MQM2GDST-Group Dynamics & Systems Thinking

Module Provider: Leadership, Organisations and Behaviour
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:NA
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Rebecca Jones
Email: r.j.jones@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module looks at groups, teams and the organisational level of coaching and behavioural change. The emphasis is on developing understanding of ‘the system’ rather than the individual response, and the dynamic nature of relationships. This module covers the knowledge, understanding and practice of working with groups within a system or organisation. The module runs over 3 months, consisting of two workshops, each of three days, including a 2-hour coaching supervision session, and inter-workshop practical work and individual study.

Aims:

• To increase awareness and understanding of systems thinking


• To understand and develop skills for team coaching and facilitation


• To understand and work with the relationship between the individual, the team and the organisation


• To incorporate this understanding to develop the ability to work with organisational behavioural change requirements

Assessable learning outcomes:

• Writing of a reflective piece to illustrate the understanding and application of the module


• Observed coaching and supervision sessions


• Skills in team coaching and group facilitation


• Ability to work with tools and techniques specific to this field, eg Gestalt techniques

Additional outcomes:

• Increased confidence in working with groups, both as coach, and also as a member of a group


• Increased awareness of group dynamics and the effects of a system on the behaviour of individuals


• Development of a wider range of flexibility and options for working within organizations


• Development of a wider range of methods for helping a coachee develop the ability to be effective within an organization

Outline content:

• Transactional analysis


• Management models, their history, impact and current use


• The psychology of systems and organisational change


• Models of team function and dysfunction


• Models of team development


• The psychology of groups


• Core concepts and approaches in family therapy


• Models of and approaches to the facilitation of groups


• Team coaching – theory a nd practice


• The pathology of organisations

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

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  Two three day workshops, over three months. 

  
  


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  Inter-workshop practice in learning groups, reading and reflective writing 

  
  

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  Input sessions, plenary sessions and learning group sessions. Opportunity for all participants to experience leading and participating in various group activities 

  
  


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  Reflection and s upervision to enhance learning 

  
  


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  Feedback from learning advisors/tutors on observed coaching and supervision sessions 

  
  


• Input from guest experts in the field, representing latest thinking and practice 

Summative assessment- Examinations:

None

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

5000 word written assignment

Submission date: 25th March 2021 

Formative assessment methods:

• Observed coaching and supervision sessions, feedback from peers, tutors and learning advisors.

Penalties for late submission:

Standard university penalties apply

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50% on written assignment

Reassessment arrangements:
1 resubmission in line with overall programme regulations

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 8 April 2021