Diagnosing Group Climate to Improve Supervisory Effectiveness

Abstract

In a multiple section introductory management course, students participate in weekly lab sessions conducted by undergraduate “lab section managers.” The Moos Group Environment Scale was used to measure student perceptions of ten characteristics of climate in their labs. The climate dimensions of leader supportiveness, group cohesiveness, order and organization, and task orientation correlated positively with an overall rating given to lab section managers by their lab members. As a result, lab managers now are given guidance on specific approaches to building positive climates in their labs.