Teawork in Organizations

Introduction

The shift that has taken place today in the workplace in any organization has important implications for the skills that will be critical to the success of an individual in an organization. This shift involves increasing the emphasis on the group or team.

Many factors are driving this shift. Technology is a primary force as tasks have grown too complex for individuals to tackle alone. In addition, competitive forces have led many organizations to flatten the organization by reducing the numbers of levels of middle managers. Shifting authority and responsibility down to the bottom level allows teams to take over functions that used to be done by management. On a macro scale, as organizations involve multiple businesses, multiple industries and multiple countries, new and complex issues are evolving that rely on numerous interdependent groups with decisions made by teams consisting of members of these various groups. Even without these forces, others have found that harnessing the potential power of the group can have a dramatic effect on productivity and job satisfaction.

Today, most organizations embrace the notion of teams. Teams have become the core unit in many organizations. Part of this is based on the fact (and supported by research) that teams are more effective in solving problems and learn more rapidly than individuals. When it is working well, groups or teams can enhance problem solving and creativity, generate understanding, acceptance, support, and commitment. It can also enhance morale, provide an outlet for affiliation, enhance self-esteem, and create consensus and security.

A team is defined as a small number of people with complementary skills committed to a common purpose, specific performance goals, a common working approach, and mutual accountability

Teamwork is important when problems and decisions involve very uncertain, complex, and important situations and when the potential for conflict is great. Situations where widespread acceptance and commitment are critical will call for teamwork.

Strengths of Groups as Problem Solvers

• diversity of problem solving styles, skills

• more knowledge and information

• greater understanding and commitment

• tends to be focused Weaknesses of Groups as Problem Solvers

• use (sometimes waste) of organization resources

• pressure to conform

• individual domination; chance to "score points"

• diffusion of responsibility

• diversity of views, goals, loyalties

• too quick to "solve" (not analyze) problem

Skills needed for teamwork

A variety of social skills are desirable for successful teamwork. These include:

• Listening - it is important to listen to other people's ideas. When people are allowed to freely express their ideas, these initial ideas will produce other ideas.