The purpose of this assignment is to give students an opportunity to apply course concepts, theories, and lessons learned from course content, activities, and discussion to group dynamics in real-world settings. Choose a religious, academic, athletic, social, or civic group/team and consider how course materials and outside research can be used to understand culture, diversity, and team dynamics of the group you chose to select. You must have the group pre-approved with your course instructor in advance before observation of the group may begin. Note: you may choose to analyze a group to which you are a member, but it will be important to operate as an ‘outside observer' as best you can. You may not misrepresent yourself in an effort to gain access to an otherwise closed group.
Each student's paper will be different, but must include the following information minimally:
• Describe the group/team in terms of its primary and secondary dimensions of diversity.
• Determine the worldview dimensions that dominate the group, as well as the team or group culture. Be sure to provide evidence of your evaluation.
• How are differences based on elements of diversity handled within the group?
• What evidence is there of how social relationships are supported and maintained?
• Evaluate the power structure and/or hierarchy of the group, providing evidence of our evaluation.
• How are decisions made?
• Describe the leadership of the group.
• Do you see evidence of cooperation or competition within the group?
• Identify an incident, episode, conflict or challenge facing this group; then assess the group's approach to managing the conflict and or problem-solving.
• Evaluate the context of diversity on the team and whether differences are handled well or poorly, providing evidence for your evaluation.