"Group Dynamics in Recreation and Leisure: Creating Conscious Groups Through an Experiential Approach builds skills not only in working in group settings but also in creating and facilitating conscious groups - groups that recognize the personal growth of their members as a main objective." "The book introduces group dynamics theory and current research as it applies to recreation and leisure settings and moves beyond the theory to show students that their understanding of group dynamics can be a meaningful and realistic tool. They'll learn to apply the theory to the practical factors and issues involved in leading and working with conscious groups, including goal setting, decision making and problem solving, ethics and morals, positive communication, and the effects of conflict, power, gender, and environment on group functioning."--BOOK JACKET.
Leadership in Recreation and Leisure Services presents cutting-edge guidance and helps students apply their newfound knowledge as they prepare to enter the rapidly changing leisure services field. This text presents fresh insights on leadership from the most prominent voices in the field today. The contributors present a comprehensive look at modern leadership, identify the challenges future leaders will face, and reveal how future leaders can best prepare to meet those challenges. Leadership in Recreation and Leisure Services provides • a detailed look at the collaborative approach to leadership in leisure services that represents a new direction in the field; • insight into classical leadership as well as innovative and modern leadership theory and best practices; and • an understanding of the roles and functions students will fulfill as they enter the profession. The material, designed for undergraduate recreation and leisure services leadership courses, is presented in three parts. Part I explores personal leadership issues, including communication skills, negotiation strategies, and leadership styles. Part II delves into professional leadership, examining topics such as group dynamics, supervision practices, and team leadership. Part III explores organizational leadership, including internal and external leadership and professional development. The authors present new theories of leadership from research in the field of recreation and leisure. Several learning aids—including chapter-opening scenarios, key terms, glossary, references, and chapter-ending questions for reflection and discussion—appear throughout the text. In addition, each chapter features a Leisure Leaders sidebar that profiles a leader in the field who addresses preparation for the job, a peek at day-to-day work, and advice for aspiring leaders. And a Best Practices sidebar showcases an organization whose innovative leadership has led to positive organizational outcomes. Leadership in Recreation and Leisure Services helps students understand the range of leadership skills they need to develop for successful careers.
"Managing Risk in Sport and Recreation includes numerous forms, checklists, and documentation strategies as well as safety questionnaires for each of the sports covered. This lawyer-created toolkit will help you take the necessary steps to reduce injuries, decrease lawsuits, and pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses in your programs. All of the forms and checklists are also reproduced on a CD-ROM included with the book so you can easily access and use them when needed."--BOOK JACKET.
This excellent text provides the reader with a clear and thorough understanding of direct, hands-on leadership by effectively integrating theory with practice. Leadership in Recreation and Leisure Service Organizations assists individuals in understanding the importance of leadership in this field. Topics covered include contemporary theoretical and practical information, organized in a format that allows for the comprehension of the elements necessary for effective leadership in recreation and leisure service organizations.
This book probes at the importance leadership plays in the leisure and recreation service industry. Special efforts are taken to examine special interest groups such as youth groups, senior citizens, and people with disabilities. Leadership of specialised leisure activities is also thoroughly discussed. Among these unique categories are social recreation, organised groups and clubs, games, contests and tournaments, aquatic activities, outdoor recreation, cultural activities, organised festivals and pageants, and tourism and travel programmes. In addition, each chapter supplies a summary and questions to encourage further thought and discussion.
This book provides a clear and engaging description of group dynamic processes. Vignettes, case examples, and activities provide an experiential flavor to the book that will deepen the reader’s understanding of key concepts. Activities are also useful experiential teaching and learning tools for studying group dynamics and allow participants to engage in the group dynamic process itself. Another attractive feature of the book is a series of reflections by an individual who participated in an intensive two-weekend group experience. She shares her thoughts on the group’s progression through various stages of change and reflects upon its impact on her personal growth. Group Dynamics: Basics and Pragmatics for Practitioners will serve as an important text for students and professors and as a valuable guide for those who facilitate groups in a variety of clinical, counseling, educational, research, and organizational settings.
