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.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores team dynamics and member selection, which are crucial for productivity and achieving organizational goals

Examines the role of unions, their history, current relevance, and future impact, offering a comprehensive understanding of labor relations

Presents change management strategies grounded in contemporary HR models and theories, preparing learners to navigate modern workforce challenges

Belongs to a series of courses for human resource professionals, suggesting a comprehensive and detailed approach to human capital management

Teaches how to tailor human capital management processes and systems to meet the specific needs of non-profit organizations

Requires learners to take this course as part of a series, which may be a barrier for some learners

Reviews summary

Teams, unions, and change for hr professionals

According to learners, this course offers a highly relevant deep dive for HR professionals, particularly those navigating team dynamics, unionized environments, and change management. Students frequently praised the insightful exploration of unions, finding it a unique and valuable component. The modules on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging were also highlighted as timely and important. While the course provides a strong theoretical foundation, some learners felt the change management section could benefit from more practical application or supplementary material. Overall, it's seen as a valuable part of the Extraordinary Human Capital Management series.

Explores change management strategies.

"The change management section covered important contemporary theories and strategies."

"Learned innovative change management approaches applicable to today's workforce challenges."

"Developing change management strategies was a key takeaway, grounded in modern HR models."

"The module on change offered a good overview of navigating workplace shifts."

Covers diversity, equity, inclusion, and teams.

"Appreciated the emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within teams."

"Effective strategies for managing diverse teams were clearly presented."

"Understanding team dynamics and DEIB aspects was highly relevant to my work."

"The importance of picking the right team members and fostering inclusion was well covered."

Strong foundation for HR professionals.

"This course is excellent for HR professionals looking to advance their skills in specific complex areas."

"As part of the series, this course builds well on previous topics, offering practical tools."

"Relevant content specifically geared towards human resource professionals."

"Helped reinforce concepts important for human capital management roles."

Course provides valuable insights into unions.

"The section on unions was particularly insightful and not something I've seen covered in other HR courses."

"I found the module discussing unions to be very informative, especially its history and current role."

"Understanding the dynamics of unions and partners provided a unique perspective relevant to managing human capital."

"The deep dive into unions was a stand-out feature for me, adding a layer of understanding I previously lacked."

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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'

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Develop a Diversity and Inclusion Initiative

Show steps

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

Show steps

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'

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity and Inclusion Officer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Change Management Consultant

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Team Lead

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Consultant

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Organizational Development Specialist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mediator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Partner

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Talent Management Specialist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Training and Development Specialist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Recruiter

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Employee Benefits Specialist

Human Capital

Teams, Unions, and Change Management

Here's a deal for you

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Teams, unions, and change for hr professionals

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses