Understanding Work Teams

1. Understanding Work Teams Chapter 9

2. Why Have Teams Become So Popular? • Performance on complex tasks • Utilization of employee talents • Flexibility and responsiveness • Motivational properties Chapter 9

3. Work Groups Work Teams Comparing Work Groups and Work Teams Share information Neutral (may be negative) Individual Random and varied Goal Synergy Accountability Skills Collective performance Positive Individual and mutual Complementary Chapter 9

4. Problem- Solving Self- Managed Types of Teams Virtual Cross- Functional Chapter 9

5. Task Complexity Purpose and Goals Interdependence When Will Teams Outperform Individuals? Chapter 9

6. Work Design Composition Context Process The Team Effectiveness Model Chapter 9

7. Work Design • Autonomy • Skill variety • Task identity • Task significance Chapter 9

8. Ability Personality Roles and Diversity Size Flexibility Preference for Teams Composition Chapter 9

9. Context • Reward systems • Adequate resources • Performance evaluation • Leadership and structure Chapter 9

10. Teamwork Processes Common Purpose Specific Goals Efficacy Social Loafing Conflict Chapter 9

11. Selection Training Rewards Turning Individuals Into Team Players Chapter 9

12. Suggestions for Handling Difficult Team Members Type Behavior Hostile “it’ll never work.” “That’s a typical engineering viewpoint.” Response: “ How do others feel about this?” or “ It seems that we have a different perspective on the details, but we agree on the principles.” Know-It-All “I have a Ph.D. in Engineering, and .. Response: “Let’s review the facts.” “Another noted authority on this subject has said ...” Loudmouth Tries to dominate meetings by blurting out ideas / questions. Response: Interrupt: “Can you summarize your main point?” or “ I appreciate your comments but we should also hear from others.” Chapter 9

13. Suggestions for Handling Difficult Team Members Type Behavior Interrupter Starts talking before others are finished. Response: “ Wait a minute, Jim, let’s let Jane finish what she was saying.” Non- Participant Reads other material, fidgets, shakes their head, but never makes a contribution. Hints: Ask them questions to determine their interest level. Try to draw them into discussion. Discuss your concerns alone. Latecomer Early Leaver Ducks in and out of meeting; comes late, announces with regret that they must leave for another important activity. Hints: Schedule meetings at non-busy times & away from distractions; Establish a “latecomer’s kitty.” Hold to start and end times and check with common offenders before meeting for conflicts. Chapter 9

14. Evaluation Dimensions for Team Members Needs Improvement Excellent Dimension Work Output meets Standard 1 2 3 4 5 - Thoughts expressed clearly, concisely,on time,legible, complete and accurate. - Helps others with their work when done. Fragmented-outline only, illegible,incomplete, inaccurate, misspelled, untimely output Cooperation with others 1 2 3 4 5 Actively encourages compromise; open-minded; listens to others; supports group goals; respects other’s views Must have own way; unwilling to consider other ideas; inflexible Chapter 9