Teamwork in Management

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Questions and Answers

What is a key characteristic that differentiates teams from groups?

Teams have a specific performance goal. (correct)

Groups hold each other accountable.

Groups produce collective work products.

Teams have designated leaders.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of dysfunctional teams?

High trust among members. (correct)

Fear of conflict.

Inattention to results.

Avoidance of accountability.

What can teams provide that is often reported as a benefit of their use in organizations?

Increased individual accountability.

Lower team productivity.

Less need for employee engagement.

Greater innovation. (correct)

Which statement about team leadership is accurate?

Team leadership is typically shared or rotated. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of work distribution, how do teams operate compared to groups?

Teams discuss, decide, and share work. Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of teamwork highlighted in successful organizations?

Improved employee satisfaction. Signup and view all the answers

How are the effectiveness of teams and groups evaluated differently?

Group effectiveness is gauged by the overall influence on the business. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is typically prioritized in group meetings compared to team meetings?

Efficient meetings. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT influence team effectiveness according to the Work Team Effectiveness Model?

Individual intelligence Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of self-directed teams?

They are empowered with decision-making authority Signup and view all the answers

What is the main outcome measured in evaluating work team effectiveness?

Personal satisfaction Signup and view all the answers

During which stage of team development do members typically face conflict and disagreement?

Storming Signup and view all the answers

What type of team is formed temporarily to solve specific problems?

Task Force Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a benefit of high team cohesiveness?

Increased member participation Signup and view all the answers

What role do effective team leaders play during the performing stage of team development?

Enhancing conflict resolution Signup and view all the answers

Which type of team consists of individuals from the same level but different areas of expertise?

Cross-Functional Team Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Teamwork in Management

Teamwork use has increased due to competition, adaptability need, and employee engagement desire.
Teams increase productivity, quality, innovation, and employee satisfaction.
FedEx and Xerox are examples of companies that use effective teams.

Defining Teams

A team is a group of two or more people who interact and collaborate to achieve a common goal.
Teams can vary in size but usually have fewer than 15 members.
Team members frequently interact.
Teams share a common performance goal.

Teams vs. Groups

Teams share or rotate leadership roles whereas groups have a designated leader.
Teams are accountable to each other, whereas groups are individually accountable.
Teams have a specific team vision, whereas groups align with the organizational purpose.
Teams produce collective work products. Groups produce individual work products.
Teams encourage open-ended discussions. Groups prioritize efficient meetings.
Team effectiveness is measured by the value of collective work, whereas group effectiveness is measured by the group's influence.
Teams discuss, decide, and share work. Groups discuss, decide, and delegate work to individuals.

Dysfunctional vs. Effective Teams

Dysfunctional teams lack trust, fear conflict, lack commitment, avoid accountability, and disregard results.
Effective teams are characterized by trust, healthy conflict, commitment, accountability, and a result-oriented approach.

The Work Team Effectiveness Model

This model defines factors that influence team effectiveness and starts with organizational context.
The model has three types of teams: formal, self-directed, and informal.
Team characteristics (size, roles) impact internal team process, which impacts output, satisfaction, and adaptability.
Effective team leaders manage stages of team development, cohesiveness, norms, and conflict.
Work team effectiveness can be evaluated using three factors: productive output, personal satisfaction, and adaptability.

Effective Team Leadership

Effective leaders rally team members around a purpose.
Effective leaders share power, information, and responsibility.
Effective leaders acknowledge their own limitations and seek assistance when needed.

Types of Teams

Formal teams are created as part of the organizational structure.
- Vertical teams have a manager and their subordinates.
- Horizontal teams are formed from employees at the same level but different departments.
- Cross-functional teams are temporary workgroups focused on specific projects.
- Committees are long-term teams focused on recurring tasks.
- Task forces/project teams tackle specific issues or projects.
- Self-directed teams have decision-making authority and perform a complete product or service.
Informal teams emerge spontaneously from social interactions within the organization, and can support or hinder organizational goals.

Stages of Team Development

Forming: The team is in its initial stages, and members are getting to know each other.
Storming: Conflict and disagreement among members are common as they begin to assert their views.
Norming: The team establishes a common set of rules and norms, which aid in cohesion.
Performing: Cooperation and problem-solving are the main focus.
Adjourning: The team completes its goals and disbands.

Team Cohesiveness

Team cohesiveness measures the degree to which members are attracted to the team and motivated to stay.
High cohesiveness leads to increased communication, positive attitudes, loyalty, and participation.
Cohesiveness impacts both morale and productivity, particularly in relation with management.

Conclusion

Effective teamwork is critical for organizations because of the dynamic environment and high performance.
Leaders can foster collaboration, innovation, and high performance in their teams through understanding the characteristics of successful teams.

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Description

Explore the dynamics of teamwork in management through this quiz. Delve into the definitions, characteristics, and differences between teams and groups, while understanding the impact of teamwork on productivity and employee satisfaction. Learn from real-world examples like FedEx and Xerox to see effective teamwork in action.