Course Syllabus


PSY 814: Psychology of Leading Work Groups and Teams


Overview

CATEGORY INFORMATION
Credits 3
Prerequisites PSY 532 and PSY 539
Delivery Web (Canvas, https://psu.instructure.com)
Dates See the Calendar.
Instructor See the Orientation module under the Modules tab.

Description

The nature of work in contemporary organizations has been changing from being performed largely by individuals to being increasingly performed by work groups and teams. Furthermore, employees are often members of multiple work groups over relatively short intervals of time or even members of several work teams at one time. Add to this trend the increasing diversity of the workforce and the increasing use of work groups that are geographically and temporally distributed around the world, and the role of being an effective work unit leader is much more difficult than it was in the past. The multiple challenges that leaders face in their attempts to influence, motivate, and develop their employees require knowledge of the psychological and social factors affecting group performance and processes, and related skills in understanding the specific factors that may be relevant in a given organizational setting.

This course provides a comprehensive examination of the psychological and social factors that underlie group and team processes in work and organizational settings. The course will focus on the development of the students’ ability to think critically about the complexity of factors that influence group processes and the wide range of individual differences in behavior and emotions that can occur within a work group. Over the semester students will be exposed to relevant examples, cases, and discussions that emphasize the application of psychological theory and research findings to the practice of leadership functions in work settings that help develop effective work groups and positive intra- and inter-group relations. Particular attention will be paid to those factors that work unit leaders can directly create and maintain (such as developing and coaching individual employees and the intact team; recognizing effective work behaviors and motivation; task assignments and delegation of responsibility).

Utilizing this method of deployment, students will be exposed to personal experiences of the instructor as well as those of other students, thereby encouraging the use of multiple approaches to analyzing situations and designing action plans. Emphasis will be placed on applying knowledge and theories to real world situations through both the use of case studies and discussion. Topics will range from basic definitional and theoretical framing, to critical evaluation of the utility of theories, as related to the students’ goals as future organizational leaders.

Objectives

At the end of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Recognize groups and teams and discuss the need for them in the modern workplace.
  2. Distinguish between and measure individual performance and group/team performance.
  3. Explain the relationship between task design and group composition.
  4. Analyze group characteristics and dynamics.
  5. Plan construction, development, and leadership of teams, including diverse ones and virtual ones.

Competencies

The assignments in this course are designed to provide opportunities to practice and demonstrate leadership competencies.

ASSIGNMENT COMPETENCIES
Discussions, Initial Thoughts, and Reflections • Communication
• Critical Thinking
Group Contract • Communication
• Teamwork
Unit 01 Assignment:
Group/Team Proposal

• Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Decision Making
• Innovation

Unit 02 Assignment:
Group/Team Development Plan
• Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Execution
• Innovation
Unit 03 Assignment: Group/Team Leadership Manual

• Agility
• Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Execution
• Innovation

Unit 04 Assignment: Adapted Group/Team Leadership Manual • Career Drive
• Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Execution

Organization

This course is made up of 13 lessons divided into 4 units.

For a typical unit, you will complete the following assignments:

  • Submit your initial thoughts about a scenario.
  • Complete a unit assignment.
  • Submit your reflection about the scenario.

For a typical lesson, you will complete the following activities and assignments:

  • Explore online course content.
  • Read a few assigned readings.
  • Participate in a discussion.

Online Learning and Attendance

This course has been developed to promote asynchronous learning. With one notable exception, the instructor and students do NOT meet on a designated day and time each week. For each lesson, there is a timeframe to complete all activities and assignments, and you may work at your own pace within that timeframe. However, you must adhere to the due dates outlined on the Calendar. (Due dates can also be viewed under the Syllabus tab.) You should log into the course daily to check for updates, review lessons, and participate in activities.

Note on Group Project: The four unit assignments combine to form a group project. There is also a Group Contract assignment. To communicate with your group throughout the course, use your Canvas group, which is like a mini-course. Your group gets a calendar, a wiki, discussions, and a little bit of space to store files. You can collaborate on documents or even schedule web conferences to engage in real-time interactions (e.g. text chat, audio chat, etc.). Groups will be assigned near the end of the drop/add period. For more information, see the Groups Start-Up module under the Modules tab.


Materials

Texts

The following texts are required:

  • Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and practice (8th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE. [ISBN: 978-1506362311]

The following texts are optional:

  • *Guion, R. M. (2011). Assessment, measurement, and prediction for personnel decisions (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge. [ISBN: 978-0805860238]
  • *Highhouse, S., Doverspike, D., & Guion, R. M. (2015). Essentials of personnel assessment and selection (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge. [ISBN: 978-1138914599]
  • Hughes, R. L., Ginnett, R. C., &  Curphy, G. J. (2015). Leadership: Enhancing the lessons of experience (8th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. [ISBN: 978-0077862404]

*E-Book Option: An online version of one or more of your texts is available at no cost as a Penn State Libraries E-Book, which is indicated by an asterisk (*). You can access the E-Book through the Library Resources tab in the course navigation menu. Some E-Books will only be available online, while others will be available to download in full or in part. You may choose to use the E-Book as an alternative to purchasing a physical copy of the text. For questions or issues, you can contact the University Libraries Reserve Help (UL-RESERVESHELP@LISTS.PSU.EDU).

Other Materials

A headset with a microphone is optional but recommended. To collaborate on the group projects, your group may meet up via web conferences.

Library Services

Penn State Libraries provides a wide variety of services and resources. To learn how to take advantage, refer to the Online Student Library Guide at http://guides.libraries.psu.edu/onlinestudentlibraryguide. This guide serves as your starting point for access to all that Penn State Libraries can offer you as an online student. Use this guide if you have questions on library services offered to you, how the library can help you, how to use the library, or what resources you can access via the library! The guide will connect you to important pages and resources within Penn State Libraries and save time from you searching for the information you need.


Grading

Final letter grades will be assigned based on the scale below.

Scale

LETTER
GRADE
MINIMUM
PERCENT
MINIMUM
POINTS
A 93 372
A- 90 360
B+ 87 348
B 83 332
B- 80 320
C+ 77 308
C 70 280
D 60 240
F 0 0

Due Dates

All assignments are due by 9:00 AM Eastern Time on the date indicated on the Calendar. (Due dates can be also be viewed under the Syllabus tab.) Please be aware that Canvas follows the Eastern Time (ET) time zone. Assignment due dates adhere to this time zone, and it is your responsibility to submit assignments accordingly. If you are outside of the ET time zone, you can set your Canvas account to sync to it. Refer to the Set a Time Zone article in the Canvas Guide at https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-2891.

As a general rule, you will NOT be able to go back and make up missed assignments. It is your responsibility to keep up with your assignments. Students with an excused absence (e.g., hospitalization, jury duty, family emergency, or military service) may be asked to produce proper documentation in order to make up graded work. All make-up work is at the discretion of the instructor.

Veterans and currently serving military personnel and/or spouses with unique circumstances (e.g., upcoming deployments, drill/duty requirements, disabilities, VA appointments, etc.) are welcome and encouraged to communicate these, in advance if possible, to the instructor in the case that special arrangements need to be made.

Notes

  • To Do List: Some assignments may not appear in the To Do list under the Home tab. Use the Calendar or Syllabus to ensure that you are fully aware of assignment due dates.
  • Note on Late Assignments: Late assignments will lose the point equivalent of 10 percent per calendar day, and they will not be accepted later than 10 calendar days after the due date. Given the time-sensitive, interactive nature of discussions, replies will not be accepted after a lesson ends.

Assignments

Basic information about each assignment group is provided below. For detailed directions about an individual assignment, see the assignment information under the Modules tab.

You can expect meaningful feedback on assignments within 7 days of their due date.

Method

The guidelines below apply to most assignments, but there may be exceptions (e.g. Initial Thoughts assignments). Make sure to read all assignments' directions AND rubrics in their entirety.

  • Content quality: Generally speaking, there is no right or wrong answer for these assignments, but you must make your arguments/points based on theory, concepts, research, and/or factual evidence and in a clear and concise manner. This means with clear thesis statements; detailed explanations; apparent connection between theory, concepts, etc. and behaviors/decisions; and strong organization.
  • Citations and references: Generally speaking, it is necessary to cite, quote, and reference ideas that you have used. Paraphrasing is preferred to quotes as that demonstrates your grasp of the ideas, but if you use someone else’s words, make sure to quote, cite, and reference. If you paraphrase, remember to cite and reference.
ASSIGNMENT
GROUP
POINTS
Discussions 140
Initial Thoughts 20
Reflections 40
Group Contract 10
Unit 01 Assignment 15
Unit 02 Assignment 25
Unit 03 Assignment 50
Unit 04 Assignment 100
Total 400

Discussions

Value: 14 x 10 PTS, 140 PTS total

The purpose of the discussion assignments is to analyze course concepts as a class on a deeper level than in the readings or to use the readings to facilitate a deeper understanding. You will interact with classmates and the instructor by sharing thoughtful discussion ideas in the discussion forums. The most important aspect of this assignment is that it is an interactive assignment. It is important to interact with your classmates as they will provide diverse perspectives on the topics at hand, which will expand your knowledge of the concepts immensely.

For every discussion, you will make an initial reply and respond to the questions in the discussion forum's directions. In addition, you will make at least one reply to a classmate or the instructor. Your initial reply is always due a few days earlier than your replies to classmates or the instructor. We encourage you to make your initial reply as early in the week as possible so that everyone else in the class has a chance to respond to your ideas. Your replies to classmates or the instructor are due at the end of the week. Reply by 9 AM ET on the dates on the Calendar.

Your discussion contributions will be graded based on the following criteria: content quality, content quantity, content timeliness, and citations and references. For more information, see the rubric in each discussion forum.

Initial Thoughts

Value: 4 x 5 PTS, 20 PTS total

At the beginning of each unit, you will read a leadership scenario and respond to a few related questions. The purposes of this assignment are for you to articulate your prior knowledge and to create a baseline for comparison at a later time. We are not looking for "right answers," so you should NOT perform any research. Simply respond to the questions to the best of your ability.

Your submission will be graded for completeness and timeliness.

Reflections

Value: 4 x 10 PTS, 40 PTS total

At the end of each unit, you will revisit the leadership scenario and respond to a few related questions. The questions will be the same as (or similar to) the Initial Thoughts questions for the unit. In addition, you will self-assess your progress toward the unit goals after comparing your initial thoughts and final thoughts on the scenario. The reflections are an opportunity for you to think about what you have learned within the unit.

Your submission will be graded based on the following criteria: content quality, content quantity, content timeliness, and citations and references. For more information, see the rubric in each assignment.

Group Contract

Value: 10 PTS

For this course, you will be assigned to a group of 3-4 students near the end of the drop/add period. In this group, you will accomplish a project made up of the four unit assignments. In order to help facilitate this group work, your group will establish rules and processes for its project interactions.

One group member should submit a text document with the agreed upon group rules and processes to the correct drop box. Use one of the following file types: docx, doc, or pdf.

Your group submission will be graded for completeness and timeliness.

Unit 01 Assignment: Group/Team Proposal

Value: 15 PTS

Your group will write a 1 to 2 page proposal that clearly explains the purpose of your group/team and describes the project that it will be designed to complete.

Attach and submit a text document to the correct drop box. Use one of the following file types: docx, doc, or pdf.

Unit 02 Assignment: Group/Team Development Plan

Value: 25 PTS

Your group will write a 3 to 4 page plan that describes how you will foster the growth and development of the project group/team.

Attach and submit a text document to the correct drop box. Use one of the following file types: docx, doc, or pdf.

Unit 03 Assignment: Group/Team Leadership Manual

Value: 50 PTS

Your group will write a roughly 10 page manual for anyone who is assigned to lead the project group/team.

Attach and submit a text document to the correct drop box. Use one of the following file types: docx, doc, or pdf.

Unit 04 Assignment: Adapted Group/Team Leadership Manual

Value: 100 PTS

The final unit assignment will represent the cumulative end goal of having planned for and designed the many aspects of a team using the ideas from the course. Your group will adapt your manual so that it applies to a diverse virtual group/team and applies a cooperative or competitive strategy. The final product should be roughly 10-12 pages.

Attach and submit a text document to the correct drop box. Use one of the following file types: docx, doc, or pdf. Also upload the document to the course section at Turnitin.

Note on Turnitin: Please be aware that Turnitin will produce an originality report. See the Academic Integrity section for information about the potential consequences of plagiarism and other violations of academic integrity.

Final Exam

None


University Policies

Academic Integrity

According to Penn State policy G-9: Academic Integrity, an academic integrity violation is “an intentional, unintentional, or attempted violation of course or assessment policies to gain an academic advantage or to advantage or disadvantage another student academically.” Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, you must complete all course work entirely on your own, using only sources that have been permitted by your instructor, and you may not assist other students with papers, quizzes, exams, or other assessments. If your instructor allows you to use ideas, images, or word phrases created by another person (e.g., from Course Hero or Chegg) or by generative technology, such as ChatGPT, you must identify their source. You may not submit false or fabricated information, use the same academic work for credit in multiple courses, or share instructional content. Students with questions about academic integrity should ask their instructor before submitting work.

Students facing allegations of academic misconduct may not drop/withdraw from the affected course unless they are cleared of wrongdoing (see G-9: Academic Integrity). Attempted drops will be prevented or reversed, and students will be expected to complete course work and meet course deadlines. Students who are found responsible for academic integrity violations face academic sanctions, which can be severe, and put themselves at jeopardy for other outcomes (see G-9: Academic Integrity).

Disability Access

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In order to receive consideration for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability services office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation described at http://equity.psu.edu/student-disability-resources/applying-for-services. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus’s disability services office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.

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Reporting a Bias Incident

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Counseling and Psychological Services

Penn State's Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) office offers residential and distance-based Penn State students non-emergency mental health services in the form of case management, community resource referrals, supportive listening, care giver support, and much more.

Students may request assistance from CAPS regarding a variety of common mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and stress. CAPS services are designed to enhance students' ability to fully benefit from the University environment and academic experience. Call CAPS at 814-863-0395 (8 am-5 pm, Monday-Friday EST) or submit an inquiry online at https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/form/caps-contact-form to schedule an appointment with a mental health advocate, who can help you address mental health concerns that may interfere with your academic progress or social development. This appointment will include a one-on-one session that can be conducted via telephone, teleconference (Skype, FaceTime, etc.), or locally at Penn State University Park. For more information on services provided through CAPS, please visit the Penn State CAPS website at http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/counseling/. Students enrolled at the World Campus are also encouraged to visit its Mental Health Services page at http://student.worldcampus.psu.edu/student-services/mental-health-services.

Reminder: These services are for non-emergencies only. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis situation, please call your local crisis center or 911.

TEACH Act

The materials on the course website are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course and may not be retained or further disseminated.


University Emergency Procedure

In the event of a University-wide emergency, the course may be subject to changes. Exigent circumstances may require alternative delivery methods, class materials, and interactions with the instructor and/or classmates. In addition, there may be revisions to grading policies and the Calendar, including assignments and their due dates.

In the event of a University-wide emergency, please refer to the Canvas website at https://psu.instructure.com for specific information related to the course. For more general information about the emergency situation, please refer to the Penn State website at http://www.psu.edu or Penn State News website at http://news.psu.edu.

To register with PSUAlert, a service designed to alert the Penn State community when situations arise that affect the ability of a campus to function normally, please go to the PSU Alert website at https://psualert.psu.edu/. Subscribers can receive alerts by text message to cell phones, and also can elect to have alerts sent to an email address.


Syllabus Subject to Change

The class will likely adhere to the information outlined in this Syllabus and the Calendar, but adjustments may be made based on what actually transpires during the semester. Remaining in the course after reading this Syllabus will signal that you accept the possibility of changes and responsibility for being aware of them.

Course Summary:

Date Details Due