at (undergraduates, no doubt). Still, the book presents quite a few interesting case examples, drawn from all kinds of fields that are all connected to group dynamics (but let’s be honest: which field isn’t?).

This textbook contains chapters of the following topics: studying groups, inclusion and identity, formation, cohesion and development, structure, influence, power, leadership, performance, decision making, teams, conflict, intergroup relations, groups in context, groups and change, and finally, crowds and collective behaviour. Each chapter contains summaries, and key terms are explained in the margins.

It’s a good introduction to group dynamics in general, and Forsyth also puts a solid emphasis on backing the presented theories or ideas up with empirical evidence. However, I really do feel that the book suffers from his simplistic writing style, and the fact that he seems intent on explaining extremely obvious terms, and matters that are very much common sense.

I can still recommend this book to anyone looking to know more about group dynamics, from managers to students to psychologists and to anyone remotely interested. Forsyth’s book is easy to get into (perhaps a bit too easy, like I mentioned), and he does give a complete overview of all important aspects of the field. Good introductory textbook, but not extremely stellar or enlightening.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite textbook, but it certainly wasn't the worst :)

[Tracy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was required reading for one of my uni classes. The book is quite dense, doesn't define terms well instead gives examples from movies or case studies. I actually found better resources for my assignments from other resources.

[Edzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very inspirational in 2001-2013 when I read it. Never completed it.
Now in 2020 in retrospect some ideas that I recall seem to me outdated.

Looking forward to a new version of this book.
New generations, new people, new group dynamics.

[Allosh · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5!
I still have a couple of chapters left, but I am so done with it!
This is not an enjoyable book, although it has some good information. It was dense at times and repetitive at others which is pretty annoying, yet I'd say I learned a few things.

[Santosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again a textbook, but amazingly well written.
More for the students of Organizational Behavior or social psychology or students of management.

But very nice explanations, with lot of references and citations. If you want to study Groups/teams - this is the go to guide.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good textbook. Read this for a university class on group dynamics.

The book covers a broad spectrum of aspects involved in the study of group dynamics, from decision making in groups (Chapter 11) to how groups are shaped by situational factors (Chapter 15) and the scientific approaches to explaining crowd phenomena (Chapter 17).
The content is generally interesting, even though sometimes just a confirmation of common sense (as are many texts in social psychology).
What made this book stand out were two specific parts of its organization:

1. At the beginning of every chapter, a real-life example of a group was introduced (e.g. the crew of the flight that landed on the Hudson river, the conflict between Jobs and Sculley at Apple, the crew of Apollo 13, etc.) and referenced throughout the rest of the chapter. This was a very nice way to illustrate the theory and connect it to more practical cases.

2. For every chapter (I think), there were two 'Focus' boxes: One relating the discussed theory to e-groups, or groups that only interact online, the other one introducing a more culturally inclusive perspective, highlighting the differences and similarities found between cultures.

Even though many textbooks include especially the cultural differences, it was nice to have them summarized in a focus-section, rather than scattered through the whole chapter.

[Martine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informational and factual, but also rather extensive and dry. Good textbook overview, and though the author clearly tries to connect each chapter to a practical example, it is still very theoretical.

[Juneight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Groups form most of our daily life. From professional to personal groups, individuals seek meaning in groups, become a "self" in groups and develop identities with/in groups. Forsyth's book is a comprehensive start for those who are interested in understanding complexity of groups.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

also excellent

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was assigned for a graduate level class and read like a jr. high textbook. Most of it was really intuitive. I got a lot out of my class, but not so much from the actual book.

[saba · Rating 3 out of 5]

ترجمه فیروزبخت

[Bumbierītis]

I wanted to know how to deal with evil bosses, etc. The book gave some useful insights.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Textbook for college course. Print very dense with a few graphs/charts thrown in. Some chapters were very informative.

[Catastrophe Queen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Studying...