A Team Case Study

This essay will aim to explore the underlying causes of the key problems and symptoms of problems encountered by the ‘A team’ through the use of empirical research and Organisational Behaviour theories and models. It was identified through an in depth analysis into high performing work teams that the underlying causes of the ‘A teams’ struggles were a direct result of three areas which included: A) an almost non existent level of group development B) an inability of the group members to work effectively with one another and C) poor group dynamics. In response to these underlying causes this essay through the use of relevant recommendations endeavors to outline how the issues and problems experienced could have been avoided or corrected.

Firstly this essay will examine the reasons behind the initial group development being a key cause in the lacklustre performance of the group. According to Tuckman & Jensen (1977) there are four main stages in team development which include Performing, Norming, Storming and Forming. It was in the Performing stage that problems began to surface for the group. Initially it was Scott who began to lead the group through shear dominance. However, a subsection of the group did not fully trust Scott as they deemed his ideas to be problematic. They could only bestow ‘calculus based’ trust upon him which is the lowest level of trust anyone can have. It symbolizes a logical assumption that a group member will act in a suitable manner as otherwise they face punishment if their actions violate reasonable expectations (McAllister 1995). This was due to the fact that the group believed the ideas he put forward were problematic. Despite the fact that Sara and Hamish were concerned with the approach Scott sugge...

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...am to ensure that simple mistakes such as not utilizing goal setting and having low levels of group cohesion are repeated.

In conclusion there were a number of underlying factors which contributed to the poor performance of the ‘A Team’. Within the causes of group development, group effectiveness and group dynamics there were a number of problems outlined. Initially when the team came together there were a number of costly mistakes made which meant that the team was never going to be able to maximize its potential. Fundamentally the poor performance of the group was due to the fact that the direction and approach the group would take could not be clearly outlined to other members as a result of a lack of communication. The dynamics of the group also played a major part in the unsatisfactory performance largely because social loafing was present amongst members.