Group Dynamics for Teams

"The author’s analysis is very up-to-date, for he includes chapters on very recent analyses of teams, such as questions of diversity and teams-communicating-via-computers…. The book’s key strength is its aim to help students and professionals better understand the groups to which they belong by reviewing key concepts in the area of groups."

--Donelson R. Forsyth, Virginia Commonweath University

Group Dynamics for Teams provides a clear and concise overview of group dynamics as it relates to work teams. The book is designed to be a bridge between psychological research on how groups operate and the applied study of the use of teams at work, with the ultimate goal of teaching people how to work effectively in teams. The book begins with an overview of how teams are being used at work and the factors that relate to team success. The second section of the book examines basic group dynamics topics, such as goals, norms, cooperation, and communication. The third section reviews the main challenges that teams face, including conflict, decision-making, problem solving, creativity, and valuing diversity. The final section analyzes the use of teams in the workplace, including the impact of organizational culture, technological support for teams, differences among types of work teams, and team building. Each chapter contains learning objectives, summaries, and activities intended to help understand how teams operate. The book has an applied focus that is designed to help students and professionals improve their abilities to work in teams.