Team Building

Course Description

The aim of this unit is to develop learners’ knowledge of the difference between a group and a team, and different types of teams. Models of team or group development will be explored such as the well-known Tuckman’s model, and lesser known, but more contemporary punctuated equilibrium model. The organisational context of group tasks, including culture is addressed, and the characteristics of high performing teams is studied. Common errors in effective team building will be explored and ways of dealing with this. The learner will also develop knowledge of diversity in relation to effective teams.

Course Objectives

The aim of this unit is to develop learners’ knowledge of the difference between a group and a team, and different types of teams. Models of team or group development will be explored such as the well-known Tuckman’s model, and lesser known, but more contemporary punctuated equilibrium model. The organisational context of group tasks, including culture is addressed, and the characteristics of high performing teams is studied. Common errors in effective team building will be explored and ways of dealing with this. The learner will also develop knowledge of diversity in relation to effective teams.

Key Topics

1. LO1: Understand what is meant by a team and recognise different types of teams
2. LO2: Understand the significance of team building models
3. LO3: Understand diversity in teams can find different forms, and has associations with race; personality; age; gender; values; attitudes and culture

Course Outline

Learning Outcomes

1. LO1 Understand what is meant by a team and recognise different types of teams
2. 1.1 Examine the differences between a group and a team in an organisation context.
3. 1.2 Discuss the developments that have given rise to the interest of teams within organisations.
4. 1.3 Assess the benefits to an organisation linked to team systems of working.
5. LO2 Understand the significance of team building models
6. 2.1 Evaluate models of teambuilding or group development at an organisation.
7. 2.2 Evaluate the features of high-performance teams at an organisation
8. 2.3 Critically analyse the issues that can occur around team building and offer solutions in an organisation context.
9. 2.4 Assess management team development programmes i.e: Dyer’s approach; Belbin’s approach and team management wheel in an organisational setting.
10. LO3 Understand diversity in teams can find different forms, and has associations with race; personality; age; gender; values; attitudes and culture
11. 3.1 Analyse the concept of organisational demography in an organisational context.
12. 3.2 Discuss the significance of values and attitudes and conflict situations in a team.
13. 3.3 Critically evaluate the role of trust in team management in an organisation.