Group Dynamics and Team Interventions

Group Dynamics and Team Interventions bridges the gap between academic research about groups and real-life application with teams. The author, Timothy M. Franz, provides effective theory and research-based interventions that students can immediately apply to their work. It is organised around the theoretical concepts typically found in group or team dynamics books. Unlike books that emphasise only theory, this volume also focuses on application. Specifically, in each core chapter, the author includes explanations of specific ways to improve groups rather than only providing a summary of the theories.

Unlike other applied books on improving team functioning, the author utilises theory and empirical research to frame the content. This combination should help readers better understand teams and guide successful application and intervention. After an introductory chapter, the author provides a chapter on basic group processes. For each main chapter, the author first summarises relevant theory and then summarises the steps in several different theory-based interventions. These steps are provided in a table format so that readers can immediately see the applications.

As a result, students and practitioners can better understand the "why" of how groups work when intervening in their teams. They will also have readily available a list of several interventions they can use to help improve the effectiveness of the teams in their workplace. Applied exercises at the end of each chapter and case examples of teams help readers transfer the material to real-world terms. A unique chapter on meetings examines common barriers to meetings in the workplace and offers specific exercises for improving meetings.

The final chapter summarises information about improving team performance and member satisfaction. Furthermore, the author provides unique coverage of assessment and using research to understand and evaluate team functioning.