• Unit 3: Managing Groups and Teams

    Is there a difference between a group and a team? Certainly! For example, groups can exist without having a specific goal in mind, or they can have a goal that fluctuates or changes to adapt to the group's needs. A book club is a group. However, the people in that book club are not part of your team.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 8 hours.

    • Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

      • compare and contrast groups and teams, their identities, development, and dynamics;
      • explain the benefits and costs of teams from the organization's perspective;
      • discuss the skills required for working effectively in teams; and
      • identify and discuss interpersonal communication styles within groups and teams.

    • 3.1: Groups

      • Managing Groups and Teams Book

        To have a team, you must have a clear and elevating goal that supersedes all individual goals. Usually, this goal does not change or get adjusted; instead, it guides all aspects of the team's performance. This does not mean there is no place for groups within a company; many groups exist to serve other needs within the organization. You might, for example, have a committee for enhancing diversity, or a group of executives that are searching for a new CEO. In both of these examples, there is a goal (to increase diversity or find a CEO), but the way this goal is attained can change throughout the process. Perhaps your group decided halfway through the process to only consider internal hires for a promotion instead of conducting an external search.

      • Social Norms in Groups Page
      • Can Groups Be Creative? Page

        Read this article, which discusses ways groups can work effectively as a team. Do you agree with the author? What are your thoughts? Are managers responsible for creating an environment where teams can thrive?

      • Groups vs. Teams Page

        This presentation provides a summary of the characteristics that differentiate a group from a team. Use this presentation to highlight the key points that we've discussed regarding groups and teams.

      • Diversity in Teams Page

        Watch this video. After you watch, reflect on your organization's diversity.

    • 3.2: Organizational Communication

      • Communication Book

        This chapter reading is a great resource to highlight and reinforce the concepts we learned in the previous video. The chapter begins with the Radio Shack case, which exemplifies the wrong way to communicate bad news. Consider the message, as well as the medium that you would choose in this situation. Also, take a look at the "communication freezers", words that essentially shut down effective communication within your workplace. Do you use these words? What might you say instead to create bridges instead of barriers?

      • How to Train Employees to Have Difficult Conversations Page

        Watch this video. After you watch, reflect on how your organization handles difficult situations.

    • Unit 3 Assessment

      • Unit 3 Assessment Quiz
        Receive a grade

        Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.

        • This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
        • You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
        • You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.