"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.

This third edition is unique. In the first edition, entitled Leadership in Recreation and Leisure Service Organisations, the authors organised the effort into separate theoretical and practical applications sections that covered a variety of direct service areas. The second edition was split into textbooks, Leadership in Recreation and Leisure Service Organisations and Leadership for Recreation and Leisure Programs and Settings. The current effort focuses on bringing together a number of interrelated elements that influence leadership in recreation, parks, and leisure service organisations. The first part of the book discusses the work of leaders and includes presentation of theoretical and foundational information. The second part focuses on leaders in groups. Finally, the third part is dedicated to leadership elements in a number of recreation, parks, and leisure service settings. Leadership in Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services also features many distinctive pedagological elements. The authors have identified learning objectives and key terms at the beginning of each chapter. This will be useful in helping students focus their attention to the intent of each chapter. In addition, each chapter has marginal quotations featuring perspectives from notable individuals. These quotations will provide heightened awareness and understanding of the subject matter. Also featured in each chapter is an outstanding leader in the recreation, parks, and leisure service field. These vignettes, known as A Legacy of Leadership, feature historic and current figures in the recreation, parks, and, leisure service field. Further, leadership perspectives from professionals across the United States are included in the section entitled Leadership: A Point of View from the Profession. Each chapter is concluded with discussion questions, a case study, and experiential learning experiences from which students can explore and analyse their own thinking, engage in problems-solving strategies, and reflect upon their own thinking regarding leadership.

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.

Volume numbers determined from Scope of the guidelines, p. 12-13.

The Eighth Edition Of This Classic Textbook Continues To Provide A Detailed Overview Of The History, Developments, And Current Trends In Leisure Studies. It Has Been Heavily Revised To Reflect Recent Societal Changes And The Challenges That Face The Leisure-Services Industry In The 21St Century. Students Will Learn How Trends Such As Dramatic Shifts In Population Make-Up, The Impact Of Technology, And Marketing Affect Leisure-Service Systems And The Recreation And Park Professions. To Reflect These Trends, The Text Focuses On Ten Different Types Of Organizations, Ranging From Nonprofit Community Organizations Or Armed Forces Recreation To Sports Management And Travel And Tourism Sponsors.

This text includes the latest theoretical developments in recreational service. Continued experimentation in the field of neuroscience has produced a great deal of rethinking about personal traits and leadership potential, in turn providing a detailed explanation of the processes and techniques of leaderhsip as it applies to the field of recerational service. The author deals with the functional aspects of leadership by providing numerous examples of how theory has been and should be applied in practical situations.

This course textbook provides a comprehensive three-step plan for successful programming of services, programme leadership and understanding operational management in recreation and leaisure organisations.