MQM2GDST-Group Dynamics & Systems Thinking

Module Provider: Leadership, Organisations and Behaviour
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Mrs Verity Hannell
Email: v.l.hannell@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module looks at the impact of groups, teams and the organisation on individuals in the context 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 individuals within a group, system or organisation. The module consists of two parts and is highly experiential.

Aims:

• To increase awareness and understanding of systems thinking, including clients within their systems and wider context 


• To understand how group dynamics can influence behaviour change and develop the tools to coach ethically and effectively with these principles in mind 


• To understand and develop coaching competencies, capabilities, tools and skills for working cultivating a safe environment to work with groups and teams  


• To understand, be fully present with and coach 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, teams, and groups.  

Assessable learning outcomes:

• Academic Business Knowledge and Analytical Skills: Programme members will be able to demonstrate appropriate academic  knowledge of the key concepts and theories within coaching and behaviour change 


• Academic Business Knowledge and Analytical Skills: Programme members will be able to apply relevant knowledge and analytical and critical thinking skills in a way that combines academic rigour with practical relevance 


• Critical Reflection: Programme members will be able to identify critically reflective examples from their own practice that evidence their knowledge and understanding of the key concepts and theories within coaching and behaviour change 


• Critical Reflection: Programme members will be able to effectively synthesize theory and research with their reflective examples to illustrate their understanding of how theory and research applies to their own practice

Additional outcomes:

• Increased competences 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 with groups and teams and within organizations 


• Ability to work inclusively with an awareness of their own unconscious biases and filters and the impact of these 

Outline content:

Approaches to understanding interpersonal interactions e.g. transactional analysis 

The psychology of groups 

Models of and approaches to the facilitation of groups 

Group dynamics 

Tools and techniques for working with groups and to facilitate systems thinking 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Tutor input 

Demonstrations 

Practice in groups, triads and pairs 

Plenary and small group discussion 

Peer/tutor/supervisor feedback 

Independent coaching practice is encouraged  

Coaching supervision  

Reading  

Reflective writing  

Learning log  ; 

Summative assessment- Examinations:

None

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

5000 word written assignment 

Submission date: See canvas

Formative assessment methods:

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:

One resubmission in line with overall programme regulations

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

NA

Last updated: 30 March 2023