167 Questions
What is the key difference between a group and a team according to Schein (1988)?
Interaction and psychological awareness of each other
What is the primary focus of cross-functional teams in procurement and supply?
Satisfying stakeholders
According to the text, what is essential for the development of cross-functional teams?
Good leader and respectful members
What is the primary benefit of understanding how individuals behave in a team for procurement professionals?
Functioning as effective team players
According to Belbin's team roles, how many different roles are outlined?
Eight roles
In the context of team roles, what is the role of a 'Monitor Evaluator'?
To analyze and evaluate ideas and plans
Which leadership trait involves being able to teach and guide?
Competent
What is the aim of Delicious Desserts, as mentioned in the text?
To improve the production of a poor-selling strawberry dessert
According to Belbin, what is the role of a 'Shaper' in a team?
To challenge and drive the team forward
What is the role of a 'Resource Investigator' in a team, based on the text?
To explore opportunities and develop contacts
According to Tannenbaum and Schmidt (1973), what are the three main types of leadership?
Democratic, Autocratic, Laissez-faire
What is the role of a 'Completer Finisher' in a team, as per Belbin's team roles?
To see that projects are completed thoroughly
According to the text, what is the role of a 'Plant' in a team?
To generate new ideas and solve problems
What are the two types of leaders outlined by Belbin?
Solo and Team leaders
According to the text, what is the role of a 'Specialist' in a team, based on Belbin's team roles?
To provide specialist knowledge and skills
What are the seven ways to approach the team according to Tannenbaum and Schmidt (1973)?
Telling, Selling, Consulting, Joining, Participating, Delegating, Abdicating
What is the primary focus of Belbin's research on team roles?
Identifying distinct roles within teams with unique contributions and allowable weaknesses
What is the key distinction between a group and a team according to Mullins (2007)?
A team shares the same objectives, unlike a group
What is the aim of team development stages according to Tuckman's model?
To progress from initial formation to effective performance
What is the primary benefit of cross-functional teams in procurement and supply?
Increased productivity and improved quality
What is the role of a 'Resource Investigator' in a team, based on Belbin's team roles?
Explores opportunities and develops contacts outside the team
What is the primary contribution of a 'Monitor Evaluator' in a team, according to Belbin's team roles?
Provides a logical, unemotional analysis of ideas and proposals
What is the primary role of a 'Plant' in a team, as per Belbin's team roles?
Generates creative ideas and solves complex problems
What is essential for the development of cross-functional teams in procurement and supply?
Promotion of discussion and shared ideas for optimal outcomes
According to Belbin's team roles, how many different roles are outlined?
Nine
What are the stages of team development according to Tuckman's model?
Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning
What is the role of a 'Specialist' in a team, based on Belbin's team roles?
Provides knowledge and skills in a key area
What are the stages of team development according to Tuckman?
Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, Adjourning
Which of the following is a role identified by Belbin within teams?
Completer Finisher
What is the primary distinction between a group and a team according to Mullins (2007)?
A team has a shared purpose, unlike a group
What is the primary strength of a team according to Jungalwalla (2000)?
Common goals and vision
What is the primary benefit of cross-functional teams in procurement and supply?
Increased productivity and innovation
What is the primary focus of cross-functional teams in procurement and supply?
Promoting discussion and shared ideas
What did Adair (1986) use to define a group?
Well-defined set of membership criteria, group consciousness, shared purpose, interdependence, interaction, and ability to act as one
What did Belbin's research identify within teams?
Different roles with strengths and weaknesses
What is essential for procurement and supply professionals to effectively lead and contribute to cross-functional teams?
Understanding team formation and dynamics
What did Belbin's roles within teams acknowledge?
Diverse values and behaviors
What do cross-functional teams aim to promote?
Discussion and shared ideas
What are the benefits of cross-functional teams in procurement and supply?
Increased productivity, improved quality, innovation, technological advances, improved motivation, efficiency, relationships, knowledge, quicker achievements, and improved communications
What is a potential disadvantage of cross-functional teams?
Difficult to control
What is a potential advantage of cross-functional teams in procurement?
Improves organisational culture
Which factor contributes significantly to the effectiveness and efficiency gained by pooling resources in cross-functional teams?
Good for sharing knowledge
What is a potential risk associated with cross-functional teams in procurement?
Possibility of conflict
What stage of team formation can be challenging, especially when dealing with diverse personalities and working styles?
Storming
What is crucial for respecting others' ideas and promoting constructive feedback?
Active listening
What is vital for building trust and respect within a team?
Clear communication, both verbal and written
What can convey subconscious messages and impact how verbal messages are perceived?
Non-verbal communication
What should ideally not be brought into team meetings, and if they are, should be turned off or put on silent mode?
Mobile phones
What is essential for promoting a positive team environment?
Respectful and clear communication
What can help ensure that communication contains what is needed and is easily understood?
The seven Cs of communication
What can indicate levels of engagement and interest in meetings?
Non-verbal cues
What should be avoided during presentations or debates, as they can be distracting and offensive?
Mobile phones
What is essential for establishing acceptable behavior, such as arriving on time and maintaining confidentiality?
Communicating ground rules early
What is emphasized as essential for achieving team objectives, with no one claiming all credit or withholding information?
Collaboration
What is crucial for respecting and combining different approaches for successful outcomes?
Valuing and respecting different approaches
What is highlighted as a likely issue in cross-functional teams?
Lack of time due to managing heavy workloads and tight deadlines
What is emphasized as a key need for confidentiality within cross-functional teams?
To prevent disclosure of sensitive information to external stakeholders
What is noted to drive team success and promote innovation in cross-functional teams?
Positive mindsets
What is emphasized as important for optimal outcomes in cross-functional teams?
Empowering others to lead in their areas of specialization
What is highlighted as a challenge in cross-functional teams?
Conflicting day job objectives
What is emphasized as essential to recognize and value in a team setting?
Individuals' energy and enthusiasm
What is noted as a likely issue when individuals with different values, goals, and styles come together in cross-functional teams?
Internal conflict
What is highlighted as a need for leaders in cross-functional teams?
Empower others to lead in their areas of specialization
What is emphasized as a likely issue in cross-functional teams?
Reluctance to change working styles
What is noted as a challenge in cross-functional teams?
The need to accept a change of role
What is highlighted as a need for leaders in cross-functional teams?
Empower others to lead in their areas of specialization
What is emphasized as essential to recognize and value in a team setting?
Individuals' energy and enthusiasm
What is a key characteristic of a positive relationship as described in the text?
Respect, trust, and honest, open communication
What is the potential impact of positive relationships within cross-functional teams?
Increased likelihood of team members wanting to contribute and succeed
What is essential for the development of positive relationships according to the text?
Acceptance of different roles and personalities, which takes time
What is emphasized as a crucial aspect of involving external stakeholders in cross-functional teams?
Drawing external stakeholders into the team and trusting their unique perspective
What is a key characteristic of a positive relationship in a cross-functional team?
Open communication and trust among team members
What is essential for the development of positive relationships in a cross-functional team?
Time and understanding of different roles and personalities
What is the potential benefit of involving external stakeholders, such as customers or suppliers, in a cross-functional team?
Fresh perspectives and insights
What is the impact of positive relationships on team members' contribution and motivation?
Increased willingness to contribute and motivation to succeed
What is the primary role of a 'Resource Investigator' in a team, based on the text?
Exploring opportunities and developing external contacts
What is emphasized as essential for overcoming barriers to team working?
Building trust and effective communication
What is the potential impact of positive relationships within cross-functional teams?
Enhanced collaboration and innovation
What is the primary focus of cross-functional teams in procurement and supply?
Optimizing processes and achieving cost efficiencies
What is the primary aim of a Gantt chart?
To project the date when the objective will be met and predict the impact of delays
What is a likely consequence of one activity being delayed in a Gantt chart?
It may have a knock-on effect on other tasks
What is crucial for a cross-functional team to work effectively?
Trust
What is important for avoiding resistance within a cross-functional team?
Clear communication of the objectives
What is a potential consequence of a lack of trust within a cross-functional team?
Ineffective idea sharing and communication
What is important for maintaining trust within a cross-functional team?
Delivering actions at the agreed time
What is a likely consequence of a lack of discipline within a cross-functional team?
The team will lose their way and become demotivated
What is closely linked to acceptable behavior within a team?
Discipline
What is a likely consequence of personality clashes within a cross-functional team?
Disruption and reduced motivation
What is important for overcoming resistance within a cross-functional team?
Clear communication of the objectives
What is crucial for managing and controlling conflict within a team?
Identifying barriers to team working
What is important for recognizing and valuing in a team setting?
Soft skills
What is a key responsibility of the team leader in a cross-functional team project?
Ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities
What is a potential challenge for individuals in cross-functional teams according to the text?
Adapting and contributing in a required role
What is the primary responsibility of all team members in a cross-functional team project?
Planning for the project
What is emphasized as a potential issue if goals are not clearly explained within a cross-functional team?
Different interpretation of objectives by team members
What is the potential impact of unclear project objectives on team members?
Reduced motivation and contribution
What is the primary aim of setting out a timescale at the start of a cross-functional team project?
Foreseeing milestones being achieved
What is the role of taking minutes during cross-functional team meetings?
To ensure nothing is misunderstood and everyone knows what is expected of them and when
What is a potential consequence of poor communication within a cross-functional team?
Ineffective teamwork and collaboration
What is the potential impact of unclear roles and responsibilities within a cross-functional team?
Difficulty in adhering to roles and responsibilities
What is the potential impact of unclear goals within a cross-functional team project?
Different interpretation of the team's objective
What is the potential impact of lack of planning on a cross-functional team project?
Difficulty in achieving project objectives
Why is it important for the team leader to describe the 'why' behind the team's objective in a cross-functional team project?
To ensure the team has a full understanding and is more likely to contribute towards meeting the objective
What is a potential strategy suggested by Mullins to overcome conflict?
Encouraging group activities within the team
What did French and Raven identify as a base of power in 1959?
Referent power based on admiration from team members
What is the focus of the legitimate base of power according to French and Raven?
Formal status within an organization
What is the primary role of a 'Completer Finisher' in a team, as per Belbin's team roles?
To ensure that deadlines are met and work is completed thoroughly
What is a potential source of conflict according to Mullins's identified sources?
Misunderstanding of objectives
What is emphasized as essential for promoting a positive team environment?
Displaying good behavior as a team member
What is highlighted as a need for leaders in cross-functional teams?
Remaining participative and involved with the team
What is a potential disadvantage of cross-functional teams?
Potential for misunderstanding and conflict
What is crucial for procurement and supply professionals to effectively lead and contribute to cross-functional teams?
Recognizing and valuing diversity in team settings
What is the primary role of a 'Resource Investigator' in a team, based on the text?
To explore new opportunities and develop contacts
What is the impact of positive relationships on team members' contribution and motivation?
Increased contribution and motivation
What is a key characteristic of a positive relationship in a cross-functional team?
Unity and cooperation
What is crucial for team members to rearrange their schedules for cross-functional team meetings?
Clear communication of meeting details and early notice
What may junior team members need to attend cross-functional team meetings?
Approval and assistance from their managers
What is important for team leaders to explain to motivate effective contribution from team members?
The impact and rationale behind the project
What is crucial for clarity and accountability in cross-functional team meetings?
Consistent procedures for taking minutes
What can lead to misinterpretation and ineffective teamwork within cross-functional teams?
Unclear project objectives
What is essential for team members to understand and adhere to their tasks and duties?
Clear delineation of roles and responsibilities
What is important for team leaders to share to help team members prioritize and share workload?
Workload and objectives
What is essential for effective teamwork within cross-functional teams?
Clear communication of goals within meetings
What should minutes of a meeting include for clarity and accountability?
Date, list of attendees, apologies, items discussed, actions agreed, responsible parties, critical dates, and date of next meeting
What is important for team leaders to explain to ensure effective teamwork?
The project's requirements, timeline, and reasons for priority
What can lead to unsympathetic managers within cross-functional teams?
Poor communication and lack of awareness of additional responsibilities
What is important for overcoming barriers to team working in cross-functional teams?
Clear communication and understanding of project objectives
What is a potential consequence of unacceptable behavior in a cross-functional team?
Decreased motivation and disrupted team dynamics
Why are personality clashes more common in cross-functional teams?
Due to diverse skill sets and backgrounds
What can hinder effective collaboration and communication in a cross-functional team?
Lack of trust
What is the primary focus of French and Raven's identified bases of power?
Influence within the team
What is crucial for the functionality of a cross-functional team?
Discipline and adherence to guidelines
What is the purpose of offering non-monetary rewards as a conflict management strategy?
To motivate and recognize team members' achievements
What is essential for team success in a cross-functional team?
Self-discipline, punctuality, and respectful behavior
What is the role of group activities in managing conflicts within a cross-functional team?
Uniting a diverse team and keeping them focused on shared goals
What can encourage open-mindedness and new perspectives within a team?
Managed conflict
What is the primary aim of maintaining participative leadership within a cross-functional team?
To communicate, support, and coach the team
What is often overlooked when forming cross-functional teams?
Soft skills
What is the focus of Mullins's identified source of conflict, team member commitment?
Lack of dedication to team objectives
What can disrupt team dynamics and motivation in a cross-functional team?
Unacceptable behavior
What is the significance of clarifying objectives in preventing conflicts within a team?
Preventing misunderstandings and aligning team members towards a common goal
What is crucial for overcoming resistance within a cross-functional team?
Understanding and fear
What is the impact of transparent resource allocation and budget decisions within a cross-functional team?
Preventing resentment among team members
What is more common in cross-functional teams due to lack of clear guidelines?
Personality clashes
What is the primary role of defined procedures and processes in managing conflicts within an organization?
Setting expectations and demonstrating fairness
What can hinder effective collaboration and communication in a cross-functional team?
Lack of trust
What is the potential consequence of one activity being delayed in a Gantt chart?
Delayed completion of dependent tasks
What is crucial for the functionality of a cross-functional team?
Discipline and adherence to guidelines
What is the primary aim of setting out a timescale at the start of a cross-functional team project?
Providing a framework for project milestones and deadlines
What is essential for establishing acceptable behavior within a cross-functional team?
Maintaining confidentiality and arriving on time
What is crucial for a cross-functional team to work effectively?
Good behavior displayed by the leader
What is the primary focus of Table 2.6 in the text?
Minimizing the potential for conflict
What is the primary role of rotating team roles, as suggested in the text?
Promoting equality within the team
What is the significance of the win-win matrix mentioned in the text?
Illustrating potential outcomes of conflicting discussions
What is the primary emphasis when suggesting 'avoiding win-lose' situations in the text?
Promoting teamwork and collaboration
What should be the first step in resolving a conflict, based on the provided process?
Gather facts and speak to the parties involved
What is the suggested approach if conflict relates to a written document or an action?
Obtain evidence of accounts from witnesses
What is emphasized as crucial in trying to resolve conflict efficiently, effectively, and fairly?
Following an agreed process and remaining impartial
What is the primary focus of the 'Evaluate' step in the conflict resolution process?
Weighing up the facts about what has happened
What is the primary aim of the 'Communicate' step in the conflict resolution process?
Invite the members involved in the conflict to communicate
What could be a form of resolution if one member realizes that they have behaved in an inappropriate way?
The offending member has to leave the team
What is highlighted as the most important thing to ensure good team dynamics and positive relationships?
Excellent communication
What is emphasized as the key to ensuring team buy-in, motivation, and success?
Clarity in communication
What is the suggested approach if the conflict is volatile during the communication phase?
Use a conference call initially
What is highlighted as a potential resolution if the conflicting parties do not agree?
The conflicting parties agree to disagree
What is the suggested approach to measure the impact of the offending member remaining in the team?
Consider the project objectives and the importance of the member to the project
What is the suggested approach if the team member stops attending meetings?
Consider that there may be a reason for their behavior
Study Notes
Understanding Team Formation and Dynamics in Procurement and Supply
- Adair (1986) defined a group by a well-defined set of membership criteria, group consciousness, shared purpose, interdependence, interaction, and ability to act as one
- Mullins (2007) distinguished groups from teams, stating that not all groups are teams, as a group may not share the same objectives, unlike a team with a shared purpose
- Jungalwalla (2000) emphasized that a team's strength comes from common goals and vision, binding the members together for a shared objective
- Understanding team dynamics and roles is crucial for procurement and supply professionals
- Team development follows Tuckman's stages: Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning
- Cross-functional teams comprise members from various areas, aiming to promote discussion and shared ideas for optimal outcomes
- Benefits of cross-functional teams include increased productivity, improved quality, innovation, technological advances, improved motivation, efficiency, relationships, knowledge, quicker achievements, and improved communications
- Belbin's research identified different roles within teams, each with strengths and weaknesses, contributing to team success
- Belbin's roles include Resource Investigator, Team Worker, Co-ordinator, Plant, Monitor Evaluator, Specialist, Implementer, Completer Finisher, and Shaper
- Each Belbin role has a distinct contribution and allowable weaknesses, acknowledging diverse values and behaviors within the team
- Understanding team formation and dynamics is essential for procurement and supply professionals to effectively lead and contribute to cross-functional teams
- By understanding the stages of team development, the benefits of cross-functional teams, and the roles within teams, procurement and supply professionals can enhance team performance and achieve optimal outcomes
Challenges and Dynamics of Cross-Functional Teams
- The importance of recognizing and valuing individuals' energy and enthusiasm in a team setting is highlighted, with emphasis on appropriate praise and positivity to motivate team members.
- Positive mindsets are noted to drive team success and promote innovation, while maintaining professional standards and representing the workplace effectively.
- The need for confidentiality within the team is emphasized, as disclosure of sensitive information to external stakeholders can damage trust and team effectiveness.
- In cross-functional teams, expertise is distributed among members from different departments, and leaders may need to empower others to lead in their areas of specialization for optimal outcomes.
- Challenges in cross-functional teams include conflicting day job objectives, differing leadership styles and cultures, reluctance to change working styles, and the need to accept a change of role.
- Another challenge is the lack of time, as team members need to manage heavy workloads and tight deadlines between their day-to-day work and project work.
- Internal conflict is highlighted as a likely issue when individuals with different values, goals, and styles come together from different departments in a cross-functional team.
Sources of Conflict and Strategies for Managing Conflict in Cross-Functional Teams
- Power, when used unethically, can lead to conflict within a team
- French and Raven identified five bases of power: referent, legitimate, expert, coercive, and reward, along with Raven's sixth base of power, informational
- Mullins identified additional sources of conflict, including resource allocation and team member commitment
- Sarah, a team leader, faces challenges in leading her cross-functional team due to initial communication mistakes and lack of commitment from team members
- Mullins suggests strategies for managing conflict, including clarifying objectives, managing resources, defining procedures and processes, offering non-monetary rewards, organizing group activities, maintaining participative leadership, and displaying good behavior
- Clarifying objectives can prevent misunderstandings and align team members towards a common goal
- Resource allocation and budget decisions should be transparent to prevent resentment among team members
- Defined procedures and processes help set expectations and demonstrate fairness within the organization
- Non-monetary rewards can motivate team members and recognize their achievements
- Group activities can unite a diverse cross-functional team and keep them focused on shared goals
- Participative leadership involves the leader communicating, supporting, and coaching the team
- Displaying good behavior is crucial to preventing negative reactions and conflicts within the team
Test your knowledge of team roles, leadership traits, and functions with this quiz. Explore Belbin's team roles, effective leadership traits, types of leaders, Tannenbaum and Schmidt's approaches to teams, and the importance of understanding team dynamics in procurement and supply. Dive into the stages of team development and the benefits of cross-functional teams. Ideal for individuals in procurement and supply seeking to enhance team performance and achieve optimal outcomes.
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