BUS209: Organizational Behavior

Unit 3: Managing Groups and Teams

• 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

    Mark as completed

    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.
    

  • Group Processes in the Organization Page

    Mark as completed

    We continue with our study of groups by learning about types of groups, characteristics of groups, and cohesiveness of groups. Think about what makes a group? What type of interaction is required to make a group? What types of goals must be shared? How many members make up a group? What other factors must be present to make up a group?
    

  • Social Norms in Groups Page

    Mark as completed

    Whether you are working with a group or a team, there are several characteristics that successful groups and teams share, including proper group development, the establishment of guidelines and boundaries, leadership, and strong communication channels. In this unit, you will learn about these topics and more. Because so much of business success relies on teams and groups, learning how to properly manage them may be the most important takeaway from this course.
    

  • Group Influence on Individuals Page

    Mark as completed

    This video will conclude our series on group processes by discussing the group's influence over the individual's performance, behavior, and attitudes. Why and when do we yield to the group norms? What are the stages of group and team development, and how can we use what we learned about groups to create high-performing teams?
    

  • Can Groups Be Creative? Page

    Mark as completed

    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

    Mark as completed

    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

    Mark as completed

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

• 3.2: Organizational Communication

  • Communication in the Organization Page

    Mark as completed

    Communication is key to organizational effectiveness. Watch this video and take notes on the importance of the process of communication. What are the components of the process of communication? What are the key functions of communication? What are the primary types of communication? Think about how the process of communication impacts the performance of groups and teams.
    

  • Communication Book

    Mark as completed

    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

    Mark as completed

    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.