Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills (9th Edition) [Paperback]

David R. Johnson (Author), Frank P. Johnson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 12, 2005 | ISBN-10: 0205453732 | ISBN-13: 978-0205453733 | Edition: 9

This best-selling text presents a broad, integrative overview of group dynamics presented in a well researched, readable, and experiential format. This text introduces readers to the theory and research findings needed to understand how to make groups effective, and it helps build the skills required to apply that knowledge in practical situations. More than a textbook, Joining Together illustrates how this knowledge and mastery of skills creates choices, opportunities, and successes for each individual. No competing text offers the scope of coverage and the range of experiential exercises of Joining Together.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

This best-selling text presents a broad, integrative overview of group dynamics in a well researched, readable, and experiential format. This text introduces readers to the theory and research findings needed to understand how to make groups effective, and it helps build the skills required to apply that knowledge in practical situations. More than a textbook, Joining Together illustrates how this knowledge and mastery of skills creates choices, opportunities, and successes for each individual. No competing text offers the scope of coverage and the range of experiential exercises like Joining Together.

New to this Edition:

• The entire text has been extensively edited and designed to ensure a concise and readable presentation.
• References and citations have been updated throughout the text to guarantee the most current and useful research information available.
• Chapter 3, “Group Goals,” has been revised to update the discussions of cooperation & competition and trust.
• Chapter 4, “Leadership,” incorporates the latest theories and research on effective small group research and illustrates the application of the theory to practical situations in a variety of settings.
• Chapter 9, “Managing Conflict of Interests,” now includes the latest and most exciting theory and research on the constructive resolution of conflict, with special attention to the topics of negotiation and mediation.
• Chapter 8, “Controversy and Creativity,” has been thoroughly revised to update the discussion of creativity and its relationship to effective group problem-solving.
• New chapter objectives, quizzes and PowerPoints are available to adopters online by contacting your local representative.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 672 pages
• Publisher: Allyn & Bacon; 9 edition (August 12, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0205453732
• ISBN-13: 978-0205453733
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #521,212 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Expensive, but valid, January 19, 2010

By 

Gray Surfer (Maui) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills (10th Edition) (Paperback)

Unlike some of the reviewers here who are rating a much earlier edition rather than the tenth edition), the text is quite useful and one of the more complete texts on group and team theory and and practice. If one were to want to find more in-depth information on specific theory and research, then he or she should seek out peer reviewed journals rather than an all-encompassing textbook that is designed as an introduction to group theory, which this is, albeit way overpriced...but aren't all textbooks?

The unfortunate thing for online students is that there are dozens of face-to-face scenario and role acting lessons that would be invaluable if they could be applied; however, online students are faced with posting and dialogue with other students who can barely write, command little of English grammar, and are only looking to do the minimum, check the box, and move on. Contrary to one reviewer, these are indeed place strategically throughout the text where the role-playing either leads you into the following text, or reinforces previous text by example.

Thin pages, thick book, and high price, but still an excellent reference for understanding and applying group and team theory.

One more thing: if you buy this book on Amazon, you pay 50% of what colleges charge, and most online colleges now have this in e-book form, which is almost as much as the Amazon price.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Okay for class use-- not so good for an online class, October 24, 2008

By 

J. Bays (San Antonio, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills (10th Edition) (Paperback)

This book was required for an online graduate course in group dynamics. While the information is good, the layout of the material makes reading the book difficult. To their credit, the authors included lots of good group activities and assessments. However, these activities appear haphazardly in the middle of the chapters breaking up content and making it difficult to read. You have to flip several pages to get to the next section in a chapter. Plus, since this course was taken online, I never used any of the activities in class discussions/activities as the book was most likely designed to be used.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unique Interdisciplinary Approach, January 13, 2008

By 

Dr. Joan E. Aitken "author of Interpersonal C... (Kansas City, MO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills (9th Edition) (Paperback)

Although I teach communication studies, I find this book's interdisciplinary approach is better than any other group text I know. I've used the book with student success. The solid research base is excellent, and there is quality skill instruction. I highly recommend this college textbook.