12.1: Describe the potential of teams to exceed the performance of the individual Flashcards
What are some benefits of effective teams?
Effective teams can outperform their best member, generate higher productivity, foster rapid innovation and creativity (especially for complex tasks), and create satisfying work environments that attract and retain employees.
What risks are associated with teams?
Teams entail risk because members depend on each other for success. Teams can produce bigger wins than individuals but also more visible failures.
They can either be remarkable or highly dysfunctional.
How does this chapter define a “team”?
A team is a group of people who are collectively accountable for defined outcomes and have a high degree of task interdependence and interaction.
What is “task interdependence”?
Task interdependence is the extent to which team members need to interact with each other to complete their tasks.
No single member can complete the job without the work of others.
What is the difference between a team and a group?
A group consists of individuals who work independently toward organizational goals, while a team collaborates in complementary ways, communicates, and is interdependent to achieve shared outcomes.
Provide an example of a team versus a group in a workplace.
A retail store staff working independently on separate tasks (e.g., stocking shelves, manning the register) is a group.
A restaurant team like at Chipotle, where workers coordinate to serve a customer, is a team.
What are the five stages of team development?
The five stages are:
Forming: Members join and define roles/tasks.
Storming: Members face conflict and clarify goals.
Norming: Team aligns to achieve harmony.
Performing: The team functions efficiently and effectively.
Adjourning: The team disbands after task completion.
What happens during the “forming” stage of team development?
Members join, begin identifying roles and acceptable behaviors, and address questions like “What can the group offer me?” and “What will I contribute?”
What characterizes the “storming” stage of team development?
The storming stage involves conflict and tension as members compete over goals or leadership. Membership expectations are clarified, and roles are refined.
What happens during the “norming” stage of team development?
In the norming stage, members establish harmony and regulate behavior to maintain balance.
Minority viewpoints are discouraged, and group cohesion is prioritized.
What defines the “performing” stage of team development?
The performing stage features a mature, organized team that focuses on achieving goals efficiently and handling disagreements creatively.
What is the “adjourning” stage of team development?
Adjourning is when the team disbands after completing its tasks, often involving recognition of members’ contributions and saying goodbyes.
Are teams always the best solution for organizational tasks?
No, teams are not always the best solution. If proper conditions for teamwork aren’t present, individual assignments may be more effective.
Teams should be used strategically for tasks requiring collaboration.
When do teams make the most sense to use?
Teams are most effective when:
- No individual expert exists to handle a problem.
- Stimulating innovation and creativity is desired.
- A sense of community, support, and reduced work stress is needed.
Why might teams perform better than individuals when no expert is available?
Teams can share labor and information, apply diverse knowledge to problems, examine more alternatives, and avoid tunnel vision.
