Following Bennis and Shepard's work, groups are thought to become preoccupied with problems of gaining reassurance about six basic human tasks in turn. One can show that these problems, called focal problems, have two forms, inclusive and narrowed, and that progressing through the problems requires three subphases. (Author/ABL)

Hierarchical linear models distinguish between the individual and the group levels of data. Hence, they are often referred to as multilevel models. It is easiest to think of hierarchical linear models as special regression models that allow simultaneous investigation of the respective roles that individual and group characteristics play in the…

Argues importance of communication for group decision-making performance and its impact on such performance are function of three task characteristics: structure, information requirement, and evaluation demand. Identifies task circumstances in which group communication can be expected to play role in determining decision-making performance, as…

Examines proposition that covert roles within a group are assigned to individual group members based on their propensity to verbally or nonverbally express certain patterns of unwanted, disowned, and projected emotions that are experienced as threatening by other members. Focuses on articulating a model, describing a method, and presenting…

Proposes a typology promoting a conceptual model that addresses the increased demand for use of group processes, continued effectiveness of leadership training programs, research issues regarding basic group dynamics, and generic models designed for the increased understanding of the myriad of group forms across the group spectrum. (Author)