Intercultural communication teamwork and leadership/Groups, teams and leadership/Learning challenge

Challenge summary

Summary:	In the Topic 3 readings, you were encouraged to read current research on lessons learned by other companies to improve your own business practices. This Teamwork Skills learning challenge requires you to explore two research-based team learning models as a way to self-assess your current teamwork strengths and skill development needs.
	About 30-45 minutes

Purpose

This learning challenge will give you an opportunity to self-assess your current teamwork strengths and skill development needs.

Tasks

• Read the Clark and the Kasl et al. articles found in the references below to gain knowledge about two research-based team learning models. These two articles provide case study examples of real-world business scenarios.

• The Kasl et al. model gives an in-depth description of interpersonal communication processes, skills, attitudes, and operating principles required to support effective learning in all teams. Note the communication processes of framing and reframing perspectives, negotiating differences, and consensus building would be crucial for intercultural and interdisciplinary teams. Kasl et al. observe teams might work through Tuckman’s group development stages, yet never challenge inaccurate assumptions, or create new knowledge by reframing and integrating alternate perspectives.

• The Hill team leadership model provides “a mental road map to help...diagnose team problems and take appropriate action to correct these problems” (Hill, p. 289). This model emphasizes the process of developing critical thinking abilities through mediating and monitoring functions, which can be performed by the formal team leader and/or shared by team members.

• Both the Kasl et al. and Hill models point out that team participants need a wide repertoire of communication and action skills to meet diverse team needs. You can find a summary of Hill’s model on Clark’s website, and full original author descriptions of both models in the other references provided.

• After reading the two articles and the summary information above, self-assess your current teamwork strengths and skill development needs.

References:

• Donald Clark. 2015. Team Leadership Model. Retrieved from: http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/leader/team_leadership.html
• Elizabeth Kasl, Victoria J. Marsick, & Kathleen Dechant. 1997. Teams as Learners: A Research-Based Model of Team Learning. The journal of Applied Behavioral Science, Jun 1997, 33, 2, ABI/INFORM Global. p. 227-246. Free pdf available at: pocketknowledge.tc.columbia.edu/home.php/viewfile/download/124996
• Susan E. Kogler Hill. 2013. Ch. 12, Team Leadership in Leadership: Theory and Practice, 6th edition (Peter G. Northouse, Ed.). Sage Publications, Inc.: Los Angeles, London, New Delhi, Singapore, Washington DC.