MGT 325: Organizational and Group Dynamics

Course Description

This course will focus on a study of group behavior and how group functioning affects organizational effectiveness. Emphasis is placed on decision making and resolving conflict in groups. (3 credits)

Prerequisites

ENG 101: English Composition 1
ENG 102: English Composition 2

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

Describe the relationship of groups to organizations.
Describe how groups and teams are similar and different.
Examine the motivational patterns that influence small group dynamics.
Demonstrate an awareness of the complexities of an organization.
Identify the nature and significance of group and organizational conflict and its management.
Learn how to build group cohesiveness.

Course Activities and Grading

Assignments	Weight
Individual Assignments	45%
Discussion Boards (Weeks 1-7)	30%
Summary Paper (Week 8)	25%
Total	100%

Required Textbooks

Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle

Harris, Thomas E. and John Sherblom. Small Group and Team Communication. 5th ed. Waveland Press, Inc., 2018. ISBN-13: 9781478637233

Additional Required Material

Course Packet, which contains additional information and assignments. It is available on Blackboard in the course documents section.

Optional Text(s)

Hacker, Diana. A Writer's Reference. 7th ed. Bedford St. Martin Press, 2011. ISBN-13: 978-0-312-60143-0.

Note: Earlier editions of the Hacker book are also acceptable.

Course Schedule

Week	Readings and Exercises	Assignments
1	Topic: Introduction	Orientation Unit Review the BlackBoard course functions Course Expectations Unit (course expections) Participate in the Discussions (self introductions) Submit “Course Agreement” assignment
2	Topics: Small Groups and Groups as Systems Readings: Chapters 1 & 2	Read assigned chapters Participate in the Discussions Submit “Zoo Story” Assignment
3	Topics: Norms, Group Development and Diversity Readings: Chapters 3-5 Read "Characteristic of Constructive Feedback" in Course Packet	Read assigned chapters Participate in the Discussions Submit “What it takes to be a Good Team Member” assignment
4	Topics: Communication, Listening and Teams Readings: Chapters 6-8	Read assigned chapters Participate in the Discussions Submit “Non-verbal Observation” Assignment
5	Topics: Decision Making and Group Process Readings: Chapters 9 -11	Read assigned chapters Participate in the Discussions Submit “Techniques” Assignment
6	Topics: Conflict and Leadership Readings: Chapters 12 & 13 Read Department 8101 case study in Course Packet	Read assigned chapters Participate in the Discussions (2 this week)
7	Topics: Group Evaluation and Computer Communication Readings: Chapters 14 & 15	Read assigned chapters Participate in the Discussions Quiz (Content Assessment)
8	Topic: Wrap Up and Course Evaluation	Submit Summary Paper Submit “Self-Evaluation” Assignment Complete Course Evaluation

COSC Accessibility Statement

Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.

COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources

Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.