Analyzes proposition that scapegoat role emerges in small groups to permit member distancing from intrapsychic and interpersonal conflict through displacement. Describes small group scapegoating and its consequences. (Author/CM)

Reviews group behavioral issues from past space missions and simulations such as the Skylab Medical Experiments Altitude Test, Skylab missions, and Shuttle Spacelab I mission. Makes recommendations for future flights concerning commandership, crew selection, and ground-crew communications. Pre- and in-flight behavioral countermeasures are…

Examines the proposition that members of a group unconsciously displace the shadow of the group onto other groups to reduce feelings of internal conflict and threat within the group. Characteristics of the group shadow, as well as its psychodynamic function within and between groups are described. (Author/BL)

Suggests that open interaction is exquisitely controlled social behavior, and groups employing it possess an impressive potential for social influence. These misrepresentations of the power of the activity and the group leader constitute a kind of mystification by the practitioner of himself or herself and his or her clientele. (Author/BL)

Claims that group cohesiveness has proven to be astonishingly difficult to define precisely and consistently, although it remains a critical group-level variable. Notes that some researchers rely on classic definitions while others leave it undefined. Suggests that greater focus on the definitional issue should improve the quality of future…

Urges caution in illuminating and interpreting spontaneous group metaphors. Encourages metaphor amplification as less intrusive means for using this therapeutic tool. Provides case examples to support discussion. (Author/CM)

Argues that recited stories provide rich information about organizations, groups, cultures, and reciter. Suggests method for analyzing oral histories and reanalyzes organizational stories from "Administrative Science Quarterly" and versions of the Lewin story about origins of T Groups using this new technique. Suggests possible…

Eight "myths" about small group processes and outcomes are presented and matched against research and practice. Conclusions are drawn concerning benefits of group experience, group composition, leader impact, role of structural exercises, function of the "here-and-now," self-disclosure and feedback, understanding group processes, and the long-term…

Discusses a theory of leadership effectiveness in small discussion/decision making groups developed to facilitate discussion and goal efficacy. Develops four leadership styles (coordinator, inventor, enthusiast, and director) focusing on two critical questions the leader must address. Discusses implications of the model for leadership training and…

Proposes that many works of art can be viewed as the products of a group and not just the individual artist. Examines the life history of a group of impressionist painters. Discusses how a group develops over time, group processes, and how the group contributes to artistic development. (RC)

Argues that current models of group leadership fail to illuminate the relationship between leadership and group performance. Presents an alternative model of leadership based on communication competencies, which are influenced by task complexity, group climate, and role relationships. A series of heuristic propositions are offered linking…