The objective of this assignment is to discuss the processes, structure, roles, and norms in a team in which you have participated, and your own behavior in
it. This has to be a team which has met a number of times, and you were a part of it. You can select a team project in school you have been a part of, or a
sports team, or a task force during your internship or job. To be better able to understand group processes, structure, norms, culture, etc., which you studied
about in this class, this assignment asks you to reflect on what has gone on in your group and your own participation in them. Trace the milestones in the
evolution of your team. Analyze the group process. Discuss your own behavior in the team. Use this experience to suggest changes and/or
recommendations to other similar teams.
Suggested steps
Data collection and presentation. You would need to describe the major events in your group, ideally with a timeline, even if approximate. Key
communications and critical incidents in the team can sometimes be traced in emails. You may want to write a brief story, or you can use a bullet point
format. Note that you do not have to use the actual names of people, however the story should be truthful.
Analyze the team’s processes, roles, and norms. Please use Ch8 Team dynamics as a guideline. How did the group process get started? What effect did this
beginning have? How would you characterize later developments? What theory and concepts, if any, of those we studied or you know about would be of help
to model this group development?
Analyze your own behavior. Think how you acted in this group. What roles have you taken on? What behaviors do you feel good about or not good about and
why? How did your peers respond? What do you think the other group members think about your contribution? What if any behavior would you like to change
in the future?
Provide suggestions how other groups might improve, learning from your experience. What do you think are the best and worst aspects of your group? What
would you do differently if you had to start all over? What experience might be of help to another group that is only starting now?
The suggested length is about 3 pages.
