The purpose of this paper was to measure small groups at various stages of their development and observe the effects of changes in group process on emergence of role types and the impact these roles have on group membership as a whole. Most small group measuring instruments have been built around a task-leader or socio-emotional leader dichotomy.…

The willingness to manipulate others has been called Machiavellianism. The purpose of the present study was to acquire a preliminary answer to the question: what verbal communicative strategies do people with high Machiavellian characteristics employ which permit them to influence and control the group process? (Author)

A two-tiered model of group influences on individual choice behavior is developed and evidence relevant to the model is reviewed in this paper. The model consists of two parts: a model of individual choice, and models of group influence on components of the individual choice model. The model of individual choice is based on the…

Examines and explains relational control interaction patterns in two decision-making groups and two women's consciousness-raising groups. Analyzes the interaction data using a Markov model and tracking the control dimension of relationships over time. (JMF)

The investigators assume that in a social power relationship, where one person has the power to reward or punish another for the latter's behavior, the social inferior will tend to conceal from a superior information he possesses or attitudes he holds which, if shared, might cause the superior to censure the inferior. To test this hypothesis, two…

Using a sample of 757 middle-aged and older residents of the Atlanta metropolitan region, the relationship between primary group contact and morale was investigated. With a control for sex and dependency, results indicated that: (1) interaction with children has a negative impact on the morale of dependent, older males; (2) visits with children…

This paper reports on the effects of four forms of kinesic communication and three forms of verbal communication on leadership perception in a small group setting. Forty-eight college age discussants were observed in groups of four during twelve 30-minute sessions. Permitted only visual input, eleven previously trained observers recorded four…

Interaction theory has not been applied to interpersonal communication because the Western scientific model requires that variables be consciously apparent. A simple model of sending and receiving is not adequate to explain the complex nature of human communication, however. The dyadic pattern of interrelationship may be expanded to reflect the…

In order to understand the adjustment of blacks in an integrated situation, it is vital to study the response of the whites to the blacks in those situations. This study is an analysis of data collected in the summer of 1970. The area of inquiry is the subjective one of emotional climate, feelings of affect, evaluations, and socio-emotional…

The study presents the results of testing an original obersvation instrument designed to identify a power elite in multiple sessions of two eight-member adult discussion groups. Two questions guided the development of the study: (1) Can a power elite be identified in participation training groups? (2) Can an effective observation instrument with…

Although negative outcomes of intensive management training are the exception rather than the rule, it is important to recognize and take measures to prevent the possible negative effects of such training. Intensive management development training, particularly in encounter group settings, creates a powerful situation that enables managers to take…