OLCU 414
Team Dynamics Observation Paper Rubric
Length: 3-5 pages (not including cover and reference page); 12 font, double-spaced
Due: Week 5
Value: 190 Points
Submission: Post in the Assignments Folder by 11:59pm, Sunday
What makes teams work while others don’t? Why do some teams gel so quickly while others never click? Why do some teams transcend individual efforts to perform as a whole, while others remain ineffectual? Why do some team members become lifelong friends and others never want to speak to each other again? One of the most effective methods for answering questions like this is through careful and systematic observation. It is through the meticulous art of observation that the unseen forces of group dynamics emerge and become more obvious. Unseen forces like, fears, beliefs, prejudices, organizational norms, habits, patterns, and cultural taboos constrain and limit team dynamics. Equipped with this knowledge, ideas to improve both team effectiveness and relationships become clear. For this paper, you will observe a team in action and analyze the dynamics.
Your paper should include the following criteria:
Situation Description
Effectively describe the situation and team that you will be observing. Briefly provide details about the background and the history of this team, the nature, purpose, setting, and location of the team. Again, be brief!
- Describe the details that are important and relevant to your overall observation and findings.
Observation Analysis
Observe the unseen forces in the following four criteria. The questions that follow are to guide and inspire your observations and subsequent analysis.
- Team Formation (i.e Stages)
- What stage is the team in? Do they transition from any stages? What is the catalyst for the transition?
- Who speaks (and who doesn’t speak), when, how often, and with what effect?
- How well is the group functioning?
- Team Leadership
- How are authority and power being used? What is the relationship between the facilitator and participants?
- How dependent or reactive are participants toward the formal leader?
- Is an informal leader emerging or leading?
- Who is carrying the work of the group (see and unseen)?
- Team Communication
- To what extent are participants contributing to building and harnessing the whole group versus advocating independent positions? Does the group move toward integration, homogeneity, or heterogeneity?
- Team Conflict
- What is the tendency of each group member with regard to inclusion, control, acknowledgment, or recognition of others, and how robust and direct are interactions?
- How do participants respond to tension, expressions of feelings, acts of leadership, and differing viewpoints?
- Do individuals/the group as a whole fight or flee? Do individuals coalesce, acquiesce, react, or join in?
- Which values or ideals seem to be causing conflicts?
Insights Gained
- Identify and discuss three specific insights you gained through this observation activity, and about the power of observing the unseen forces that enable you to more effectively facilitate and develop teams in the workplace.
SPECIAL NOTE:
Tips for observation:
- You might need to introduce yourself to the team and explain your project. Direct any questions to your instructor, if need be.
- Take notes on your observations during and after the observation.
- Observation should last between 20-60 minutes.
- Ideas on teams to observe (these can be live or recorded)
- Workplace team (member or not)
- Community committee meeting
- Sports team
- Volunteer meeting
- Public/government meeting
- You can also choose to watch a movie about teams and team development:
- Remember the Titans
- Mighty Ducks
- Hoosiers
- Drum Line
- Tuskegee Airmen
- Glory
- Coach Carter
- Miracle
- Inside-Out
- Invictus
Rubric: Evaluation Criteria
| Criteria | Exemplary | Proficient | Developing | Emerging
|
Not Complete |
| Situation Description | 40-38
Clearly and concisely describes the necessary, relevant, and important team setting and situation. The choice of situation demonstrates an understanding of the assignment. |
37-33
Mostly describes the team setting and situation, but includes some or doesn’t include necessary information. The choice of situation demonstrates some understanding of the assignment. |
32-28
Somewhat describes a team setting and situation, but leaves out or includes unnecessary information. Choice of the situation may not demonstrate an understanding of the assignment. |
27-1
Limited if any identification of a team situation event. The choice of situation does not demonstrate any understanding of the assignment. |
0
The assignment was not submitted, and/or the attempt at the criteria was completely unacceptable.
|
| Observation Analysis: | 40-38
Clearly and concisely describes the four criteria; team formation, leadership, communication, and conflict. Analysis indicates an in-depth understanding of these 4 team dynamic factors. |
37-33
Mostly describes the four criteria; team formation, leadership, communication, and conflict. Analysis mostly indicates an in-depth understanding of these 4 team dynamic factors. |
32-28
Describes the four criteria, team formation, leadership, communication, and conflict although two analyses may be superficial and/or missing. Analysis indicates an in-depth understanding of these 2-3 of these team dynamic factors. |
27-1
Limited if any discussion of experiences or application of four criteria of team dynamics. |
0
The assignment was not submitted, and/or the attempt at the criteria was completely unacceptable.
|
| Insights Gained | 40-38
Clearly and concisely discusses insights gained into how this observation activity enables you to better facilitate teams in the workplace.
|
37-33
Mostly discusses insights gained into how this observation activity enables you to better facilitate teams in the workplace.
|
32-28
Discusses some insights, but may not address how these insights enable you to better facilitate teams in the workplace. |
27-1
Limited if any reflective analysis. May identify insights gained but does not address how they may enhance the facilitation of teams. |
0
The assignment was not submitted, and/or the attempt at the criteria was completely unacceptable.
|
| APA and Sources | 35-31
Uses 2 or more scholarly sources. Accurately adheres to APA standards; reference page and citations are correct. All sources listed in References are cited in the paper. |
30-25
Uses 2 scholarly sources and adheres to APA standards; reference page and citations are correct with minor (1-3) errors. All sources listed in References are cited in the paper.
|
24-19
Uses 1 scholarly source. Somewhat adheres to APA standards; the work of others is cited but with numerous (4 – 10) errors. Sources listed in References and citations may not match |
18-1
Uses 0 – sources. Limited adherence to APA standards; work of others may be cited but with multiple (11+) errors. Sources listed in References and citations do not match |
0
The assignment was not submitted, and/or the attempt at the criteria was completely unacceptable.
|
| Writing Mechanics | 35-31
The Paper is logical, well-written, and uses correctly uses headers; spelling, grammar, and punctuation are accurate. Paper is the required length of 3 – 5 pages of content and includes a correctly prepared title page. |
30-25
The Paper is logical, fairly well-written, and uses headers but with minor (1 – 3) errors in spelling, grammar, and/or punctuation. The content maybe 5% too long or short; includes a correctly prepared title page. |
24-19
The paper may be disorganized and somewhat confusing. And/or it may have several (4 – 10) errors in spelling, grammar, and/or punctuation. The content may be 10% too long or short, and may not include a correctly prepared title page. |
18-1
The paper lacks clarity and may be confusing; may contain numerous (11+) errors in spelling, grammar, and/or punctuation. The content may be 15% too long or short, and may not include a title page |
0
The assignment was not submitted, and/or the attempt at the criteria was completely unacceptable.
|
