Human Capital: Teams, Unions, and Change Management from Coursera

With “Human Capital: Teams, Unions, and Change Management,” you’ll learn how to transform the way you manage teams and understand human resources. Dive into a comprehensive journey that emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within the workplace and equips you with the essential tools to manage diverse teams effectively. This course uniquely bridges the gap between HR and labor relations in unionized environments, comparing and contrasting their roles to give you a holistic understanding of workplace dynamics.

Additionally, you will develop innovative change management strategies grounded in contemporary HR models and theories. Learn to navigate and influence employer-employee relationships, leveraging humor and negotiation to foster a positive and productive work environment. With a focus on practical application and current industry practices, this course prepares you not just to meet but to exceed the challenges of the modern workforce. Embrace the opportunity to become a catalyst for change and a champion of inclusive, effective team management.

This is the third course in “Extraordinary Human Capital Management,” a course series for human resource professionals interested in advancing their skills to align with organizational and employee needs.

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: The Way Work Gets Done

In this module, you'll get a deeper look into how teamwork drives productivity and helps achieve organizational goals. We'll focus on the importance of team dynamics and how to pick the right team members by finding a balance between their attitudes and skills. You'll also learn how to tailor human capital management (HCM) processes and systems to meet the specific needs of non-profit organizations. We'll broaden this framework so you can apply best practices to both non-profit and for-profit settings. Throughout the module, you'll explore examples of great teamwork and effective practices, and you'll get to learn advanced techniques in change management from an expert in the field. This will give you practical insights and strategies you can put to use in any organization.

Module 2: Teams, Unions, and Partners

In this module, you'll dive deep into the role of unions, exploring their history, current relevance, and future impact. You'll also learn strategies to bridge social gaps and understand the importance of building high-quality connections through strong worker engagement. We'll look at how humor can play a powerful role in negotiations, making interactions more effective and enjoyable. Plus, you'll discover how to weave negotiation techniques into Talent Management, aligning them with broader human capital strategies for a more cohesive approach. Overall, this module will equip you with valuable insights and practical skills to foster meaningful relationships and effective negotiations in the workplace.

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Focuses on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, which are essential components of modern human resources and talent management

Explores the role of unions, which is highly relevant for HR professionals working in unionized environments or those seeking a broader understanding of labor relations

Develops change management strategies grounded in contemporary HR models and theories, which are critical for navigating organizational transformations

Is the third course in a series, which may indicate a comprehensive and detailed exploration of human capital management

Examines how humor can play a role in negotiations, which may add a creative and engaging element to conflict resolution and team building

Requires learners to take this course in serial with others as part of a series, which may not be ideal for learners seeking standalone knowledge

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Human Capital: Teams, Unions, and Change Management with these activities:

Review Labor Relations History

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Refresh your understanding of labor relations history to better grasp the context and evolution of unions in the modern workplace.

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Research key events and figures in labor history.
Summarize major legislative changes affecting labor relations.
Identify the historical factors that led to the rise of unions.

Review 'Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In'

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Understand key negotiation strategies to improve your ability to manage conflicts and foster positive relationships within teams and unionized environments.

View Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without... on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
Identify examples of these concepts in real-world scenarios.
Practice applying these strategies in simulated negotiations.

Create a Presentation on Change Management Models

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Solidify your understanding of change management by researching and presenting different models and their applications in real-world scenarios.

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Research various change management models (e.g., Lewin's, Kotter's).
Select a model and analyze its strengths and weaknesses.
Prepare a presentation outlining the model and its application.
Present your findings to peers for feedback.

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Develop a Diversity and Inclusion Initiative

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Apply your knowledge of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging by designing a comprehensive initiative for a hypothetical or real organization.

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Assess the current state of diversity and inclusion in the organization.
Define specific goals and objectives for the initiative.
Develop strategies and tactics to achieve these goals.
Create a plan for measuring the impact of the initiative.

Review 'The Humor Advantage'

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Explore the role of humor in negotiations and team dynamics to foster a more positive and productive work environment.

View The Humor Advantage: Why Some Businesses Are... on Amazon

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Read the book and identify key principles of using humor effectively.
Analyze examples of humor in workplace scenarios.
Practice incorporating humor into your communication style.

Develop a Union Negotiation Strategy Document

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Create a detailed strategy document outlining your approach to negotiating with a union, considering various factors and potential outcomes.

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Research the union's history, goals, and priorities.
Identify key issues and potential areas of conflict.
Develop a negotiation strategy that addresses these issues.
Outline potential concessions and trade-offs.

Mentor junior HR professionals

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Reinforce your understanding of human capital management by mentoring junior HR professionals.

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Offer guidance on career development.
Share insights on effective team management.
Provide feedback on HR strategies.

Career center

Learners who complete Human Capital: Teams, Unions, and Change Management will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Labor Relations Specialist

A Labor Relations Specialist focuses on the relationship between management and labor unions. This course is extremely relevant as it bridges human resources and labor relations in unionized settings. The course explores the history and relevance of unions, and teaches strategies for negotiation and building strong connections with workers. Learning about negotiation techniques is particularly helpful for a Labor Relations Specialist who often facilitates discussions between management and labor. The practical focus of this course aligns with the daily tasks and challenges a labor specialist faces.

See salaries and explore the career path for Labor Relations Specialist

Human Resources Manager

A Human Resources Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of human resources practices and processes. This course helps to develop skills in team management, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, which are essential for this role. The course’s emphasis on managing diverse teams and navigating employer-employee relationships, especially within unionized environments, directly applies to the responsibilities of a Human Resources Manager. The practical skills taught in change management and negotiation will empower you to foster a positive and productive work environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Diversity and Inclusion Officer

A Diversity and Inclusion Officer works to create an equitable and inclusive workplace. This course provides vital tools needed for this role, highlighting the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace. The methods taught for managing diverse teams and navigating employer-employee relationships will be directly relevant. The practical strategies for fostering a positive environment will help any Diversity and Inclusion Officer as they strive to build a more inclusive culture within the organization. The focus of this course on practical application and current industry practices is highly relevant.

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Employee Relations Manager

An Employee Relations Manager is responsible for managing employee concerns, disputes, and fostering positive working relationships. This course bridges HR and labor relations, which is of great use to this role. The techniques taught regarding negotiations will be valuable to help the Employee Relations Manager handle conflict while also fostering a positive environment. The emphasis on effective team management is also extremely useful to an employee relations manager who often mediates, resolves, and counsels employees.

See salaries and explore the career path for Employee Relations Manager

Change Management Consultant

A Change Management Consultant guides organizations through periods of transformation, implementing strategies to ease transitions. This course's focus on innovative change management strategies, rooted in contemporary HR models, is particularly relevant to this role. A consultant needs to use effective strategies to influence employer-employee relationships through negotiation, as taught in the course. The ability to manage teams through change and foster a productive environment are also key elements that a Change Management Consultant must possess, both of which are core parts of this course.

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Team Lead

A Team Lead guides a specific group of employees to achieve goals. This course provides the practical skills necessary for managing diverse teams effectively, a core responsibility of a Team Lead. It covers topics such as team dynamics, negotiation, and change management which are relevant for leading a team. The course’s emphasis on creating a positive environment through humor and practical application of current industry practices will help any team lead be successful.

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Human Resources Consultant

A Human Resources Consultant provides expert guidance to organizations on HR related matters. This course provides tools and insights necessary for this role, specifically the focus on team management, diversity, and change management. The ability to understand and navigate the complexities of employer-employee relationships, including those in unionized environments, is critical for a consultant. The practical skills in negotiation and humor to foster a positive workplace directly help a Human Resources Consultant.

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Organizational Development Specialist

An Organizational Development Specialist works to improve an organization's effectiveness and performance. This course provides essential tools for this role, especially the practical application of change management strategies. The course’s focus on team dynamics, human capital management, and understanding employer-employee relationships helps build a strong foundation for understanding and implementing organizational improvements. An Organizational Development Specialist must understand the core principles of this course to be effective.

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Mediator

A Mediator facilitates communication and negotiation between parties to resolve conflict. This course's emphasis on negotiation techniques, and working with diverse teams, will help a mediator. The strategies taught to navigate employer-employee relationships, and fostering a positive workplace through humor, will allow a mediator to be more effective. With practical skills in conflict resolution, this course will provide the underpinnings of a skilled mediator.

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Business Partner

A Business Partner aligns Human Resources with an organization’s overall strategy and goals. The course provides an understanding of team dynamics and change management, important aspects of the role. By learning to leverage humor and negotiation, a Business Partner can facilitate positive workplace environments. The focus on team dynamics and understanding the relationship between employer and employee makes this a helpful course.

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Talent Management Specialist

A Talent Management Specialist develops strategies to attract, recruit, and retain employees. This course may be useful to a talent management professional because it covers topics such as building strong worker engagement and aligning talent management with broader human capital strategy. The course’s focus on understanding workplace dynamics and its practical focus on negotiation to support talent management processes provides helpful skills for those in this role.

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Training and Development Specialist

A Training and Development Specialist designs and delivers training programs to enhance employee skills and performance. The content of this course may be useful for a training professional since it covers team dynamics, effective team management, and fostering positive work environments. This focus on creating inclusive environments and building strong worker engagement through effective strategies learned in the course are especially relevant for designing impactful training modules. A training and development professional will be well served by the course's holistic approach to human capital management.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager leads project teams, ensuring they meet objectives on time and within budget. This course may be useful because it covers team dynamics and effective team management. The course provides practical insights into change management, an essential skill for project management, where transitions and adaptations are common. Understanding human capital management processes, as covered in the course, can also be a great help for project managers.

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Recruiter

A Recruiter is responsible for sourcing, screening, and hiring talent for an organization. The course's content on the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within the workplace may be useful to a recruiter by helping them in sourcing talent from diverse backgrounds, and also promoting the company's culture. The course’s focus on managing a team, while not core to the recruiting function, may still be useful to a recruiter as a foundational understanding of building teams.

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Employee Benefits Specialist

An Employee Benefits Specialist is responsible for managing employee benefits programs such as health insurance and retirement plans. This course may be useful because it covers topics that indirectly affect benefits programs such as team dynamics, negotiation, and positive work environments, all of which may affect an employee's attitudes toward benefits. Although the course doesn’t cover benefits directly, its focus on Human Capital Management generally may be relevant for improving benefits administration.

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Human Capital

Teams, Unions, and Change Management

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