PART 4

Diversity in Teams

Organizations use different types of teams. Diversity in teams can mean everything from skill sets to ethnicity. Matching the right team structure to the needs of the organization takes understanding of the function of that team structure.

Primary Task Response: Within the Discussion Board area, write 400–600 words that respond to the following questions with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the foundation of future discussions by your classmates. Be substantive and clear, and use examples to reinforce your ideas.

Respond to the following:

Explain at least 3 different types of work teams.

What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of each one?

Of the work teams you have chosen, is one type better than the others? Explain why.

PART 5

Building Teams

Human resources professionals are frequently assigned to be members of newly formed project teams. In most cases, the HR person's role in the team is to keep the group focused and on task.

Primary Task Response: Within the Discussion Board area, write 400–600 words that respond to the following questions with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the foundation for future discussions by your classmates. Be substantive and clear, and use examples to reinforce your ideas.

You have been asked to lead a team on a new project. Discuss the steps that you will take to complete the following:

Ensure that the goals of the team are clearly understood by all members.

Build a strong, cohesive team.

Manage the interactions in the team.

PART 6

Team Conflict

Conflict exists in nature and, by extension, in all human relationships. Conflict can be something to avoid or embrace, or a more neutral approach can be taken. You will lead a group discussion on the subject among your peers. You decide that to generate a lively discussion, it is important to create a level of understanding of the role of conflict in groups and how conflict can be used to move a group forward.

Primary Task Response: Within the Discussion Board area, write 400–600 words that respond to the following questions with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the foundation for future discussions by your classmates. Be substantive and clear, and use examples to reinforce your ideas:

After doing some research on the topic of conflict, propose to your peers a position, and discuss the concept of conflict in teams.

Is conflict something to avoid or embrace?

Use examples from either your personal experience or from the literature that would support your position.