Masters Theses

David M. Baca

Abstract

"This thesis presents three articles related to team training based on Argyris and Schn̲'s Theory of Action perspective. Individuals are often unaware of the differences between their 'espoused theory' (what they say they do) and their "theory-in-use" (what they actually do). Almost universally, people hold the Unilateral Action Model (also called Model I) as their theory-in-use. Action created according to this model limits learning, creates self-sealing processes, and leads to defensive reasoning. The Mutual Learning Model is an alternative that promotes double-loop learning, decreases skilled incompetence, and guide effective communication.

The first article in this thesis presents a framework for determining the effectiveness of team communication by explaining the Theory of Action perspective. Excerpts from student communication obtained from a computer simulation serve as exemplars of effective and ineffective patterns. The second paper suggests student project teams are actually self-managing teams and highlights the need for double loop learning in these highly autonomous situations. A post-training survey revealed increased self-managing behavior in teams given Mutual Learning training. Paper three reflects on a facilitation program implemented among freshman design teams. The author writes in first person, addressing facilitation as a component of an organizational behavior class, evaluating prior research work using other student facilitators, investigating improvements for UMR’s facilitator course, and describing his own experience with reaching the limits of his facilitation abilities"--Abstract, page iv.

Advisor(s)

Luechtefeld, Ray

Committee Member(s)

Spurlock, David
Watkins, Steve Eugene, 1960-

Department(s)

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Engineering Management

Comments

Accompanying CD-ROM, available at Missouri S&T Library, contains Appendix E - the research information listed on leaf 148.
System requirements: Microsoft Office 2000 or later, Adobe Acrobat, CD drive. Additionally, SPSS software is required to read some files.

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

Summer 2006

Journal article titles appearing in thesis/dissertation

  • Patterns in team communication during a simulation game
  • Training for self-managed student teams
  • Rethinking facilitation

Pagination

ix, 149 pages, CD-ROM

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 26, 49 and 70)

Rights

© 2006 David Mark Baca, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Group facilitation Interpersonal communication Organizational behavior Self-management (Psychology)

Thesis Number

T 9040

Print OCLC #

85776662

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