Building Teams Flashcards
Teams and Task Forces
Teams are more permanent
Task forces generally to address singular issue
Goal oriented
Group
Two or more interacting and interdependent individuals who come together to achieve a goal
Formal Group
Work groups that have designated assignments/tasks directed towards organizational goals
Informal Groups
Independently formed to meet of their members
Problem-solving teams
Employees work together to solve specific problems
Self-managed work teams
Formal group of employees who operate without a manager and are responsible for a complete work process of segment
Worker freedom management style
Cross-functional teams
Hybrid grouping of individuals who are experts in various specialities who work together on various tasks
Virtual teams
Use of computer technology to link physically dispersed members in order to achieve a common goal
Stage of Team Development
Prestage 1
Stage 1: Forming
Stage 2: Storming
Stage 3: Norming
Stage 4: Performing
Stage 5: Adjourning
Prestage 1
Working as individuals, no group formation
Stage 1: Forming
Formation begins
Uncertainty is high
People looking for a leader/how they will fit into the group
Most interactions are social to get to know each other
Stage 2: Storming
Some conflict has begun internally before being resolved
Conflict and competition
Performance may decrease as a result of energy being spent on relationships
Failure to address conflict may result in long term problems
Stage 3: Norming
Close relationships and cohesiveness, someone is in charge, smoothing out efficiency
A degree of unity forms post storming
Productivity increases as group begins to focus on team goals
Stage 4: Performing
Fully functional
Mature, organized and fully functioning
Focused on problem solving and meeting team goals
Stage 5: Adjourning
Concern with wrapping up activities rather than task performance (more higher order thinking → finishing tasks and polishing)
Challenges for team players
- Individual resistance
Success defined as a team as a whole - Culture
Background of individualism or collectivism affects development
Task-oriented roles
Focus on task accomplishments
Maintenance roles
Maintaining good relations within the group
Shaping Team Behaviour
- Selection Seek technical and interpersonal skills - Training Workshops for team players - Rewards Encourage team work rather than individualism
Characteristics of effective teams
Communication Leadership Internal support External support Negotiating skills Trust Skills Commitment Goals
Group cohesiveness
Degree to which members are attracted to a group and share common goals
Highly cohesive → more effective/productive when goals align with organizational goals
Increasing Group Cohesiveness
Keep groups relatively small Favourable public image Encourage interaction and cooperation Physical environment plays into this. E.g. a good staff room Emphasize members common characteristics and interests Point out environmental threats Motivate group Regularly update/clarify goals Delegate responsibly Recognize special talents Equitably reinforce contributions
Optimal amount of conflict
If everyone is agreeing the task is not challenging enough or there are too many people
Depending on group size, you will want different levels of conflict
More conflict in smaller groups as there is better communication and group members know each other better
