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It is usual that most project work whether at University or in the workplace requires you to work with others.  Therefore, it is useful to understand about group dynamics; this will help you to plan, understand the strengths and weaknesses of your group and recognise potential barriers, so that you can mitigate them. 

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The following are theories of groups.

1. Tuckman, 1965 – Stages of Group Development

2. Belbin, 1981 - Theory of team roles

3. Rubin, Plovnick & Fry, 1972 – Team Effectiveness

4. Katzenbach & Smith, 1992 – Wisdom of Teams

5. LaFasto & Larson, 2004 - Five Dynamics of Teamwork and Collaboration

6. Hackman, 2002 – 5 Factors of team effectiveness

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In this exercise, you are required to choose 2 of the theories from the list above.  Once you have selected your 2 theories you will need to research each of them to find out the main principles and characteristics of each theory.

When you have concluded your research, you will apply each theory to your experience of working in a group.

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Accountability: team members must have mutual accountability to one another as well as individual accountability to one's own work (Katzenbach and Smith, 1993)
Student [comment] – “we didn’t consider how we were jointly responsible, we just blamed {student’s name} when he didn’t do his bit.  It makes sense that we all have to take responsibility for the whole project been delivered”

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Pause for thought - Think about what you have learned about your experience now that you have applied the theories.  How would you avoid making the same mistakes again?  How would you use what you have learned to strengthen future project teams you work with?

Your Next Steps: The following link will take you to a resource that will help you understand more about why teams fail and what makes them work.  You may wish to consider this resource as part of the Your Next Steps section of this Award.