STML 5750 - Group and Organizational Dynamics for Diversity and Inclusion

3 credit hours
The primary purpose of this course is to provide students with an opportunity to develop an in-depth understanding of group and organizational dynamics from a systems perspective and to learn about their own behavior in groups. A second purpose is to introduce students to process consultation and its role in organizational development. The course aims to enable students to perceive, understand, and interpret dynamics in groups and systems using a systems perspective. Work teams and groups are common in organizations and the relationship of the individual to the team and the larger organization are influenced by the interplay of socio-historical forces and demographic and role differences. The course will examine: theories of group development; group boundaries, tasks and roles; power and authority in groups and systems; dynamics of small and large groups; dynamics between and among groups in a larger system or organization; and the interplay of identities, culture, role-taking and group dynamics.