Chapter 9 - Collaborating in Teams

Question 1

Why is it important to know how to work in groups/teams?

Answer 1

• You will most likely work in a team-based organizations that has more of a flat structure than a hierarchical one.
• Knowing how to work in groups and teams is a valuable skill that can increase innovation and productivity.

Question 2

How does a group differ from a team?

Answer 2

A small group…

• consists of 3-12 people
• group members share a common purpose
• group members feel a sense of belonging to the group
• group members exert influence on each other

Question 3

How does a team differ from a group?

Answer 3

Teams…

• consist of a coordinated group of people
• team members are organized to work together
• team members work to achieve a specific common goal

Question 4

Major differences between groups and teams

Answer 4

• Teams are more structured or deliberately organized to reach a goal
• Teams develop clearly-defined responsibilities for team members
• Team members develop explicit rules for how work should be done
• Teams develop clear goals
• Teams develop a way of coordinating their efforts

Question 5

What are the 3 types of group/team roles?

Answer 5

task roles, social roles, individual roles

Question 6

Task Roles

Answer 6

behaviors that help the group accomplish its work

Question 7

Social Roles

Answer 7

behaviors that manage relationships and affect the group climate

Question 8

Individual Roles

Answer 8

behaviors that focus attention on the individual instead of the group (these behaviors do not help the group)

Question 9

What is a team norm?

Answer 9

Norms are standards that determine appropriate behavior in a group & develop team coordination, emerge from group process.

Question 10

Examples of team norms

Answer 10

• group members’ attitudes about time
• how do group members dress?
• what kind of humor is acceptable?
• how does the group treat the leader?

Question 11

How to improve team dynamics: Step 1

Answer 11

1. Develop Team Ground Rules (explicit, agreed-on prescriptions for appropriate behavior)
   - recording results of meetings
   - setting meeting agendas
   - length of meetings
   - absences
   - decision-making processes

Question 12

How to improve team dynamics: Step 2

Answer 12

2. Develop a Mission Statement (concise statements of team's goals or desired outcomes)
Goals should be SMART:
-Specific
-Measurable
-Attainable: realistic
-Relevant: appropriate
-Time-bound: have deadlines
-Stretch: should challenge team members

Question 13

How can you enhance team cohesiveness?

Answer 13

• use “we” rather than “I”
• reinforce good attendance at group meetings
• establish and maintain group traditions
• set clear short and long-term goals
• encourage everyone in the group to participate
• celebrate when the group accomplishes a goal