Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
Jonathan West
Final Exam
Learning in Groups and Teams, Spring 2009
Blog: www.bluesky55.wordpress.com
Virginia Commonwealth University
Dr. Terry Carter
Due: 4 May 2009
As society has become more complex due to technology and other effects of
globalization, the role working in groups and teams to solve problems and concerns in the
workplace and society at large has grown. It is no longer feasible to think that a worker or citizen
can simply learn one or two skills and contribute effectively to their workplace or social setting
without interacting with peers or colleagues. The ability to work effectively in a group or team is
becoming a necessity for a successful career, as well as perhaps essential to contribute
meaningfully towards society.
The old management model of command and control is loosing its effectiveness as a key
motivation for workers to continue in their jobs is personal growth and development and not just
repetitive task work. Work in todays society has become increasingly complex and consists of
greater nonroutine functions with interdependence which are well suited to teamwork (Levi,
2007). Teams are more effective ways to handle this work and therefore are becoming more
common in the workplace and many areas of life. The shift in to working in teams also involves
a shift from a control oriented management towards a facilitative approach to leadership. As a
result of this trend towards a facilitative model of working, it is important to understand many
factors that affect the dynamics of group and team life.
While studying the various aspects and elements of the dynamics of groups and teams in
Learning in Groups and Teams, it was an excellent opportunity gain deeper insight into some of
these principles by forming a team and working on team projects throughout the semester. This
paper will review the essential aspects of teams in the context of the working of the Infrareds
team. Key learning will be drawn out in relation to the team experience together with how this
can be applied to my work setting and personal development. Schwarzs Group Effectiveness
References
Conflict. (Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, 1913), Retrieved May 3, 2009, from
http://www.dictionary.net/
Gersick, C. (1988). Time and transition in work teams: Toward a new model of group
development. Academy of Management Journal, 31, 9-41.
Levi, D. (2007). Group dynamics for teams (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Schwarz, R., Davidson, A., Carlson, P., & McKinney, S. (2005). The skilled facilitator fieldbook:
Tips, tools, and tested methods for consultants, facilitators, managers, trainers, and
coaches. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Smith, K., & Berg, D. (1987). Paradoxes of group life. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.