This introductory text for group communication courses presents both classic and current theories of small group communication, focusing on how groups work. The authors' great attention to balancing theory and practice will doubtless continue to be praised by students and instructors alike in this the third edition of this best selling text. Highlights of this third edition include: - New! Group Motivation - Chapter 11: Motivation and Groups discusses the differences between, and the value of, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and rewards - New! Diversity and Participation section added to chapter three. This section establishes a framework for understanding and applying communication theory, methods, and tools to diverse groups in later chapters - New! Virtual Groups boxes feature in every chapter. In response to the fact that group interaction is no longer always face-to-face, the authors have added information on how to work in and lead virtual teams - New!Model of Leadership Effectiveness, applying and balancing leadership theories with an emphasis on specific leader functions, strategies, and communication skills - Expanded Instructors Resource Manual - This highly praised resource has been expanded to include: new features, assignments, exercises, assessment tools, test questions, and presentation software