Instruction; Teaching Methods

A study examined communication skills essential for small work groups and whether the quality of small group teaching and research is in decline. The study reviewed small group research done previously by others and the problem of existing pedagogy and research in small group communication which does not provide practical solutions to real life problems. The study instrument was based on an analysis of in-depth interviews with six managers representing five major corporations and a national government agency, all based in a large midwestern city. Thirteen specific communication skills were identified as vital for employee success in the workplace. A small group was defined as being from 3-20 members. Results from the 38 (76%) completed survey forms returned by recipients, the personnel directors of each of the top 50 employers, revealed that the reliability of the survey was acceptably high