LibGuides: PSY-6414 v5: Week 1 Resources

Week 1 Required Resources

Textbook

Your course textbook can be accessed via the Redshelf link in the Getting Started module.

Levi, D & Askay, D.A. (2020). Group dynamics for teams (6th ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc.

Read Chapters 1 and 2: In the opening chapter of the book, the focus is on understanding the dynamics of teams by highlighting some differences between groups and teams, while underscoring the pivotal role of teams within organizational frameworks. You will learn how teams transcend mere collections of individuals by delving into shared purposes and goals, interactive dynamics, and the formulation of formal and informal rules guiding member interactions. The processes of social identification and representation that underpin the formation and sustenance of groups are unpacked. Moving forward, Chapter 2, delves into the essential characteristics of successful work teams. Three primary criteria for evaluating team success are outlined: task completion, maintenance of social relations, and individual benefits. There is a comprehensive matrix of what success look like for teams, but six key factors are crucial for achieving successful team outcomes: clear delineation of goals, effective leadership, organizational support, task suitability, and accountability measures.

Articles

Managing Groups and Teams
Belbin, M., Tuckman, B., Katzenbach, J., Smith, D., Janis, I., & Gibson, C. (2022). Managing groups and teams. In D. King & S. Lawley (Eds), Organizational Behaviour (4th ed., pp. 197–234). Oxford University Press.
This chapter explains why teamwork has become a central feature of organizational life, and analyses the factors needed to have successful teams.
Teams in Small Organizations: Conceptual, Methodological, and Practical Considerations
Reiter-Palmon, R., Kennel, V., & Allen, J. A. (2021). Teams in small organizations: Conceptual, methodological, and practical considerations. Frontiers in psychology, 12, 530291.
This paper explores the dynamics of teams and multi-team systems within small organizations, and advocates for innovative approaches to understand team composition and processes effectively.
Why Teams Matter More Than Ever
Piasecki, B. (2013). Why teams matter more than ever. Public Management (00333611), 95(10), 12-15.
This article explores the importance of teams in a business setting.
When Team Members Perceive Task Interdependence Differently: Exploring Centrality Asymmetry and Team Success
Sackett, E., & Cummings, J. N. (2018). When team members perceive task interdependence differently: Exploring centrality asymmetry and team success. Group Dynamics: Theory, Research, and Practice, 22(1), 16.
This article examines the perceived tasks independence and how members of the same team may differ in their perceptions of how central they are to the team. This article introduces this concept, centrality asymmetry, to students.

Videos

Good Teams, Bad Teams: Team Leadership Essentials
Scandura, T. A. (Academic). (2016). Good teams, bad teams: team leadership essentials [Video]. Sage Knowledge.Klug, M., & Bagrow, J. P. (2016). Understanding the group dynamics and success of teams. Royal Society Open Science, 3(4),160007.https://doi.org/10.4135/9781473973725
Dr. Terri Scandura discusses teams and explains how to have more successful teams. Effective leadership creates good teams; leaders need to be able to balance tasks and relationships, motivate the team, and manage conflict. Some conflict within teams can increase performance, but too much conflict can cause poor performance.
Group Processes and Dynamics
Neal, J. (Academic). (2016). Group processes and dynamics [Video]. Sage Knowledge. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781473988903
Professor John Neal discusses group dynamics and processes, and he offers suggestions on the best ways to build group cohesiveness. Cohesiveness can help increase performance within a workplace. Neal discusses team member roles, team building exercises, and how to measure the effectiveness of an executive education program.