Topic outline

  • Course Introduction

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    Organizational behavior is the scientific study of individual behavior in organizational environments. People are the driving force in virtually all entities, including corporations, small businesses, governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), educational institutions, and healthcare organizations. Organizational behavior covers a wide range of micro- and macro-level issues, and studying it is required to maintain a competitive business advantage.

    The principles of organizational behavior are studied to help organizations understand the individual, the individual within teams, and corporate culture. This is accomplished through theories on diversity, motivation, conflict management, team development, group dynamics, and leadership. With an acknowledgment of behavior, it will be easier for businesses to achieve their business strategies, drive results, and create a high-performing organization. In this course, you will have an opportunity to develop your own perspectives on these issues through research, analysis, and critical thinking. By assessing and evaluating modern issues and topics, you’ll gain fundamental knowledge of how to leverage human talent as a leader, manager, or consultant to organizations.

  • Unit 1: Leadership

    Course Learning Outcomes
    • 0e Differentiate how various leadership styles can influence and motivate individuals, teams, and organizations
    • 0f Compare and contrast how organizations can maintain a competitive advantage
    Unit Learning Outcomes
    • 1a Compare and contrast the different leadership styles, such as autocratic, servant, and transformational, and the most appropriate one for a given situation
    • 1b Critique how leadership values contribute to the overall organizational culture and achievement of business outcomes
    • 1c Analyze the qualities of a good leader and their importance to organizational results
    • 1d Appraise the relationship between leadership style and effectively managing change

    In this unit, we will explore leadership qualities and styles and their effect on organizational culture and values. The right leader, at the right time, in the right place, can affect organizational behavior. The right leader can bring together people from all backgrounds and know how to motivate employees. The right leader at the right time can create value even during conflict and empower teams to get the job done. Furthermore, the right leader in the right place anticipates how people will respond to the business structure and strategy.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 12 hours.

    • 1.1: Qualities of a Good Leader

      Leaders of all backgrounds must possess the qualities to lead their employees. In this unit, we will see how communication, problem-solving and decision-making, empathy, transparency, inspiration, and leading and managing change contribute to enhancing the organizational culture. Moreover, these qualities have been shown to increase performance, encourage growth, and be conducive to managing change. Read through the following sections to understand how these qualities create value for the organizations they lead.

      • Communication Book
        Students must
        View

        Communicating as a leader is one of the most important traits of a good leader. Read this chapter, which defines communication and articulates the communication process. The chapter will also cover communication barriers and strategies to overcome them, different styles of communication, and tips to develop your own communication style.

      • Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Page
        Students must
        View

        In this video on problem-solving and decision-making, the author uses a sports analogy to talk about making tough decisions in the heat of the moment. In addition, this video gives examples of great decision-makers, fast and slow decision-making theories, and individuals who have become great leaders.

      • Empathy Book
        Students must
        View

        Read this article on women leaders and empathy. The authors posit that women possess qualities like empathy that enable them to deal with crises better than their male counterparts. Because of their nurturing approach to leadership, women leaders are increasingly being sought out for support during rapid changes.

      • What Is Empathy? Page
        Students must
        View

        Watch this video by one of the founders of psychotherapy as he describes empathy. By being empathetic, can an individual temporarily live in the life of another?

      • Transparency Book
        Students must
        View

        This article on leadership and transparency suggests that leaders must commit to public information transparency to realize good governance. By being transparent, leaders can create synergies between governmental and nongovernmental organizations to create value. However, transparency is only one piece of the equation, including accountability, openness, and participation.

      • Transparency in an Organization Page
        Students must
        View

        Watch this video as it describes how transparency reports to the group. Doing so can bring a sense of oneness and ownership, creating greater bonds between employees.

      • Inspiration Book
        Students must
        View

        Read this study about an inspirational approach to healthcare positive leadership as the researchers' objective was to determine inspirational approaches to leadership and characteristics of positive leadership. The researchers also sought to determine the relationship between inspirational approaches and positive leadership from a target population of 150 subjects.

      • Inspirational Leadership Page
        Students must
        View

        Watch this video on how being inspirational can provide leaders with the need to make a difference by identifying pain points and helping them push through. When people feel inspired, they will be more likely to go above and beyond their usual day-to-day work.

      • Leadership and Managing Change Book
        Students must
        View

        This chapter on organizational structure and change prepares leaders to understand how leadership influences how companies are structured. Various structures are presented, which will determine how individuals and teams will work together to achieve strategic objectives. Pay particular attention to the case study on Toyota.

    • 1.2: Leadership Styles

      There are many different types of leadership styles. Some styles are appropriate for certain situations, whereas some styles are not. In this unit, we present several leadership styles in different contexts worldwide.

      • Autocratic Leadership Book
        Students must
        View

        Read this study on how autocratic leadership impacts job performance in academic libraries in Nigeria. The study defines and describes the autocratic style and the outcomes employees can expect when following this type of leader.

      • Examples of Autocratic Leadership Page
        Students must
        View

        Watch this video on autocratic leadership as it presents various characters that display this leadership style. These leaders centralize decision-making and power and therefore exert full control over the organization from the top down.

      • Democratic Leadership Book
        Students must
        View

        Democratic leadership is also known as a participative leadership style because of the inclusive nature of the decision-making process. This article sought to determine the effects on employee performance when this leadership style is present. Moreover, the study sought to determine how this style motivates employees to produce maximum results.

      • Examples of Democratic Leadership Page
        Students must
        View

        Watch this video as they compare democratic leadership styles to other styles. The video suggests this style is willing to listen to feedback and even test ideas in the real world to see if they can achieve results.

      • Servant Leadership Page
        Students must
        View

        Servant leadership is another leadership style; however, what differentiates it from the others is that it begins from within. The qualities of this leadership style also suggest that it is through the service of others has the potential to draw out the highest potential of others.

      • Transactional Leadership Book
        Students must
        View

        Transactional leadership is a traditional approach to management from planning, organizing, leading, or controlling. This research study sought to explore the relationship between leaders in South Africa who exhibit this leadership style and its effects on employee commitment.

      • How Transactional Leadership Is Relevant Today Page
        Students must
        View

        Watch this video as the presenter discusses how transactional leadership is described as an old style. However, it may still be relevant today. The basis is that this style is grounded in Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

      • Transformational Leadership Book
        Students must
        View

        Transformational leadership is an approach that seeks to inspire and transform employees through trust, encouragement, and innovation. Read this article as the researchers present their findings on how this leadership style impacts employee performance, burnout, and social loafing.

      • Driving Transformation Page
        Students must
        View

        Watch this video on transformational leadership as they describe the benefits of this side. An organization can begin the hard work of lasting change by employing this style.

    • 1.3: Leadership Values and Culture

      The values a leader encompasses can positively or negatively affect an organization's culture. The following values will prove how they impact companies and influence the people they lead.

      • Vision Book
        Students must
        View

        Visionary leaders influence organizational commitment throughout the company. This article showed how Islamic teachings could improve employee commitment and performance in Indonesian organizations.

      • How to Build a Values-Driven Visionary Business Page
        Students must
        View

        Watch this video on how being a visionary can help businesses outperform other businesses. The presenter also discusses the seven steps to developing your vision.

      • Passion Book
        Students must
        View

        Passion is a value that some leaders possess, and it is evident in their day-to-day presence at work. In this study, the researchers examined entrepreneurial passion as a leadership trait in relation to growth intention. The Australian study surveyed women entrepreneurs to find common themes and linkages.

      • Where Know-How Meets Passion Page
        Students must
        View

        Watch this video on how passion drives results and the bottom line. The video suggests that finding your passion can unlock hidden potential that positively influences everyone.

      • Influence Book
        Students must
        View

        Read this article on how a leader's influence can encourage ethical or unethical behaviors in organizations. The study sought to understand the dual effect of leaders who make ethical choices versus leaders that make unethical choices and how it affects employee decision-making.

      • The Influence Model Page
        Students must
        View

        Watch this video as the presenter discuss the influence model. In it, they suggest how directing teams can lead to action-oriented employees who continually strive to improve quality.

      • Empowerment Book
        Students must
        View

        Leaders can create a unique culture in the organization they are leading. Through empowerment, they can influence employee behavior, engagement, and innovation. This study surveyed Chinese workers to determine the levels of positive influence from their leaders' empowerment.

      • Effective Empowerment Page
        Students must
        View

        Watch this video on empowerment on how it can help constructively help executives look ahead and leverage their employees. By empowering employees, a leader can communicate that they trust their team and provide opportunities for collaboration.

    • 1.4: Leading Change

      Organizational change leaders must equip themselves with tools to successfully implement and sustain change. In this section, you'll learn how to identify root causes to take action on, recognize various types of resistance, identify the most appropriate change model, and acknowledge pitfalls that can derail your change initiative.

      • Force Field Analysis Page
        Students must
        View

        Watch this video as the presenter discusses force field analysis and the two forces that exert pressure on the business. The video also presents why it's important to acknowledge these forces and the benefits of instigating the changes that address them.

      • Resistance to Change Page
        Students must
        View

        Read this article as it proposes areas of concern for change agents with high resistance. The authors also suggest that resistance is not necessarily bad and can actually become an asset if managed well.

      • Change Models Page
        Students must
        View

        Change models help professionals understand the various stages of how change happens. Read this chapter on two popular and common change models: Lewin's model and Lippitt's model.

      • Avoiding the Pitfalls of Change Page
        Students must
        View

        Organizational change is complex and can be challenging. This website suggests why change fails and how to avoid it to ensure your change initiative can be sustained.

    • Unit 1 Study Resources

      This review video is an excellent way to review what you've learned so far and is presented by one of the professors who created the course.

    • Unit 1 Assessment

      • Unit 1 Assessment Quiz
        Students must
        Receive a grade

        Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.

        • This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
        • You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
        • You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.

  • Unit 2: Motivation

    Course Learning Outcomes
    • 0a Contrast motivational theories as they relate to organizational behavior and their application to successful business outcomes
    • 0c Critique contemporary team issues affecting modern organizations at the local, state, national, and international levels
    • 0f Compare and contrast how organizations can maintain a competitive advantage
    Unit Learning Outcomes
    • 2a Contrast how leadership styles affect individual motivation and their impact on performance
    • 2b Evaluate motivation practices that turn employees into high performers
    • 2c Compare the different roles, responsibilities, and structures of motivation and how they influence behavior
    • 2d Analyze how organizational strategy, culture, and technology all have to be aligned for employees to be motivated for high performance

    Now that we have a general idea of the individuals that comprise an organization's talent, we turn to motivation. Fundamentally, humans are driven to accomplish goals and tasks no matter the context. Tapping into an individual's innate motivation can potentially increase their willingness to work and exceed expectations, affecting the organization's effectiveness.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 6 hours.

    • 2.1: Motivational Leadership

      The style of a leader is critical to all organizations. It is important to understand the facets of a motivational leader, how leadership style influences employee motivation, and connect this to how an organization performs.

      • Qualities of a Motivational Leader Page
        Students must
        View

        Watch this video as it introduces a motivational model for leaders. The role of basic psychological needs such as autonomy, competence, and relatedness are discussed, which helps leaders motivate athletes.

      • How Leadership Style Influences Motivation Page
        Students must
        View

        Knowing how to motivate a team is a great skill that can be learned. Watch this video as it presents seven methods for motivating your team. Applying these techniques can increase performance and help your team reach its highest potential.

      • Connecting Motivation to Organizational Performance Page
        Students must
        View

        Employee engagement is a critical indicator of how happy employees are doing their work to help companies achieve business objectives. Watch this video as the speakers discuss why employees aren't motivated and what leaders can do to understand why employees come to work.

    • 2.2: Motivation Practices

      Understanding employee motivation is key to unlocking high performance. This section discusses studies and best practices on motivating employees through motivation systems and recognition to enable them to be their best on the job.e

      • Best Practices and Industry Benchmarks Book
        Students must
        View

        High expectations can be a best practice for motivating employees to pursue excellence; however, the industry benchmarks may suggest otherwise. In this article, the authors studied employees in China to understand the relationship between expectations and performance.

      • Using Benchmarked Data Page
        Students must
        View

        Watch this video on how using data that is benchmarked can help organizations understand their starting point to determine future goals. The presenter also advises that companies can bring products and services that customers demand through these best practices.

      • Reward Systems Book
        Students must
        View

        Read this study investigating motivation systems such as incentives and rewards and their influence on employee performance in Saudi Arabian companies. Because of the ever-changing business world and stiff competition, Saudi companies constantly seek ways to motivate associates externally.

      • Money Can't Buy Happiness Page
        Students must
        View

        Watch this video on how humans would like to be rewarded for their work in different ways. They advise organizations to have a strategic reward system focusing on performance and behaviors to drive performance.

      • Employee Recognition Page
        Students must
        View

        There are many ways to recognize employees for a job well done. Watch this video that offers 20 unique ways to recognize your employees for their hard work and efforts.

      • High-Performing Employees Page
        Students must
        View

        High-performing work systems align talent to the strategic goals and seek to enable employees' high performance. This chapter discusses strategy, motivation, selection, and development, and having effective work processes which facilitate employees to perform to their highest potential.

    • 2.3: Work and Organizational Structure

      An organization's structure can affect how employees work and behave. This unit presents factors contributing to authority and accountability, the different types of organizational structures, and the behaviors resulting from these structures.

      • Authority and Accountability Page
        Students must
        View

        This video suggests ten factors to create accountability within a team and the level of authority a leader has enforcing these tips. Setting these expectations can reduce the time and energy spent on decision-making, generating solutions, and planning efforts.

      • Types of Organizational Structures Page
        Students must
        View

        Read this chapter on organizational structure types. It begins with the strategic plan and discusses the various ways an organization is structured that can facilitate or impede progress.

      • Effects of Structure on Behavior Page
        Students must
        View

        Watch this video on how an organization's structure influences employees' behavior, which also can be called organizational citizenship. This means that this citizenship plays a role in how employees behave while performing on the job. The video presents some benefits and challenges.

    • 2.4: Organizational Climate

      Organizational climate refers to the perceptions of employees on the impact of the work environment. This unit discusses the various organizational climates and the factors that contribute to this climate. Furthermore, organizational climate and organizational culture are discussed.

      • Categories of Climate Page
        Students must
        View

        Read this chapter on the various types of organizational climates and the behaviors that result from each climate. The author writes that leaders must improve communications to bridge the different climates for the organization to navigate challenges.

      • Factors of Climate Book
        Students must
        View

        For employees to be satisfied in their job function, the right factors can create a climate for high performance. In this study, the researchers discuss factors contributing to success in a South African company and how these factors contribute to overall employee well-being.

      • Organizational Culture versus Organizational Climate Book
        Students must
        View

        Read this chapter on organizational culture and how it relates to organizational climate. The authors share why culture is important, the factors that create the company climate, and distinguish between weak and strong cultures.

    • Unit 2 Study Resources

      This review video is an excellent way to review what you've learned so far and is presented by one of the professors who created the course.

    • Unit 2 Assessment

      • Unit 2 Assessment Quiz
        Students must
        Receive a grade

        Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.

        • This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
        • You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
        • You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.

  • Unit 3: Conflict Management

    Course Learning Outcomes
    • 0b Examine conflict management challenges at the individual, group, and organizational levels
    • 0c Critique contemporary team issues affecting modern organizations at the local, state, national, and international levels
    • 0e Differentiate how various leadership styles can influence and motivate individuals, teams, and organizations
    • 0f Compare and contrast how organizations can maintain a competitive advantage
    Unit Learning Outcomes
    • 3a Critique the concept of conflict management as it applies to a work environment
    • 3b Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of conflict and their relationship to productivity
    • 3c Differentiate between conflict management and conflict resolution
    • 3d Determine the most appropriate conflict management style to maintain organizational stability

    With a baseline understanding of the individuals in organizations and the different ways to motivate employees, there must be an acknowledgment of conflict that will likely occur. Conflict is inevitable when organizations bring people from all different backgrounds to work in one place, whether remotely or in person. However, conflict can be constructive if managed appropriately and contribute to overall organizational success. In this unit, we will explore different conflict management processes, how to utilize conflict as an advantage, and understand the difference between conflict management and conflict resolution.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 5 hours.

    • 3.1: Conflict Management Overview

      Conflict is inevitable. However, by understanding the causes of conflict and its sources, you can better navigate successfully through it. This unit will also cover effective communication skills while you are engaged in various types of conflict.

      • Sources of Conflict Page
        Students must
        View

        Sources of conflict can come from various places for various reasons. Read this chapter to understand the common sources of conflict in the workplace. The chapter also provides appropriate responses for given situations.

      • Processes and Stages of Conflict Page
        Students must
        View

        To find out what is causing conflict in the workplace, you must address this immediately. Watch this video as it presents a 5 step process to effectively deal with conflict, especially when it can be disruptive and emotionally charged.

      • Types of Conflict Page
        Students must
        View

        Conflict is normal and can arise for various reasons. Watch this video as the types of conflict are presented and the common triggers that can cause us to engage in conflict. In addition, the speaker shares solutions for practicing conflict management should you find yourself in this situation.

      • Characteristics of Conflict Page
        Students must
        View

        While conflict may be challenging, this video demonstrates the most effective communication method. The presenter also proposes how this can improve team cohesion and conflict resolution.

    • 3.2: Conflict as an Advantage

      Many view conflict negatively and approach it with discomfort. This section will cover how and why conflict is healthy for problem-solving and healthy relationships. The unit will also cover how conflict affects employee engagement and, if managed right, can increase productivity.

      • Healthy Debates and Respectful Disagreements Book
        Students must
        View

        Conflict can be perceived as negative and difficult. However, this chapter will help you understand conflict more clearly and see that it is not bad and is healthy to resolve issues so employees can achieve business outcomes. Also included are the five phases of negotiation to create wins for everyone involved.

      • Problem Solving and Creativity Book
        Students must
        View

        Read this study examining the effectiveness of teacher-student conflict and their ability to use creativity to solve problems. By doing so, there are direct and indirect benefits to the relationship as well as other significant positive effects as a result.

      • Reasons to Problem-Solve Creatively Page
        Students must
        View

        Watch this video on the ten reasons for creative problem-solving. The presenter talks about how this method can reap numerous benefits through unique solutions.

      • Conflict and Employee Engagement Book
        Students must
        View

        Read this article that presents a model linking conflict and job engagement. The study's objective was to investigate the direct effect of conflict and job turnover and the level of job engagement.

      • The Five Golden Rules Page
        Students must
        View

        Watch this video as the presenter discusses the five golden rules. Because it is an integral part of relationships, however, individuals can overcome their conflict through understanding and positive change.

      • Improved Productivity and Relationships Page
        Students must
        View

        Watch this video on how to build professional relationships at work. The presenter shares eight tips that will help you to improve your productivity, be more effective, and increase enjoyment at work.

    • 3.3: Conflict Management and Conflict Resolution

      Resolution and management of any type of client is the ultimate goal. In this unit, you will discover the differences and similarities in managing and resolving conflict. In addition to using conflict to leverage relationships, tips and advice are offered to help deal with emotions and anger.

      • Differences and Similarities Book
        Students must
        View

        While conflict management and conflict resolution are similar, there are subtle differences. This study discusses the conflict management process compared to conflict resolution techniques.

      • Conflict Transformation Page
        Students must
        View

        When we become divided because of conflict, conflict transformation gives advice on how to strengthen relationships through conflict. Watch this video as it presents the thought of relationships as a web that we need to cultivate in person using technology as a tool.

      • Tools, Tips, and Application Page
        Students must
        View

        Resolving conflict is not an easy process. This chapter discusses ineffective ways to deal with conflict while suggesting effective ways to resolve conflict successfully. There are also great tips and advice for dealing with emotions and diffusing anger.

    • 3.4: Conflict Management Styles

      There are different styles in conflict; however, it's more important to recognize how to make peace and move on. Managing the different conflict styles is one method for building collaborative relationships.

      • Primary Styles in Conflict Page
        Students must
        View

        It is important to recognize peacemaking tips to help maintain peace during the conflict. This website presents the five conflict styles, advice on when to lose, and potential drawbacks.

      • Managing Styles Page
        Students must
        View

        Read this chapter and view the video on managing the various styles during conflict management. Effective management of the different styles allows you to employ a systematic and collaborative approach to resolving conflict.

    • Unit 3 Study Resources

      This review video is an excellent way to review what you've learned so far and is presented by one of the professors who created the course.

    • Unit 3 Assessment

      • Unit 3 Assessment Quiz
        Students must
        Receive a grade

        Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.

        • This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
        • You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
        • You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.

  • Unit 4: Team Development

    Course Learning Outcomes
    • 0a Contrast motivational theories as they relate to organizational behavior and their application to successful business outcomes
    • 0c Critique contemporary team issues affecting modern organizations at the local, state, national, and international levels
    • 0e Differentiate how various leadership styles can influence and motivate individuals, teams, and organizations
    • 0f Compare and contrast how organizations can maintain a competitive advantage
    Unit Learning Outcomes
    • 4a Compare the difference between a group and a team
    • 4b Evaluate phases of team development to form effective and high-performing teams
    • 4c Contrast effective methods for managing teams
    • 4d Critique how team building activities maintain cohesive team synergy

    Diverse individuals come to an organization with unique backgrounds, education, and experiences. However, understanding how to resolve conflict can separate good companies from great companies. So let’s now take a look at teams and team development. Many organizations throughout the world rely on teams to complete projects. These teams are diverse in skills and experience, so the individuals within the team complement one another to accomplish their goals and objectives.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 4 hours.

    • 4.1: Teams

      In this section, you will learn about the differences between a group and a team and the different types of teams. Once a team is formed, leaders and managers must hire the right individuals to be on a specific team that will contribute to organizational performance.

      • Group versus Team Page
        Students must
        View

        This chapter discusses how teams work and why organizations use teams to accomplish strategic goals. Furthermore, distinguishing between a group and a team will help leaders to understand their differences and similarities to drive organizational success.

      • Types of Teams Page
        Students must
        View

        Read this chapter on the different types of teams and why they are integral in organizations. By understanding the different teams, leaders acknowledge each function and its importance to the company's profits.

      • Creating Effective Teams Page
        Students must
        View

        Watch this video on how to build an effective team for your business.

      • Individuals as Team Players Page
        Students must
        View

        Read this excerpt on understanding yourself as being part of a team. It discusses the nine roles an individual contributor plays while working on a team.

      • Being a Good Team Member Page
        Students must
        View

        Watch this video on seven ways an individual can be a good team member. By doing so, other team members will perceive you as a good team member contributing to achieving the team's goals.

    • 4.2: Team Development

      Understanding the stages of team development and the behaviors in the group can help leaders effectively manage teams. By recognizing the behaviors and characteristics of these teams, leaders can reap the rewards of a successful, high-performing team.

      • Stages of Team Development Page
        Students must
        View

        This chapter presents the stages of team development that every team progresses through. Each of the four stages has its characteristics and requirements to move on to the next phase and ultimately to becoming a team that performs for an organization.

      • Independence, Dependence/Interdependence Page
        Students must
        View

        Read this chapter on determinance of intergroup performance. Through analyzing these determinants, team members and leaders can be informed about the differing relationship among team members.

      • Characteristics of a Successful Team Page
        Students must
        View

        Watch this video on how to hire individuals to make the team successful. These seven tips discuss what to look for and how to interview potential candidates to form a team and finish the job.

    • 4.3: Managing Teams

      Teams are used in virtually every organization. This section breaks down the individuals that comprise a team and teaches how to facilitate effective team meetings.

      • Norms, Roles, and Expectations Page
        Students must
        View

        Read this chapter on how groups and teams define norms, roles, and expectations. By defining these areas, the team members begin to exert pressure on one another to conform to become cohesive.

      • Effective Team Meetings Page
        Students must
        View

        Here are ten tips on how to create perfect meetings. This video shares how to avoid terrible meetings and suggestions, as well as the role of the facilitator in the meeting.

    • 4.4: Team-Building

      Team cohesion is the foundation of a highly successful team where members feel like they belong. Further generating team commitment can be achieved through targeted team-building activities.

      • Maintaining Cohesive Teams Page
        Students must
        View

        It takes time for teams to work together well. Read this section about how and why team development is important.

      • Team-Building Activities Page
        Students must
        View

        Team building is a way to engage teammates in activities that bring them together. This article shares ten team-building activities that can help create cohesive and more coordinated teams.

    • Unit 4 Study Resources

      This review video is an excellent way to review what you've learned so far and is presented by one of the professors who created the course.

    • Unit 4 Assessment

      • Unit 4 Assessment Quiz
        Students must
        Receive a grade

        Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.

        • This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
        • You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
        • You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.

  • Unit 5: Group Dynamics

    Course Learning Outcomes
    • 0d Distinguish how individuals contribute to group dynamics
    • 0f Compare and contrast how organizations can maintain a competitive advantage
    Unit Learning Outcomes
    • 5a Differentiate between the different types of groups while explaining different theories
    • 5b Differentiate the various structures of groups and their impact on groupthink
    • 5c Critique how group effort and group decision-making affect groupthink
    • 5d Evaluate basic personality profiles, such as introverts and extroverts, and best practices for managing them

    Individuals from all walks of life come together for the common purpose of achieving an organization's vision and mission. With their unique backgrounds, each person contributes to the overall group's dynamics in how they interact, behave, and build relationships. In this unit, we look at the organization as a whole and how understanding group dynamics can create meaningful experiences for individuals, teams, and stakeholders.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 3 hours.

    • 5.1: Group Dynamics

      As individuals, we are all part of many different kinds of groups. This section describes the kinds of groups, the relationships within the group, and how behavioral changes can impact the group.

      • Formal and Informal Groups Page
        Students must
        View

        There are different working groups for different types of organizations. Read this chapter on how to decide what would work best for your business to stay competitive.

      • Social Exchange Theory Page
        Students must
        View

        Social exchange theory is based on sociology and is implicit in social relationships. Watch this video as it breaks down the different statuses that individuals play and how these statuses interact with one another.

      • Punctuated-Equilibrium Model Page
        Students must
        View

        View this intuitive graph on the punctuated equilibrium model. It demonstrates how changes at any given moment are punctuated by the time it takes.

    • 5.2: Structure

      Organizations have different structures based on their needs and aspirations. The following material discusses how group structure determines each individual's roles, norms, and statuses.

      • Roles Page
        Students must
        View

        Watch this video on roles in groups and the role of a group leader. The presenter discusses understanding the task and understanding the roles can minimize disruption and create satisfying interactions.

      • Norms Page
        Students must
        View

        Watch this video on why clearly defining roles can stabilize behavior and improve results. This video presents how norms can help groups manage their time better, engage in healthy dialogue, and successfully complete each task.

      • Status Page
        Students must
        View

        Read this chapter on social interaction and why status is important to an individual's identity within a group. The author shares different types of interactions and how status determines access to resources and determining their rank within a group.

      • Organizational Structure Page
        Students must
        View

        This video presents the four frames model for understanding an organization's structure. The framework can help you understand issues within your organization and how it impacts other business areas.

    • 5.3: Groups versus Individuals

      Individuals that comprise a group give a certain level of effort. This effort includes many aspects that all contribute to how a group makes decisions and, ultimately, how a group comes together to think as one unit.

      • Effort Page
        Students must
        View

        Watch this video on how designing a good team affects the effort of individuals in the group. Each person brings knowledge and skills that allow the group to reach its highest potential.

      • Decision-Making Page
        Students must
        View

        This video explains the process of making good decisions. Decisions are made daily, and understanding the science behind decision-making can encourage realistic alternatives.

      • Groupthink Page
        Students must
        View

        Read this chapter on groupthink to find out how the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of others influence individuals. Whether positive or negative, leaders should understand how individuals affect others to create highly successful organizations.

    • 5.4: Introverts and Extroverts

      Personality styles vary amongst individuals. However, this section discusses similarities and differences in addition to how a person can employ the best of each style to be successful in personal and work relationships.

      • Similarities and Differences Page
        Students must
        View

        Watch this video as the presenter suggests the similarities and differences between the two personality types. However, he explains that it is part of the temperament you are born with and that each individual has strengths and weaknesses.

      • Leveraging All Styles Page
        Students must
        View

        This chapter presents the different personality types and how to use each style to your advantage. While each has its own benefits, the text suggests a combination of styles will lead to satisfying personal and work relationships.

    • Unit 5 Study Resources

      This review video is an excellent way to review what you've learned so far and is presented by one of the professors who created the course.

    • Unit 5 Assessment

      • Unit 5 Assessment Quiz
        Students must
        Receive a grade

        Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.

        • This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
        • You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
        • You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.

  • Study Guide

    This study guide will help you get ready for the final exam. It discusses the key topics in each unit, walks through the learning outcomes, and lists important vocabulary. It is not meant to replace the course materials!

  • Final Exam Preparation

    These case studies are an excellent way to review what you've learned so far and are presented by one of the professors who created the course. Review these materials before you take the final exam.

  • Final Exam

    • Practice Final Exam

      Take this practice exam to help you get ready for your final exam. This exam can be taken as many times as you like, and it will cover topics similar to the final exam. We recommend that you take a look at the practice final exam before proceeding to the final exam because you will only have three tries to pass the final exam with an 80% or above.

    • Proctored Final Exam

      Take this Proctored Final Exam to complete this course.

      The exam requires a proctor and a proctoring fee of $5. To pass this course, you will need to earn a grade of 80% or higher on the Proctored Final Exam. Your grade for this exam will be calculated as soon as you complete it.

      If you do not pass the exam on your first try, you can take it again up to a maximum of 3 times, with a 30-day waiting period between each attempt. You may not create another account to exceed these limits. After your third failed attempt you will not be able to pass this course, so we recommend taking the Practice Final Exam as many times as you need to feel comfortable.

      We are partnering with SmarterProctoring to help make the proctoring fee more affordable. We will be recording you, your screen, and the audio in your room during the exam. This is an automated proctoring service, but no decisions are automated; recordings are only viewed by our staff with the purpose of making sure it is you taking the exam and verifying any questions about exam integrity. 

      Requirements:

      1. Desktop Computer
      2. Chrome (v100+)
      3. Webcam + Microphone
      4. 1mbps+ Internet Connection

  • Course Feedback Survey

    Please take a few minutes to give us feedback about this course. We appreciate your feedback, whether you completed the whole course or even just a few resources. Your feedback will help us make our courses better, and we use your feedback each time we make updates to our courses. If you come across any urgent problems, email contact@saylor.org.

Callback before_footer in local_aigrade component should be migrated to new hook callback for core\hook\output\before_footer_html_generation
  • line 7225 of /lib/moodlelib.php: call to debugging()
  • line 7292 of /lib/moodlelib.php: call to {closure}()
  • line 71 of /lib/classes/hook/output/before_footer_html_generation.php: call to get_plugins_with_function()
  • line 987 of /lib/classes/output/core_renderer.php: call to core\hook\output\before_footer_html_generation->process_legacy_callbacks()
  • line 372 of /course/view.php: call to core\output\core_renderer->footer()