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Managing Groups in Organisations

Module Synopsis

As the English poet and cleric John Donne said nearly four hundred years ago:
"No man is an island, entire of itself..."

This module looks at the idea that human success is built upon the ability of people to work together for a common purpose. It considers the importance of teamwork and working together in everyday life.

It draws upon examples from history, military engagements, industry, and the sports field. It outlines some of the traditional models of teams and teamwork and discusses how society views and utilises teams and diverse groups. It also considers the role of teams and teamwork in different cultures.

In examining teams and groups in society it also discusses how they are depicted in films and the media.

The module examines the importance of a shared vision to team and group success and looks at how trust can be established and how conflict can be overcome and problems solved.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module the student will be able to:
  • Demonstrate evidence of an advanced knowledge of the traditional theories associated with the development and management of teams
  • Critically analyse and evaluate the key concepts and theories that influence team development and team effectiveness
  • Understand and distinguish between teams and groups
  • Understand how the roles and functions of teams and groups differ between societies and cultures
  • Apply different ways of thinking about and establishing and managing teams
  • Identify different ways or processes that organisations might employ to foster or encourage participation in teams
  • Discuss and describe the various ways teamwork effectiveness can be monitored and assessed
  • Conduct evaluations or research into the effectiveness of team development and performance

Content areas
  • The importance of teams and groups and working together: lessons from history
  • Traditional models and theories of teams and teamwork
  • The role of the shared vision in the development of effective teams
  • Teams and groups in society
  • Teams and groups in different cultures and the impact of globalisation
  • Building trust
  • Key features of effective teams and groups
  • Problem solving and decision making in teams
  • Improving communication and managing conflict
  • Developing better teams: evaluation and improvement

Textbook and Readings
The text for this module is Hayes, N. (2002) Managing Teams: A Strategy for Success (2nd edn.) Thomson Learning, London. Your readings are an integral part of your studies.

Module Duration and Workload:
This module involves a total of 36 hours of face to face delivery or self-directed study including educator contact in flexible delivery modes, generating a further 120 hours of self-study per module including research and related study activities, including assessment. This translates as 13 hours per week for the module.

Study method:
On Campus, Distance Education and Online Education
The studies, combined with my previous work experience, have led me into a more satisfying role in an industry I know well. My studies have given me the confidence to manage a role where top notch "soft skills" are essential.
Pip Pearson
Graduate Diploma of Counselling