2.4 - Teams & Creativity Flashcards
topics covered in the lecture today?
The lecture will discuss broader aspects of entrepreneurship, including teams, culture, and society. It will delve into the importance of teams in entrepreneurship and how teams often play a significant role, contrary to the media’s portrayal of solo entrepreneurs. Additionally, the lecture will explore the concept of groups and their role in achieving mutually accountable tasks. It will draw parallels between group work in university and the workplace.
How does entrepreneurship literature often depict entrepreneurs?
Entrepreneurship literature tends to focus on individual entrepreneurs, often portraying them as hero figures. However, in reality, many entrepreneurial endeavors involve teams of people with diverse skills and knowledge working together. The representation of teams in entrepreneurship is not as commonly highlighted as individual entrepreneurs in the media.
What defines a “group” in the context of the lecture?
A group, in this context, refers to a collection of individuals who come together to fulfill a specific role or task. Importantly, they share mutual accountability for the task’s success. This mutual dependency on each other distinguishes a group from a collection of individuals working independently.
What stages of group development does the lecture mention?
The lecture introduces Tuchman’s stages of group development. These stages include: 1. Forming: The initial stage where the group is forming and members are getting to know each other. 2. Storming: A stage where disagreements and conflicts may arise as members discover differences in thinking. 3. Norming: The group starts to come together and establish rules of engagement and normative behaviors. 4. Performing: The stage where the group functions effectively, understands roles, and works cohesively toward a common goal. 5. Adjourning (or mourning): The final stage when the group disbands after completing its task.
What is the purpose of brainstorming, as mentioned in the lecture?
Brainstorming is an approach used to generate a large number of ideas within a group. The primary goal is to produce as many ideas as possible without criticizing or evaluating them during the brainstorming process. The emphasis is on quantity and encouraging creative thinking without prematurely judging or dismissing ideas.
What are some rules of brainstorming discussed in the lecture?
During brainstorming, several rules apply: 1. No criticism: Participants should refrain from criticizing or evaluating ideas during the brainstorming session. 2. Encourage the combination of ideas: Combining and building upon ideas is encouraged. 3. Promote the generation of original ideas: Participants are encouraged to think creatively and produce original ideas.
What negative behaviors in team activities can hinder creativity, according to the lecture?
In team activities, several negative behaviors can hinder creativity: 1. Loafing: When one team member doesn’t contribute as much effort as others, it can hinder creativity. 2. Normative behavior: The tendency for individuals to conform to the group’s thinking, inhibiting creativity. 3. Taking turns with ideas: Instead of freely generating ideas, people may take turns, limiting creativity. 4. Downward behavior spiral: Groups may focus on the lowest-performing member, impeding creativity.
Why is conformity to group norms considered harmful for creativity, as mentioned in the lecture?
Conformity to group norms, where individuals seek to fit in with the group, is detrimental to creativity. People become preoccupied with what others think of their ideas, attempting to ingratiate themselves with the team. This conformity stifles creativity as individuals become less willing to express novel or unconventional ideas.
What is highlighted about the nature of these behaviors in a team setting?
Many of the negative behaviors that hinder creativity in a team setting are often unconscious. Team members may not consciously realize when they conform to norms, take turns with ideas, or engage in behaviors that limit creativity. These behaviors can be subtle and unintentional, making it important to be aware of their potential impact when working in a team.
