What can members and leaders do to help groups function more effectively? How do groups develop and maintain power to influence others? How do successful groups resolve conflicts? How do groups evaluate their effectiveness and create and implement change strategies when necessary? In this newly revised edition of his classic 1982 work, group dynamics pioneer and leading small-groups scholar Alvin Zander draws on the latest research to show how groups can function more effectively and achieve the full potential of group work. For leaders and group supervisors as well as members of teams, boards, task forces, and other groups, Zander offers a clear vision of what makes groups work. Making Groups Effective offers sound advice on how to make members want to be part of the group and work for the good of the group, facilitate group discussion and overcome obstacles to decision making, set realistic goals and acceptable standards, and cope with issues of power and influence within groups. Adding to the social psychology research of his first edition, Zander presents new findings on such current work group structures as teams and nonprofit boards in government, education, and other public agencies. In addition, the book presents five new chapters that offer managers, consultants, and team members ways to improve group effectiveness by fostering harmony among group members, resolving conflicts between groups, and improving and evaluating group operations.

Draws on the latest research to show how groups can function more effectively to achieve the full potential of group work. For leaders and group supervisors as well as members of teams, boards, task forces, and other groups. Offers a clear vision of what makes groups work.
This recently revised edition of the classic 1982 work focuses on the business priorities of the '90s to offer a clear vision of what makes groups work. Draws on the latest research to show leaders, group supervisor and team members how groups should function in order to reach their full potential.

Review
“Zander's authority is established and highly respected... the book is well-written and readable.”

ALVIN ZANDER is a pioneer in the field of group dynamics who has spent most of his lengthy career as professor, researcher, and author studying how groups work and what makes for effective groups. He is coauthor (with D. Cartwright) of Group Dynamics, Research, and Theory (1953, later editions in 1960 and 1968), considered by many to be the book that created the field of group dynamics. Zander's other books include Making Boards Effective (Jossey—Bass, 1993), Effective Social Action by Community Groups (Jossey—Bass, 1990), and Groups at Work (1977).