In Mixed Company: Communicating in Small Groups and Teams

by J. Dan Rothwell

In Mixed Company , Tenth Edition, combines theory, applications, and current research on small group communication in a conversational and engaging style. The communication competence model and principles of cooperation guide discussions of key small group concepts and processes throughout the
text.

DISTINCTIVE
* Rothwell's trademark style--erudite yet conversational and approachable and filled with practical advice, startling anecdotes, and humorous stories--engages readers like no other group communication textbook does
* Integrates a communication competence perspective throughout, providing a clear communication focus that is rigorous, engaging, and practical.
* The text's unique emphasis on the role of power in small group communication helps students see that power is a central underlying element in small group conflict, teamwork, decision making, problem solving, normative behavior, roles, and leadership.
* Systems theory--a key theoretical component of the text--equips students with an easy-to-understand conceptual framework for analysis and insights.
* Lively photos and cartoons bring chapter concepts to life.

Genres: Textbooks, Reference, Communication, Business, Nonfiction

408 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1991

Reviews

[Reagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very informative text. I found the content interesting so I enjoyed reading it. The author presents the information in a quasi-conversational way which helped me with retention. It reminded me of an engaging professor’s lecture as opposed to a compact informational text.

[Zachary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think there are a lot of good resources in this text, and for the most part a very clear explanation of many of the intricacies of small group communication, particularly in the area of problem solving. That being said, it does feel like the recommendations that the book sometimes leans into are kind of generalizations that don't seem to be substantiated, and even though this edition of the book was totally redesigned, there still lacks some kind of comprehensive framework for tying the sometimes disparate areas of each chapter in to the whole mindset of small groups and communication. Overall a great resource, though, one that I'm happy to use and refer to.

[Dana Raber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. I liked the content a lot. I learned quite a bit. My favorite part was the author’s writing style, it was subtle and kinda funny.

3 stars because I struggled with the massive blocks of text and repetitive nature of the layout. Generally, the chapters were a bit long-winded. Not too bad though.

[Asher Burns · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tons of skimming here. Don't really deserve to count it as logged. It's probably better than 3 stars.

Far too proud of myself for recognizing the models from one the stock images as the same people from the Distracted Boyfriend meme.

[Bobbi Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was full of good information and advice and I'm actually going to keep it. It was super frustrating to read, sometimes, as it seemed to draw out a point way beyond the necessary.

[Haley Lipford]

Read for class. N/R

[Kristy Marquez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Textbook

[Courtney Tabor · Rating 1 out of 5]

Was stuck teaching a Small Group Communication class this term that I never would’ve chosen and would never like to do ever again.

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious!