Groups and Group Effectiveness (Byte Size)

Taylor suggested that workers were fundamentally economic animals. He also suggested that systematic soldiering, where workers came together to hold down production, would be cured when managers began to do their jobs properly, that is, to relate directly to each worker and satisfy his or her personal self-interest. For, as Watson (1987) put it, Taylorism suggests that each worker is ". . . a self-seeking, non-social individual who prefers the management to do their job-related thinking for them."

There has been a volte face in management thought on both counts. Indeed, it has been observed that the writings of Mayo created a cult of the group. We are now able, however, to put the importance of groups into their proper perspective while still recognising that they are an essential feature of organisational work patterns. One of our purposes in this session is to make this clear. Work is a social activity. There are many organisational goals that cannot be achieved by members acting independently. Given this, most individuals spend a great deal of their organisational time working with others in groups.

By the end of the course, you should be able to:

• define a group.
• distinguish between formal and informal groups.
• list the types of formal groups.
• explain the main purposes for which individuals use groups.
• list the major organisational purposes of groups and teams.
• evaluate the notion that groups develop in stages.
• explain the major determinants of group effectiveness.
• understand Belbin's notion of team roles.
• identify the symptoms of groupthink.
• show an awareness of the importance of group task and maintenance functions.

Syllabus

Introduction

Objectives

Section 1: Groups

Definition of a group

Types of groups

Purposes for which individuals use groups

Section 2: Tuckman's Model of Development

Stages of group development and maturity

Section 3: Organisational Purposes of Groups and Teams

Organisational purposes of groups and teams

Section 4: Group Effectiveness

The givens

Intervening factors

Summary

Tutor-marked Question Paper

Sample Course Materials

Please click on the logo below to view a few sample pages of the course materials we provide. Whilst this is only a few sample pages, we do hope that it will give you some idea of the quality of the materials we provide. If you have anymore queries in relation to the course materials, please feel free to contact one of our friendly course advisors who will be more than happy to deal with any queries that you may have.

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Qualifications

On completion of your course, you will receive the dual award:

Award 1 is issued by Stonebridge Associated Colleges: Groups and Group Effectiveness (Byte Size) Certificate

Groups and Group Effectiveness (Byte Size) Certificate issued by Stonebridge Associated Colleges, to view a sample of the college’s award, please click here.

Requirements for Entry

There is no experience or previous qualifications required for enrolment on this course. It is available to all students, of all academic backgrounds.

Study Options

In order to offer our students the most convenient and flexible distance learning courses, Stonebridge Associated College offers you the option to study for your course via two methods:

• 1. Via the traditional paper-based method.
• 2. Through the online method via ElearnUK.

If you do not have Internet access, or would prefer to study this course via the traditional paper/postal based study method, you can find more information on the course by clicking on the link below.

Stonebridge Prices

Studying by Post. If you would like to pay by instalments, we do offer an affordable interest free payment plan scheme which allows you to spread the cost of your course over a number of months. However, to use this option you will need to study for your course using the traditional paper-based method. For more information on our payment plans please visit our website at www.stonebridge.uk.com

The reason why the course fee is less if you choose to study online, is because with online study there are no costs associated with postage and printing etc. and thus we are able to offer the course at a reduced rate.

The total amount payable over the term's period, is no more than the total cash price of the course.
(APR = 0%). Written quotations are available on request.

Study Hours

This is only an approximate figure and is dependant upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each lesson there is a question paper that needs to be completed and returned to your tutor. You should allow at least 1 - 2 hours of study to complete each question paper.

The approximate amount of time required to complete the course is: 20 hrs.