In Mixed Company: Small Group Communication, 3rd Ed. By: J. Dan Rothwell ©1997 Harcourt Brace College Publishers 6277 Sea Harbor Drive Orlando, FL 32887-6777 1-800-782-4479 http://www.hbcollege.com

Reviewer: Scott Millward
San Jose State University

"What you individually do or don't do may be the difference between a successful and a less-than-successful group."

In Mixed Company provides the reader with a unique look at the dynamics of small group communication from the perspective of an individual. A variety of themes surrounding the small group process are touched on in this 10 chapter, 428 page text.

Chapter one describes the concept of communication competence and touts the importance of a "We-not-Me" mind set. Several myths about communication are explored along with the impact of gender and culture on the communication process.

Chapter two provides an overview of groups as systems. Concepts such as positive and negative synergy, boundary control and group size are investigated. Examples involving The Beatles as a system, The Night Stalker, and boundary control in cults are given to illustrate these points.

Chapters three and four concern the development of the group and the group climate. Why we join groups, the establishment of group norms and individual versus group performance are among the topics explored during an in-depth look at Tuckman's four stages of group development. A section of both chapters is dedicated to the impact of culture on this process and the methods for dealing with difficult group members. The role of competition and its effects in small groups are also examined.

Chapter five is a survey of roles and leadership within small groups. Various task, maintenance and disruptive roles are explained and several styles of leadership are covered. These leadership styles include the Styles Perspective of Lewin and his associates, Heresy and Blanchard's Contingency Perspective, the Traits Perspective, Functional Perspective and the Communication Competence perspective.

Chapters six and seven address the issues of defective and effective decision making and problem solving in small groups. Several fallacies of logic are explained using a myriad of examples including The McMartin Preschool Case and Jane Elliot's discrimination experiments with blue eyed and brown eyed children. Effective decision making is demonstrated through the used of the Standard Agenda method of problem solving.

Chapters eight and nine approach the concept of power and its place in small groups. A look at the types and sources of power introduces a detailed discussion about the nature of power transaction. Using the acronym C.A.R.D.S. Rothwell analyzes the different methods that group members might use to reduce a power imbalance. These strategies include Compliance, Alliance, Resistance, Defiance and Significance.

Chapter ten is a well crafted extension to the issues of conflict raised in the previous section. This final chapter explains conflict management in groups. Several different aspects of conflict control and resolution are discussed, as well as a brief look at negotiation strategies.

Appendices on public speaking in group situations, critical thinking revisited and sample agendas from group meetings are also added.

At San Jose State I have used this book in my class Critical Decision Making in Small Groups for the past two semesters. I have found that In Mixed Company offers a perspective on small group communication that is conducive to the general education student. What this text may lack in theoretical depth it makes up for in its clarity and relevance. The contemporary examples used throughout the book make it easy to read and the focus on culture and gender provides for plenty of spirited classroom discussion. Last semester I asked my students their input on the value of this text. Overwhelmingly their replies mirrored such comments as, "Cool examples and stories. They helped me see the ideas better." or "I didn't ever fall asleep when I was reading this book."

The supplemental materials for In Mixed Company are also a valuable addition. Along with a video that outlines several of the concepts discussed in the text, a comprehensive work book of classroom activities is available. Whether choosing to conduct such complex learning exercises as "The Power Carnival" or more simplistic examples such as the effect of group size, these activities are an excellent bridge between the conceptual and the physical.

Overall, J. Dan Rothwell's broad approach to small group communication works well within the context of a general education course. The contemporary references and practical theoretical approach will make this text user friendly for instructors and students alike.