ORGB 3771: Teamwork in Organizations
Students develop an understanding of the nature, design, and processes of effective teamwork as well as a practical skill set for team membership. Topics include the importance of teams; assessing a team’s experience and insights; building a balanced team; building a high-performance team; becoming a team member, follower, and leader; team building; team evaluation and accountability; observing team leadership skills at work; identifying and overcoming team dysfunctions; motivating team members and leaders; and developing intercultural teams.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the strengths, weaknesses, and significance of work teams.
- Describe organizational designs that facilitate work teams and discuss where and when teams can be used effectively.
- Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the theories underpinning work teams.
- Discuss the different roles that team members assume in their team dynamics.
- Identify the functional and dysfunctional team dynamics and their sources.
- Design and implement a team development tracking instrument.
- Identify and explain the team developmental phases experienced by their team.
- Diagnose the dysfunctions in a team, and design and successfully implement corrective interventions.
- Recognize and describe the four personality characteristics identified by the True Colors Personality and Temperament Instrument.
- Appreciate the implications of their own personality characteristics and those of others.
- Utilize their new team skills and knowledge in other areas of their life.
Course topics
- Module 1: Foundations of Teamwork
- Module 2: Team Development
- Module 3: Becoming a Team Member
- Module 4: Assessing Your Personality and Team Roles
- Module 5: Building High-Performing Teams
- Module 6: Teams: Putting It All Together
Required text and materials
The following materials are required for this course.
- Lencioni, P. (2002). The five dysfunctions of a team: A leadership fable. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. Type: Textbook: ISBN: 978-0-7879-6075-9
Assessments
To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final mandatory project.
| Case Study 1: Teamwork takes to the Sky: The Case of General Electric | 10% |
| Assignment 1: Foundations of Teamwork and Team Development | 20% |
| Assignment 2: Designing the Team | 20% |
| Case Study 2: Fostering Psychological Safety | 10% |
| Assignment 3: Reflective Journal | 10% |
| Final Project (mandatory) | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
