Group Process Lab
FT MBA I Yr and MBA HR I Yr
(3 sessions – 4 hours)
Purpose:
To understand the process of Group Work, its importance, challenges and benefits.
To learn best practices on how to effectively use Group Work to enhance one’s
learning, skills, and success in accomplishing tasks.
Sn. Topics Chapters/Articles/Case Pedagogy Details + Learning
s/Other Material and Outcomes
Activities
Introduction to the Icebreaker (Groups Faculty can help group members
Group Process Lab can be asked to be explore how group identities are
(Purpose and seated together and 10 formed and what enables trust
Process) minutes are given for and belongingness amongst
the members to members. Questions such as what
Forming a Social explore the strengths / surprised you, what is common,
Identity concerns/ interests/ what do you look forward to
Icebreaking advantages each learning from your group, what
member brings to the strengths of the group can be
group. Each group can leaned on and grown for group’s
be asked to think of a success.
metaphor for their
group. Groups present
their metaphor, its
rationale and members
characteristics to
1 larger group.)
Total time: 10 mts. +
20 mts
Tower Building Faculty asks groups to Group behaviour is observed by
Exercise choose their leader. the faculty. Groups that ask
All leaders are then questions, don’t ask questions,
called to meet the compare with other groups.
faculty to receive Groups are asked to evaluate
instructions for the their own performance and where
activity. 8 full sheets they went wrong in such an easy
of newspapers, 1 task. What would they change if
scotch tape and 1 pair they have to repeat the activity?
of scissors is handed How will they plough in this
out to each leader. learning into their MBA Journey?
Their groups have to
build a tower using
only this material and
Sn. Topics Chapters/Articles/Case Pedagogy Details + Learning
s/Other Material and Outcomes
Activities
will be assessed on
height, utility and
stability. 20 minutes
for the exercise. At the
end, all towers are to
be brought to the front
of the class, their
utility has to be
explained (which all
groups forget to think
about!) and wind test
is performed to check
stability. Tallest, most
stable and tower with
utility is declared
winner.
Total time: 20 mts
plus 20 mts debrief
Personality Discussion on how do Helping students to raise self-
and Values each group members awareness about behaviour
based personality and values directed outwards towards group
reflection impact their behaviour members and its impact on group
in a group as well as dynamics. Questions such as
the group’s behaviour? what do I need to stop doing,
Groups can evaluate at start doing and do more of can
their level. ( 10 help guide their thinking and
minutes) action planning.
Understanding
Team Roles and
Setting Norms
Belbin Team Role Inventory Helping students to raise self
inventory Discussion: After awareness about their roles and
having administered impact on group dynamics.
Belbin Team Role Questions such as what roles are
2 inventory in class, missing, what roles are in
discuss each Belbin abundance or what roles will
role, and ask the have to be outsourced etc can
groups to create their help guide their thinking and
group profile. Each action planning.
group to discuss
strengths, areas of
allowable weakness
as well as things to
watch out for at the
Sn. Topics Chapters/Articles/Case Pedagogy Details + Learning
s/Other Material and Outcomes
Activities
individual member
and group levels
( 40 mts)
Norm Setting
Asking groups to
discuss in their teams
what types of norms
will help their teams
to succeed. These
norms can be created
under specific heads
such as
Communication,
Academic
preparation, Time
management,
Discipline,
Supporting group,
Agenda setting,
Leader role etc (10
mts)
Groups should also
develop Norms for
Virtual group work
Slides on norm
setting can be shown
and groups are asked
to revisit the norms
they have created and
fortify the same
based on inputs by
faculty. ( 30 mts)
Crafting a Group Groups are asked to
Vision and Group focus on their
Charter purpose and vision.
Each member is
asked to share their
individual purpose of
3 pursuing higher
education and create
a collective group
vision by creating
/seeking common
ground. Common
ground can be created
by exploring areas of
Sn. Topics Chapters/Articles/Case Pedagogy Details + Learning
s/Other Material and Outcomes
Activities
mutual interest and
collaboration. Each
group can articulate 2
values that drive their
members. How do
these values drive
and power their
group vision? Each
group to present their
vision and the
rationale. What
milestones can they
mandate for
themselves and how
will they know they
are becoming
successful in
achieving their
vision? ( 50 mts – 60
mts)
Group Charter
templates can be
shared with the
groups and discussed.
They are asked to
complete the same
and present to larger
class with an
affirmation of
abiding by the same.
A learning diary has
to be maintained by
each group capturing
their experiences
across courses
Groups will be asked
to present their
experiences in
session 15.