Teams Flashcards
What is the definition of a team?
A team is a group of two or more individuals, acting independently to achieve objectives.
What is the composition of teams?
The composition of teams is the mix of different types of individuals that the team is made up of. Team members use their complementary skills, working collaboratively to achieve specific goals and improve the performance of the business.
What forms can team composition take?
Functional, cross-functional and self-directed.
What are functional teams?
Functional teams are made up of members from the same department but at different levels of the hierarchy. By setting functional objectives they play a part in achieving the overall business objective.
What are 2 benefits to functional teams?
- Concentrating on the function means that all members of the team are specialised, so they have an insight into that specific area.
- The manager of the functional area is likely to have a greater overview of how the function impacts the business objectives. This will be taken into account when making decisions.
What are cross-functional teams?
Cross-functional teams are made up of members from different departments.
What are 3 benefits to cross-functional teams?
- The team will have insight from a range of perspectives and expertise.
- Specialists from each functional area will ensure their area can contribute effectively.
- Functional areas will consider how the operations of their department impact on other functional areas, as well as the impact on the overall organisation.
What are self-directed work teams?
Self-directed work teams are groups of employees with limited managerial supervision. They are all task-orientated. The team will set goals based on the mission statement and business objectives.
What factors affect the performance of teams?
Business Vision, Organisational Culture and Skills.
What is business vision?
The ultimate goal all team member’s are trying to achieve.
What is organisational culture?
The culture of the business which sets the values by which all team members operate.
How do skills affect the performance of teams?
The range of skills, experience and knowledge of team members has a significant impact on performance.
- Specific-functional expertise is required.
- Cross-functioning understanding is required.
- Diversity within the team.
- Interpersonal skills that help collaboration.
What are 4 consequences of poor team performace?
- Poor customer service - customer’s needs not met.
- Low motivation levels.
- High labour turnover.
- Decrease in productivity.
What can these consequences lead to?
A tarnished brand image –> customers go to competitors instead –> less sales made –> less profit made.
