One of the most important differences between American and Japanese cultures is the difference in group interaction. The Japanese have been described as group-oriented and Americans as individualistic. In Japan, groups are hierarchical and usually make decisions by consensus. Japanese groups play an important role in the lives of their members,…

This paper presents an overview of the psycho-social aspects of social loafing and free riding in a traditional and distance learning environment. A brief literature review and summaries of frequently cited antecedents and their mitigating factors are reviewed for application by instructors, designers, and administrators in distance education.…

Defines the term reunions and delineates the dimensions, such as formality, frequency, and size, in which they differ from one another. Discusses the significance of reunions throughout the life cycle, examining the change in meaning and importance attributed to them as people age. Reviews the literature on the subject. (GEA)

This paper reviews the research literature published between 1992 and 1995 on group development and group dynamics in outdoor education and closely allied disciplines. The research is categorized in six general dimensions: (1) how the personal characteristics, skills, and experience that individuals bring to the group influences group dynamics and…

Studies published in the last five years (since 1975) concerning how groups behave, with particular emphasis on implications for the administrator who wishes to deal more effectively with groups, are reviewed. The 25 studies represent 11 journals, written by authors from six related disciplines. For discussion purposes, the studies are divided…