'To make good decisions, groups must develop specific skills while at the same time having an understanding of the theory that underlies practice. The perfect marriage of theory and practical `how-to' models, this text introduces the student immediately to the fundamental skills needed to work effectively in groups. This skills development culminates in a section called the Group Project Facilitator that gives concrete procedures and strategies for working effectively in groups. The authors then provide a broad and systematic development of group theory, including a clearly written and easily understandable discussion of the cutting-edge research of Scott Poole and others. The text includes a comprehensive treatment of technology and its role in the communication process. This book should be of interest to students of speech communication taking introductory courses in small group communication'